Dave Grohl 's beautiful words about Taylor Hawkins have resurfaced after the drummer's sudden death at age 50.
The Foo Fighters frontman never had anything but wonderful things to say about his bandmate, who he described as his "best friend" and his "spirit animal".
Taylor joined the rock band in 1997 after being contacted by Dave - then an acquaintance - who wanted recommendations for a new drummer.
Former drummer William Goldsmith had left the band after a fallout with ex-Nirvana star Dave, who played drums on a re-record of an album before looking for a new band member.
At the time, Taylor was the drummer for Alanis Morrisette, and although Dave wanted him for his own line-up, he didn't think Taylor would want to give up the gig.
He once told LA radio station 95.5 Klos: "When it was time to look for a drummer, I wished that he would do it but I didn't imagine he would leave Alanis Morissette because at the time she was the biggest artist in the world.
"So when I called him and said, 'Hey, I'm looking for a drummer'. He said, 'You know I'm your guy'. And I think it had more to do with our personal relationship than anything musical.
"And to be honest, it still does. Our musical relationship, the foundation of that is our friendship, and thats why when we jump on stage and play, we're so connected because we're like best friends, and it's great."
Describing the moment they met, Dave added: "Oh my god. The first time we met, we were at some radio show backstage, and he came up with a beer in his hand.
"He’s like, 'Hey, man, what’s up? I’m Taylor, I play with Alanis Morissette. Dude, I love your record, it’s so cool!' I was like, 'Wow, you’re either my twin or my spirit animal, or my best friend!'
"In the first 10 seconds of meeting him. And, of course, I’d seen him play the drums, and I thought he was an amazing drummer."
And Taylor once told Louder Sound: "For all our trials and tribulations, Dave is like a brother. When we walk out onstage, every time we nod and look at each other and go, 'Alright, here we go.' We’re getting in the ring together."
Foo Fighters shared the tragic news today that Taylor had died.
They said in a statement: "The Foo Fighters family is devastated by the tragic and untimely loss of our beloved Taylor Hawkins.
"His musical spirit and infectious laughter will live on with all of us forever.
"Our hearts go out to his wife, children and family, and we ask that their privacy be treated with the utmost respect in this unimaginably difficult time."
Taylor was found dead in a hotel room in Bogota, Colombia, where the band had been due to play at a festival.
Reports in Colombia also say police believe Taylor's death could be linked to narcotics and that he'd reportedly complained to hotel staff about having chest pains.
The band announced that they won't be performing at Festival Estéreo Picnic in the capital following the tragedy.
