Mike Portnoy comments (on Taylor Hawkins)

I’m still having trouble processing the news of Taylor. He was a tremendously gifted drummer and musician and also a hell of a guy.

The last time I watched Taylor play, I sat behind him for almost an entire set with his side band Chevy Metal. And Afterwards, (my son) Max and I spent about an hour with him in his dressing room and we talked about everything from Rush to Jane’s Addiction to Yes.

The last time we spoke he invited me out to see the Foo Fighters at Madison Square Garden in NYC and I had to cancel at the last minute because of thunderstorms that broke out in PA... he said no worries and I’m always welcome at any show. I assumed we’d just hook up on his next time through. Of course, that will never happen now, and I so regret not going to see his smiling face that last time...

This loss is so shocking and devastating... it’s really hitting hard. And I can’t help but think of how many of my drummer friends we’ve lost over the last few years. AJ Pero, Vinnie Paul, Joey Jordison, Frankie Banali, Nick Menza, Pat Torpey, Sean Reinert, Neil Peart & now Taylor Hawkins... Time is precious and tomorrow is never guaranteed (for ourselves or our loved ones.) #CarpeDiem Rest In Peace my friend… #RIPTaylorHawkins

—Mike Portnoy