Foo Fighters Unveil But Here We Are, Their First Studio Album Since Taylor Hawkins’s Passing
The American rock band Foo Fighters announced a new studio album titled But Here We Are, a deeply personal response to a year marked by loss. It represents the group’s first full-length release since drummer Taylor Hawkins died unexpectedly in March of the previous year, a moment that reshaped the band both personally and artistically.
The album is described by Sony Music as brutally honest and emotionally raw. The label notes that the music follows the band members through pain, struggle, and the long road toward healing. It frames the project as a testament to resilience, to the strength of the bonds within the group, and to the sense of family that has long connected them on stage and in the studio. [Citation: Sony Music]
Following the announcement, the band confirmed the news through their social channels, offering an initial glimpse into the project’s progress and revealing the lead single. The single is planned to be the first of ten tracks, traversing a spectrum of emotions from fierce turmoil to quiet acceptance, signaling the emotional arc listeners can expect across the album. [Citation: Foo Fighters press communications]
The label outlines a wide emotional range across the tracks, explaining how each song contributes to a narrative that moves from anger and sorrow to calm and eventual reconciliation. This approach aligns with the Foo Fighters’ long-standing practice of channeling raw honesty and dynamic mood shifts to connect with fans on a deeply personal level. [Citation: Sony Music]
In the overall plan for the record, nine additional tracks have already been revealed by the band and their partners, suggesting a cohesive journey through grief toward resolution. The track list includes Under You, Haring Sounds, But Here We Are, Glass, Nothing, Show Me How, Beyond Me, Teacher, and Rest, hinting at a unified story arc that tracks emotional progression as the music unfolds. [Citation: Official band announcements]
Produced by Greg Kurstin in collaboration with the Foo Fighters, But Here We Are marks the band’s eleventh studio effort since their 1994 Seattle debut. The project continues the group’s tradition of pairing with acclaimed producers while preserving the distinctive energy that has defined their sound across decades. [Citation: Producer credits]
The news of Hawkins’s passing at the age of 50 arrived with heartbreaking timing, coming after he was found unresponsive in a hotel room in Bogotá, Colombia. Autopsy results cited substances including cannabis, antianxiety medications, benzodiazepines, and opiates as factors in his death. Fans learned of the tragedy moments before the band was set to perform at an event in the Colombian capital, amplifying the sense of loss felt by listeners worldwide. [Citation: Official statements]
Taylor Hawkins leaves behind a lasting legacy as a drummer known for a dynamic approach and his affinity for fellow musicians who shaped the rock landscape. He drew inspiration from figures such as Stewart Copeland of The Police and Roger Taylor of Queen, standing beside Dave Grohl as a defining element in Foo Fighters since Grohl’s transition from Nirvana into a leadership role. Hawkins’s influence remains evident in the band’s ongoing work and in the memories shared by fans around the globe. [Citation: Interviews and tributes]
But Here We Are is not merely a memorial record. It presents a careful balance of tribute and forward momentum, showcasing resilience through guitar-driven anthems, reflective ballads, and moments of raw, unfiltered emotion. The project signals a return to the stage for the Foo Fighters while marking a significant point in their career that acknowledges loss without allowing it to mute their creative drive. [Citation: Album notes]
As anticipation grows, listeners can expect a release that embraces stark honesty about grief, the evolution of the band’s sound, and the enduring power of musical fellowship in the face of tragedy. The album invites audiences to experience a sonic journey that captures the pain of the past alongside the hopeful resolve of the days ahead, a narrative aligned with the Foo Fighters’ enduring legacy. [Citation: Press coverage]