Earlier this week, Rolling Stone published an article that spoke to some of Taylor Hawkins‘ closest friends about the late drummer’s “final days as a Foo Fighter.”
The interviewees included former Soundgarden and Pearl Jam drummer, Matt Cameron, and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer, Chad Smith. In the article, both Cameron and Smith speak about Hawkins’ apparent lack of enthusiasm for touring.
“He had a heart-to-heart with Dave and, yeah, he told me that he ‘couldn’t fucking do it anymore’—those were his words,” Cameron said. Smith echoed these comments, telling Rolling Stone that Hawkins told him, “I can’t do it like this anymore.”
The two drummers have since apologised for participating in the article, which they’ve condemned as harmful, sensationalised and misleading.
In a statement, Smith said, “Taylor was one of my best friends and I would do anything for his family. 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.”
Smith extended an apology to Hawkins’ family and “musical friends,” and said he was sorry for “any pain this may have caused.”
Cameron also shared a statement on social media. He wrote, “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. My quotes were taken out of context and shaped into a narrative I had never intended.”
Cameron went on: “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.”
https://youtu.be/1oIbMKQRIS8
