Queen’s Roger Taylor dedicates OBE to late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins

Queen’s Roger Taylor has dedicated his OBE to late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins.

The rock icon, 72, described Hawkins as “sunshine in human form” after being presented with the honour by the Prince of Wales at his investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle earlier on Wednesday.

Taylor is one of the original founding members of Queen which first formed in 1970.

The musician, who was joined by wife Sarina for the outing, is frequently ranked as one of the greatest drummers in rock history owing to his unique sound.

He was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire in recognition for his services to music and he was one of Hawkins’ top influences.

“We’re still so upset about [Taylor’s death] and completely devastated,” Taylor said.

“My whole family and his whole family were very close. He was, my wife called him, sunshine in human form. He was the most wonderful man and I can’t quite believe that I’m not going to see him again.”

He shared Hawkins had acted as a mentor to his own son Rufus who is the drummer for rock band The Darkness.

Taylor added: “He’s done a lot to help my son, who’s a great drummer, and he actually sort of mentored him. We’re going to miss him so much.”

Hawkins was found dead in his Four Seasons hotel room in Bogota, Colombia, on Friday, following a suspected overdose.

He had been due to perform with his band at the Estereo Picnic festival on the night of his death.

The Foo Fighters have now cancelled all of their upcoming tour dates.

Remaining band members Dave Grohl, Nate Mendel, Pat Smear, Chris Shiflett and Rami Jaffee, said in a statement: "It is with great sadness that Foo Fighters confirm the cancellation of all upcoming tour dates in light of the staggering loss of our brother Taylor Hawkins.

"We’re sorry for and share in the disappointment that we won’t be seeing one another as planned.

"Instead, let’s take this time to grieve, to heal, to pull our loved ones close, and to appreciate all the music and memories we’ve made together."