Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins dies on tour

Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins dies on tour
Photo credit: Taylor Hawkins / Facebook

Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins has died on tour aged 50.

The band announced the news on its social media on Saturday (NZ time).

"The Foo Fighters family is devastated by the tragic and untimely loss of our beloved Taylor Hawkins," their message said.

"His musical spirit and infectious laughter will live on with all of us forever. Our hearts go out to his wife, children and family."

According to local media, Hawkins was found in a hotel room in Bogota, Colombia, where the Foo Fighters were due to play at the Festival Estéreo Picnic.

The festival confirmed the band had cancelled its performance following the shock death.

"We deeply regret this news that impacts us all," it said on Twitter.

Hawkins toured as Alanis Morissette's drummer before joining the Foo Fighters in 1997 following the departure of original drummer William Goldsmith. 

The news has left fans and fellow musicians in mourning, with many paying tribute to the star.

"God bless you Taylor Hawkins. I loved your spirit and your unstoppable rock power. Rest In Peace my friend," Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello wrote.

"In utter disbelief at the news of Taylor Hawkins. Our deepest condolences to his family, his bandmates, his team, his friends and everyone that was ever touched by the music he created with [Foo Fighters, Alanis Morissette] and so many others. This is so incredibly sad," added rock band Nickelback.