Dave Grohl Emotional return to L.A. with Foo Fighters ... After Death of Drummer Taylor Hawkins

3/26/22
COMING TOGETHER FOR TAYLOR
BACKGRID

Dave Grohl and his band returned to L.A. from Bogota ... after the sudden death of their drummer and beloved friend, Taylor Hawkins.

Dave, along with Pat Smear, Chris Shiflett, Rami Jaffee, Samantha Sidley and crew were visibly emotional after touching down. Dave hugged a man who looks like their manager, John Silva.

As we reported, Taylor was found dead in a hotel room Friday ... the group was in San Paulo to play Lollapalooza Sunday. Based on preliminary findings, it appears Taylor may have OD'd on 10 different drugs, including opioids.

Among the drugs in his system .... Tricyclic, antidepressants and benzodiazepines. An official cause of death has not been determined.

FEELING THE LOVE

Less than a week before he died, Grohl told a massive crowd at Lollapalooza Argentina in Buenos Aires how incredible Taylor was ... best drummer in the biz, Dave bragged. He then had Taylor come center stage to both sing and show off his fly outfit.

Taylor was 50.

Stars and Scars You Be the Judge

Ben and Jen are 1 step closer to walking down the aisle after going into escrow on a massive estate, and Travis and Kourtney are already matchy-matchy!!! So, we gotta ask ...

Ben And Jen Will Tie The Knot ...

I Will Watch The Oscars

Bigger Threat To Start WWIII ...

Confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson ...

I'd Live On Jeffrey Epstein's Island ...

Kourtney And Travis In Matching Outfits ...

Grammy's Vs. J. Prince Protest Concert ...

I'm Driving Less Because Of Gas Prices

Travis Scott Performs First Time Since Astroworld ... At Oscars Shindig

BACK ON THE MIC
TMZ.com

Travis Scott did what he hasn't done in months ... taking the stage for a short set.

Travis hit up Richie Akiva and Darren Dzienciol's pre-Oscars party Saturday night at a private home in Bel-Air. His performance didn't last long ... a combo of rapping and DJ'ing. But, it was a moment, because it's the first time he's taken the stage since the Astroworld tragedy back in November.

It was a pretty ritzy event ... Leo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Venus and Serena Williams, Tyga, YG, Kaia Gerber and a bunch of other celebs took it all in.

As for Travis, who by the way went solo -- Kylie Jenner didn't show -- he was clearly having a great time, laughing, socializing, drinkin' some ...

Travis is walking a narrow line ... on the one hand, he wants to live his life, and on the other, he can't look like he's just shrugging off what happened in Houston, especially the multiple lawsuits that have been filed against him and others involved in the festival. One lawsuit alone asks for $750 million, and another is going for $2 billion.

Rapper Chika Updates Fans, I'm Okay ... After Suicide Threats

UPDATE

11:06 AM PT -- 3/27/22 -- Chika seems to be okay after all, writing ... "alive. wanna go home." She adds, "leaving the hospital. not that i should care about updating anyone besides family. i just wanna be left alone, if that’s okay. i appreciate the prayers and stuff. thanks."

UPDATE

4:28 PM PT -- Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... police responded to Chika's North Hollywood apartment today to conduct a welfare check, only to discover she wasn't home when directed to her unit by an onsite manager.

A one-time up-and-coming rapper who was nominated for a Grammy not too long ago is now making a terrifying revelation -- saying she's likely to end her life at any given moment.

The artist is Chika -- who was named in XXL's 2020 freshman class, and was actually up for a Grammy last year in the Best New Artist category. She posted a lengthy statement on her social media page that implied she was on the verge of suicide ... to the shock of many.

She writes, in part, "i went to the top of the intercontinental, but could not jump. not because i don't want to, but because the metal stairs were scary." Chika adds, "it looks like crying wolf, but it's not. it's just difficult to find the right way. the quickest way. the painless way. i am tired of myself too."

Chika goes on to say how she believes she'll serve as a cautionary tale, in leaving a broken person to their own devices, and how she won't be sorry for those she might leave behind ... saying she refuses to carry the burden of others who refused to share her own.

It's a gut-wrenching note, and she ends it by writing ... "no more typing. i'm going to finish my drink and find a way that works. thanks for the ride, i hated it."

She's also been posting extra photos and text notes on her IG story, saying people can find her body and that she doesn't care. She actually appears to give certain street names, but it's unclear what city she might be in at the moment. She's from Montgomery, Alabama.

Of course, people have fired off with a ton of concern ... sending prayers her way, and openly hoping someone on her team or in her inner circle can reach her before something tragic happens. She hasn't posted any new notes in at least an hour or so.

Originally Published -- 3/26 1:30 PM PT

If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK.

Taylor Hawkins Dave Grohl Introduces Drummer in Last Video Before Death

FEELING THE LOVE

The death of Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins is a huge loss in the music industry, but it's personal for Dave Grohl and the other band members, and that was more than evident by this video shot less than a week before Taylor died.

The vid was shot March 20, at Lollapalooza Argentina in Buenos Aires. The scene is incredible ... thousands of fans -- as far as the eye can see -- packed into the Hipodromo de San Isidro to watch the Foo Fighters' 2-hour performance.

Dave spends some time telling the crowd how awesome Taylor is ... right down to his fancy pants.  He then invites his drummer -- whom Dave calls the best in the music biz -- front and center to sing. But, before he does, Taylor clearly shows his affection for Grohl.

As we reported, the Foo Fighters were supposed to wrap up the South American leg of their tour Sunday in Sao Paulo, but on Friday Taylor was found dead in a hotel room.

The early evidence, according to authorities in Colombia, is that Taylor may have OD'd ... they say 10 different substances were found in his system, including opioids, tricyclic, antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

The investigation is ongoing, but it appears drugs were a factor.

Taylor was only 50.

Pete Davidson 'My Girl Is a lawyer' Tat .... Well, Not Quite Yet, Pete

Pete Davidson may be jumping the gun a bit ... ascribing lawyer-dom to GF Kim Kardashian in a new tattoo.

Kim posted a pic of Pete's latest body of work ... "MY GIRL IS A LAWYER" above his left clavicle.

This ain't the first tattoo Pete has honoring Kim, but she's starting to really populate his bod.

There's a small point and a big point ... the small point is that Kim isn't a lawyer yet ... she passed the baby bar, but that just clears the path for her to take the real bar exam, which is in California is a bitch to pass.

3/16/22
SET IN SKIN
Ellentube

The bigger point is that it's increasingly obvious Kim and Pete are a serious couple.

Kim told Vogue Hong Kong her dream is to start her own law firm. As you know, she's been doing work on criminal justice ... going to bat for inmates, many of whom were wrongly convicted and some who were sentenced unfairly.

Lady Gaga Dog Walker Testifies He Hit Attackers with Champagne Bottle ... In Life or Death Struggle

Lady Gaga's dog walker gave graphic testimony in the case of the dognappers who attacked and shot him, saying he's still having significant medical struggles months after the incident.

Ryan Fischer testified before an L.A. County Grand Jury about the 3 men who attacked him as he was walking Gaga's 3 dogs. According to the transcript, obtained by Rolling Stone, Ryan was thrown to the concrete as one of the attackers began choking him, and he hit the guy with a bottle of champagne he had just purchased at a nearby liquor store.

2/24/21
VIOLENT ABDUCTION
TMZ.com

He described what he did after being shot in the chest ... "I immediately tried to call for help but realized I was bleeding out of my lung and that I was losing more and more air quickly."

Five people have been charged with attempted murder and robbery. They have pled not guilty. Three of the men are alleged gang members who were driving around Hollywood specifically looking for French bulldogs ... which go for a lot of money. They were not targeting the dogs because they were owned by Gaga.

Ryan says his lung collapsed, he was rushed to the hospital but 2 days after his release the lung collapsed again, requiring major surgery.

He says he still has breathing issues, numbness in his chest and serious mobility issues. He told the Grand Jury, "When I go from the ground up to stand, I have to, I still get very close to passing out."

Foo Fighters Taylor Hawkins Investigators Find Drugs in System ... Death Investigation Continues

Some early clues have surfaced in the death investigation into what killed Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins ... investigators say tests show drugs were in his system.

In a release from the Attorney General's Office in Bogotá, Colombia, officials say a toxicology test taken from Hawkin's urine revealed 10 different substances -- including opioids, tricyclic antidepressants and benzodiazepines.

Investigators say they will continue to work on Hawkins' case ... but obviously, the drug test is telling.

As we reported, Hawkins -- who first found fame as the drummer for Alanis Morissette -- before joining Foo and even starting his own band, was found dead Friday in a hotel room.

A post from the Foo Fighters read, "The Foo Fighters family is devastated by the tragic and untimely loss of our beloved Taylor Hawkins. His musical spirit and infectious laughter will live on with all of us forever."

Hawkins, Dave Grohl and other members of the band were in Colombia for several shows at the time of his death.

Taylor was open about his previous struggles with substance abuse, surviving a heroin OD back in 2001.

He was 50.

Lin-Manuel Miranda I'm taking an Oscars Pass ... My Wife has COVID

We're not saying they're dropping like flies, but COVID is getting in the way of the Oscars ... at least as far as Lin-Manuel Miranda is concerned.

The "Hamilton" mastermind is staying home Sunday night, after his wife tested positive for the virus.

He said ... "Made it to Hollywood … This weekend, my wife tested [positive] for COVID. She's doing fine. Kids & I have tested [negative], but out of caution, I won't be going to the Oscars tomorrow night."

Nonetheless, he was cheering on "Cheering for my Tick, Tick... Boom!" ... which could end up with some hardware ... Andrew Garfield is up for Best Actor.

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There are a lot of nervous actors ... to gain entry into the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, they have to produce proof of vaccination and not one but 2 negative PCR tests. There are exceptions -- performers and presenters don't have to show proof of vaccination, which is weird, right?

The requirements go way beyond L.A. County Health Dept. guidelines ... most of which have been lifted as numbers continue to go down.

AMUSEMENT PARK TRAGEDY Teen Who Died Had Bright Future ... Talented Football Player

As if the death of Tyre Sampson, the 14-year-old who died on an Orlando amusement park ride, wasn't tragic enough ... we've learned the boy had a promising future ahead of him.

Tyre was a gifted athlete with the potential to earn a scholarship to a Division 1 football program ... that's the insight from Brandon Gregory, a football coach at East St. Louis High School, where Tyre was set to play ball this fall.

While he was only in 8th grade, we're told Tyre was already working out with the varsity team at East St. Louis, and had caught Gregory's eye as the school's defensive coordinator.

As you can see, Tyre's a pretty big kid for a middle schooler, and he played on the offensive line.

Gregory says all the coaches and players on the team noticed Tyre's strong work ethic, noting he always stayed late to improve his game. The varsity coaching staff considered him a potential starter going into his freshman year, and one who'd be a key part of the team for years to come.

We're told Tyre -- who teammates called Big Tick -- worked out with the varsity team as recently as Tuesday, before heading down to Florida with a fellow 8th grader and teammate.

As we reported ... Tyre died Thursday night at Orlando's ICON Park. He fell to his death from a ride towering 430 feet in the air.

Tyre's coach says he got a call Thursday night from the father of Tyre's travel mate, and it sounds like that friend was sitting right next to him during the fatal ride.

Karrueche Tran Denies Dating Quavo ... 'We're Just friends!!!'

FRIENDLY AFFAIR
TMZ.com

Karrueche Tran says she's not just living her best life ... she's living her best single life, and shutting down the rumors she and Quavo are a thing.

We caught up with Karreuche outside Hollywood's iconic eatery Musso and Frank's and asked about the alleged romantic relationship. Sorry folks, she says nothing is that serious.

The actress -- who was attending Vanity Fair's "A Night for Young Hollywood" party -- told us she's simply enjoying her life, but she did admit the Migos rapper is a friend ... and just a friend.

Lots of fans aren't gonna buy that ol' chestnut, though, thanks to some visual receipts.

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ICYMI ... Karrueche and Quavo reportedly took a joint vacay together to St. Martin in January.

They were also spotted out earlier this month having a dinner for two at The Nice Guy in West Hollywood ... so, ya know, the rumor didn't come outta thin air.

Folks have been linking the pair since 2017 when they were seen leaving a party in ATL together, but shortly afterward they each started dating other people.

Quavo hooked up with Saweetie, and Karrueche got together with retired NFL star Victor Cruz. Well now, both of those relationships are over, and they're both back on the market ... if they aren't already a thing, of course.

BTW, our photog asked her about a possible double date with Cardi B and Quavo's bandmate, Offset ... and Karrueche said, she would love that. Sooo ... you be the judge! 😏

Johnny Manziel Interested In Texas A&M Return ... Coaching On The Table

ALMA MATER ASSISTANCE
TMZSports.com

Johnny Manziel wants to go back to where it all started ... telling TMZ Sports he'd love to return to the Texas A&M football program in some capacity.

Manziel was nothing short of a legend at College Station in 2012 and 2013 ... winning the Heisman trophy and becoming a household name with his highlight plays and unapologetic attitude.

Johnny -- who is set to suit up for Fan Controlled Football this season -- tells us he misses the sport ... and while a return to the NFL is out of the question, he wants to find another way to stay involved.

"I don't think I'm the same player I used to be," Johnny tells us. "I think I still have flashes, but I'm looking at what's next in my life and I want sports and football to be something that is gonna be a mainstay in my life for a long time."

"Now, it's figuring out where exactly that's gonna be -- whether its continuing to work with the FCF or something I'm really interested in as well is going back to Texas A&M and being a part of my school, or the program or whatever it is."

Johnny -- who brought up the idea of coaching while in the FCF -- tells us he wants to get back in on the action at A&M ... and the possibilities are endless.

"I miss my school, I miss College Station, I miss the feeling of those great times that I got to have when I was in college, and our new athletic director at Texas A&M, Ross Bjork, is a beauty of an individual and an awesome person."

Manziel says he wants to help A&M win championships and take the program to new heights ... and thinks the school is already on its way to making that happen.

So, Jimbo Fisher -- sounds like you have a phone call to make.

Denzel Washington -- Good Genes or Good Docs?!

Denzel Washington's look has the world wondering ... is it always "Training Day"?!

Here is 30-year-old Denzel from his days on "St. Elsewhere" looking professional and fresh -- playing the iconic Dr. Philip Chandler back in 1985 (left).

And, 37 years later the actor recently flashed his bright white smile while attending a celeb-packed event earlier this year (right). With two Oscar wins under his belt, he may just clinch his 3rd tonight. Denzel is nominated for his lead role in "The Tragedy of Macbeth" -- starring as Macbeth himself.

The actor may have ditched the stache, but his good looks continue to grow.

The question is ...

Good Genes or Good Docs?

'Love Is Blind' Kyle Abrams & Deepti Vempati Together Once Again ... Snappin' Some Pics!!!

"Love Is Blind" stars Kyle Abrams and Deepti Vempati are spending time together once again ... posing in a joint photo shoot!

Portrait photographer Josh Beaton tells TMZ ... Kyle reached out to him online a few weeks back, wanting to do a shoot. Kyle followed up, asking if he could bring Deepti as well.

The photos -- taken earlier this week -- were meant to play off masculine stereotypes, putting Kyle in a dress with some earrings. Josh -- who hasn't seen "LIB" -- said Kyle and Deepti didn't do anything romantic, but there was real chemistry. They arrived together but took photos separately.

Of course, Kyle inviting Deepti further fuels relationship rumors ... as we reported, the two were walking the streets of Wicker Park in Chicago a few weeks ago, following their reunion episode.

3/9/22
SPOTTED IN CHICAGO
@awkvanmills

As they walked into a restaurant, Kyle briefly put his hand on her back ... it's not a lock, but it's a sign for sure.

While their season ended with each getting engaged to other people, both called off their weddings -- with Deepti taking a hard pass at the alter. The reunion episode revealed Kyle's biggest regret was not proposing to Deepti.

Come on, guys ... love may be blind but it sure ain't dumb!

Celebrity Scramble Guess Who!

Beneath this sculpted face is an American actor who can not go anywhere without his furry friend ... and his muscles ... and now it's on you to strip down the scrambled face and guess the shredded man in the photos.

This suited-up hunk may have missed his stripper calling ... but his magic moves will STILL have you throwin' ones out like there's no tomorrow ... and his modern wife agrees!

If you're still struggling to spot the tied-up guy in the image ... just know that you will never want him as your arched enemy.

Can you chisel through this bearded photo and make an educated guess at who is hidden behind this scrambled star?

President Biden Putin 'Can't Remain in Power' ... WH Backtracks, Clarifies

President Biden has been saying a lot during his Euro trip -- but on a few occasions, he's misspoken about our intentions with Russia ... including the idea that Putin has got to go.

POTUS sparked a lot of headlines Saturday following a rousing speech he gave in Poland reaffirming the U.S.'s commitment to helping out Ukraine -- the reason ... he ended his remarks with an eyebrow-raising statement about what should happen to Russia's leader.

Biden says, "For God's sake, this man cannot remain in power" ... this after listing all the atrocities Putin has committed during this war.

Might not sound like a big deal on its face, but for U.S. officials and military strategists -- those words signaled a call for a regime change in Russia ... which is one helluva policy change from what the Biden administration has thus far touted and publicly backed.

While Biden's words were fairly clear, a White House rep has since re-explained what the Commander in Chief was trying to say -- namely, that he was NOT calling for a regime change. They clarified that JB just meant ... Putin can't be allowed to exercise power over his neighbors or the region. That's definitely not was Biden said, but fair enough.

Not just that, but following his speech ... WaPo reports that the Prez went off-script in that moment, calling it another "inarticulate" moment when he shoots from the hip.

There's another incident that sounded alarms -- it was on Friday when 46 was meeting with U.S. Army soldiers stationed in Poland (with whom he broke bread, or pizza dough rather) and he told them they would see "when you're there" the Ukrainian resilience first-hand.

There, too, he appeared to be implying we'd be sending boots on the ground in Ukraine -- which has been viewed as a terrible move by many, as it could elevate tensions with Russian and spark a full-fledged war of colossal proportions -- but that isn't the case, it seems.

When reporters heard this, they went back to the WH yet again for clarity -- and a spokesperson said, "The President has been clear we are not sending U.S. troops to Ukraine and there is no change in that position."

Sounds like Joe didn't mean it in either instance ... which is good, as a change of course like that could have worldwide repercussions. Stick to the pre-approved talking points, sir!!!

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