On May 17, Rolling Stone magazine ran a story about Taylor Hawkins, reflecting on the struggles he had with Foo Fighters’ tight touring schedule. The report included a few of Hawkins’ friends, including Pearl Jam’s Matt Cameron and Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith. In addition, there was another anonymous friend who confirmed the story, claiming that Hawkins was also generally upset about the touring and that he talked to Dave Grohl about it. Additionally, Hawkins wasn’t happy about a one-off Australian show added to the band’s schedule, taking place in March 2022.
The whole thing got even more complicated with Rolling Stone’s explanation that they contacted Foo Fighters’ representatives who denied any of Chad Smith’s, Matt Cameron’s, and the anonymous friend’s claims.
You can read more about it here.
Both Chad Smith and Matt Cameron have now spoken up on the matter, saying that their quotes for these interviews were taken out of context. As they claim, they thought that the piece was going to be a heartfelt tribute to Hawkins and his work, with both ultimately apologizing to Foo Fighters, Dave, and Hawkins’ family. Cameron said in a social media post:
“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 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.”
Chad Smith wrote:
“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.
“I apologize to his family and musical friends for any pain this may have caused. I miss Taylor every day.”
Photo: Stefan Brending (2016 RiP Red Hot Chili Peppers – Chad Smith – by 2eight – DSC0184), Raph_PH (FoosLollBerlin190917-21)
