Foo Fighters.Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty

The Foo Fighters Reopen Madison Square Garden

Foo Fightersare acknowledging that they will be a “different band” afterTaylor Hawkins' death.

Heading into the new year, the legendary rock band shared astatementon their official Twitter account Saturday about how the death of their bandmate has led the group to take a new direction from here on out.

It continued, “Foo Fighters were formed 27 years ago to represent the healing power of music and a continuation of life. And for the past 27 years our fans have built a worldwide community, a devoted support system that has helped us all get through the darkest of times together. A place to share our joy and our pain, our hopes and fears, and to join in a chorus of life together through music.”

“Without Taylor, we never would have become the band that we were–and without Taylor, we know that we’re going to be a different band going forward,” the message continued.

Martin Philbey/Redferns

Taylor Hawkins

“We also know that you, the fans, meant as much to Taylor as he meant to you. And we know that when we see you again–and we will soon–he’ll be there in spirit with all of us every night,” the message ended with a sign-off from the band.

The group has gone onto become one of the most successful rock bands of all time, with career highlights including winning 15Grammy Awardsand their induction into theRock and Roll Hall of Famein 2021.

Foo Fighters.Getty

Taylor Hawkins of The Foo Fighters Life in Photos

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The group confirmed the loss in a statement shared on their official Twitter account.

Before his death, the band was scheduled to perform at the 64th Grammys; the Foo Fighters did not perform, butthe awards show staged a tribute to Hawkins instead. In the days following his death, Hawkins' grieving bandmates also announced thecancellation of all upcoming tour dates

In September, Foo Fighters and Hawkins' family teamed up to present atribute concertfor the band’s late drummer.

Along with other acts, the group performed their 1997 classic hit “My Hero” with Hawkins’son Oliver Shane playing drumsin memory of the drummer.

Grohl delivered an emotional speechin memory of his friend.

“Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we’ve gathered here to celebrate the life, the music, and the love of our dear friend, our bandmate, our brother Taylor Hawkins,” he said in a clip uploaded toYouTube. “For those of you who knew him personally, you know that no one else could make you smile or laugh or dance or sing like he could. And for those of you that admired him from afar, I’m sure you’ve all felt the same thing.”

In November, PEOPLE exclusively revealed that signed musical items — some of which were used during the tribute concerts for the lateFoo Fighters drummer— went up for charity auction. Proceeds from the auction, through Julien’s Auctions in coordination with the Hawkins family, benefitted MusiCares and Music Support, raising funds for mental health and wellness initiatives for the music industry.

source: people.com