As tonight’s edition of the Weekend Update ends, Saturday Night Live pays tribute to Taylor Hawkins, the longtime Fu Fighter drummer who was found dead in a hotel room in Bogota, Colombia, on March 25, at the age of 50. According to a “forensic medical study” containing 10 substances, including THC, tricyclic antidepressants, benzodiazepines and opioids, its cause at the time of death has not yet been determined.
Hawkins joined Fu Fighters in 1997 and played drums on each of their albums, starting with 1999’s There Is Nothing Left to Loss, as well as contributing vocals and additional instruments. Her first appearance on SNL was in 1995 with Alanis Morrisette, a music guest for an episode hosted by Gabriel Byrne. Over the years, he and the Fu Fighters have returned to the 30 Rock several times for episodes hosted by Dylan McDermott (1999), Christopher Walken (2003), Jason Lee (2005), John Bon Jovi (2007), Helen Mirren (2011). ), Mick Jagger (2012), Kevin Hart (2017) and Dave Chappell (2020).
Hawkins and Fu Fighters were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year. At the time of his death, the drummer was traveling in South America with the band. But after news of Hawkins’ death spread on social media, the Fu Fighters decided to cancel all dates for the upcoming tour. “We share the sadness and frustration that we will not see each other as planned,” the band wrote. “Instead, let’s take this time to mourn, to heal, to draw close to our loved ones and to appreciate all the memories we have created together.”
SNL’s photographic tribute to Hawkins can be found below.
