The sound of beating drums filled the salty evening air, the rhythmic crashing of waves adding to the beachside memorial under gloomy skies.
Mourners gathered on Thursday, March 31, at Aliso Beach to pay tribute to Laguna Beach native Taylor Hawkins, the local musician who rose to fame as drummer for the Foo Fighters.
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Mike Pittman plays guitar during a drum circle to honor the late Taylor Hawkins at Aliso Creek State Beach in Laguna Beach on Thursday, March 31, 2022. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Contributing Photographer)
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Fans of the late Taylor Hawkins leave him messages during a memorial drum circle at Aliso Creek State Beach hosted by KX FM radio in Laguna Beach on Thursday, March 31, 2022. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Contributing Photographer)
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From left, Russ McKelvey and Jojo Quinn participate in a drum circle to honor the late Taylor Hawkins at Aliso Creek State Beach in Laguna Beach on Thursday, March 31, 2022. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Contributing Photographer)
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From left, Michelle Barisoff, Mike Pittman and Mary Wynn participate in a drum circle to honor the late Taylor Hawkins at Aliso Creek State Beach in Laguna Beach on Thursday, March 31, 2022. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Contributing Photographer)
Hawkins, 50, died on March 25 while the Foo Fighters were on tour in Columbia.
The drum circle tribute, hosted by Laguna Beach radio station KX FM, was a chance for the local community to honor one of its own. They played music around a bonfire and wrote the drummer messages on a memorial.
When not traveling the world play music, Hawkins was frequently seen around the artsy beach town where he grew up and bought an ocean-front home. The sun-kissed blond surfer could often be found riding waves at Thalia Street.
“He was just the most genuine, positive, respectful person you could imagine,” said James Pribram, who went to Laguna Beach High School with Hawkins and said the two reconnected after the drummer purchased a home in the city.
He described Hawkins as a musician who never considered himself a rock star. “That’s why he was so beloved by many, he resonated with everybody.”
“He was very down to Earth,” Pribram said, noting Hawkins was the first to call with condolences after his father’s passing a few months ago. “There was nothing about him that said rock star.”
Then a few months ago, Pribram said he got to see Hawkins perform live for the first time, with a new band, NHC, made up of Hawkins and Jane’s Addiction’s Dave Navarro and Chris Chaney.
“To see him transform to this person on stage who just so came to life, he was so alive up there,” Pribram recalled. “It was amazing. He was so talented and humble and so sweet.”
Hawkins will be remembered not just for his musical talent, Pribram said, but for the connections he made at home in Laguna Beach and around the world.
“A great man who was loving and kind who just happened to be one of the most talented and popular rock stars in the world.”
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