Among those paying tribute to the 50-year-old was Coldplay frontman Chris Martin who wiped away tears while talking about the "beautiful, beautiful man" Hawkins was.
He was dedicating a version of the Foo Fighters' hit Everglow to a live audience in Monterrey, Mexico.
"In utter disbelief at the news of Taylor Hawkins," rock band Nickelback wrote on Twitter.
"Our deepest condolences to his family, his bandmates, his team, his friends and everyone that was ever touched by the music he created with @foofighters @Alanis and so many others. This is so incredibly sad."
Sharing a photo of himself and Hawkins alongside Jane's Addiction's Perry Farrell, Rage Against the Machine frontman Tom Morello tweeted: "God bless you Taylor Hawkins. I love your spirit and your unstoppable power. Rest In Peace my friend."
"So very very sorry to hear of the passing of our friend Taylor Hawkins," Canadian musician Todd "Dammit" Kerns wrote.
"Honestly no words. Big love brother Taylor. Thinking of his family and the guys in his band. Absolutely heartbreaking."
Ozzy Osbourne described Hawkins as "truly a great person and an amazing musician".
"My heart, my love and my condolences go out to his wife, his children, his family, his band and his fans. See you on the other side – Ozzy," Osbourne said.
"So heartbroken to hear about Taylor Hawkins' passing, what an incredible talent, who didn't also need to be so kind and generous and cool but was all those things too anyway," musician Finneas wrote.
"The world was so lucky to have his gifts for the time that it did, Rest In Peace."
Foo Fighters' fans flocked to the replies of their statement to pay tribute to Hawkins as well, with one writing: "Terrible news. So sorry."
"We are devastated by this. Our hearts go out to his family & Foo brothers," another tweeted.
"Is this real? What?" a third responded.
The band did not immediately reveal a cause of death.
