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Two drummers who participated in a Rolling Stone article about Taylor Hawkins have disputed statements.
The Rolling Stone article is titled, “Inside Taylor Hawkins’ Final Days as a Foo Fighter” and it sources nearly two dozen people. Those people include several of Hawkins’ friends, who spoke with the outlet about his career and outlook on life. Members of Hawkins’ family and the Foo Fighters declined to be interviewed.
The article focuses heavily on Hawkins’ mental health struggles and quotes Pearl Jam drummer Matt Cameron and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith. But both of those drummers have posted statements to Instagram that dispute having their quotes used in the Rolling Stone article.
“When I agreed to take part in the Rolling Stone article about Taylor, I assumed it would be a celebration of his life and work,” writes Matt Cameron. “My quotes were taken out of context and shaped into a narrative I never intended. Taylor was a dear friend, and a next level artist. I miss him. I have only the deepest love and respect for Taylor, dave, and the Foo Fighters families.”
“I am truly sorry to have taken part in this interview and I apologize that my participation may have caused harm to those for whom I have only the deepest respect and admiration,” Cameron adds. Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith also apologized for comments that were included in the Rolling Stone article.
“Taylor was one of my best friends and I would do anything for his family,” Smith begins on Instagram. “I was asked by Rolling Stone to share some memories of our time together, which I thought was going to be the loving tribute he deserved. Instead, the story they wrote was sensationalized and misleading, and had I known I never would have agreed to participate. I apologize to his family and musical friends for any pain this may have caused. I miss Taylor every day.”
The Rolling Stone article quotes Matt Cameron saying Taylor Hawkins had a heart-to-heart talk with Dave Grohl about quitting the band. A representative for the Foo Fighters deny that Hawkins ever spoke about stopping touring or the band.