Matt Cameron and Chad Smith, who were both friends of deceased Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, say their statements about their friend were taken out of context.
The two musicians agreed to be interviewed for Rolling Stone in what they thought was a tribute to Hawkins following his shocking death while Foo Fighters were on tour in Colombia. The rocker was 50.
Cameron is now disappointed with how Rolling Stone used his stories to shape its narrative.
“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,” Cameron, the drummer for Pearl Jam, shared on Instagram.
“My quotes were taken out of context and shaped into a narrative I had 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.”
Smith, a drummer with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, expressed similar sentiments.
“Taylor was one of my best friends and I would do anything for his family,” he wrote.
“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.”
Cameron originally told the publication that Hawkins had told Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl about his concerns over the hectic touring schedule. Then Smith mentioned an incident when Hawkins lost consciousness on a plane in December and had to be revived with IV fluids.
“He had a heart-to-heart with Dave and, yeah, he told me that he ‘couldn’t f***ing do it anymore’—those were his words,” Cameron told the publication. “So I guess they did come to some understanding, but it just seems like the touring schedule got even crazier after that.”
A rep for the band denied both claims, saying the incidents never happened.
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