Taylor Hawkins, the powerhouse drummer behind Foo Fighters for over two decades, passed away unexpectedly on March 25, 2022, at the age of 50 while on tour in Bogotá, Colombia. His sudden death sent shockwaves through the rock world, sparking an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow musicians alike.
In the months that followed, Foo Fighters honored him with two massive tribute concerts featuring some of rock’s biggest legends. Brian May and Roger Taylor of Queen, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush, and even Hawkins’ own son, Shane, took the stage to celebrate his life. Shane’s emotional performance of ‘My Hero’ became one of the most talked-about moments of the events. But as the music world mourned, one big question lingered—what happened to the fortune Hawkins had built over his career?
Hawkins Left Behind A Fortune
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Before joining Foo Fighters, Hawkins was already making waves. He spent the mid-’90s as the touring drummer for Alanis Morissette during her ‘Jagged Little Pill’ era, appearing in music videos and playing packed arenas. Then, in 1997, Dave Grohl called. Hawkins took a leap of faith, left Morissette’s band, and stepped into a role that would define his career.
Over the next 25 years, he helped shape Foo Fighters’ sound across nine studio albums, including ‘There Is Nothing Left to Lose,’ ‘One by One,’ ‘Wasting Light,’ and ‘Concrete and Gold.’ The band became one of the biggest rock acts in the world, selling out stadiums, racking up platinum records, and winning multiple Grammy Awards—including three more just weeks after Hawkins’ passing.
But Foo Fighters weren’t his only musical outlet. He fronted Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders, collaborated with legends like Slash and Ozzy Osbourne, and played in Chevy Metal, a cover band known for rowdy, high-energy shows. Decades of album sales, streaming royalties, and relentless touring put Hawkins’ estimated net worth at around $40 million at the time of his death.
Who Inherited The Drummer’s Money And Estate?
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Hawkins’ financial success wasn’t just from record sales. Foo Fighters consistently landed in the top 10 on the charts, with ‘Wasting Light’ even debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Their live shows were legendary, with highlights like selling out Wembley Stadium for two nights in 2008. On top of that, endorsement deals and licensing agreements added to his wealth.
One of his notable investments was a $2.7 million home in Hidden Hills, California, which he purchased in 2012. When he passed, his entire estate—his music royalties, assets, and properties—went to his wife, Alison Hawkins, and their three children, Oliver, Annabelle, and Everleigh.
Since his passing, his family has remained largely out of the public eye, but his influence continues. His son, Shane, has stepped into the spotlight, playing drums at Foo Fighters tribute concerts and performing with Chevy Metal.