Mural honoring Taylor Hawkins installed at Promenade on Forest

When Taylor Hawkins died earlier this year, Laguna Beach residents — as well as communities near and far—sought ways to remember the homegrown rock star.

On Thursday evening, a few dozen people gathered around the performance stage at the Promenade on Forest Avenue, where a mural honoring the life of a hometown hero was introduced.

“There Goes My Hero” is the name of the piece, a work of art created by Ryan Callisto that displays the likeness of Hawkins surrounded by vibrant colors. Hawkins, the late drummer of the Foo Fighters and a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, grew up in Laguna Beach.

“The thing I wanted to do was show through happy colors and positive energy, this little, tiny town had a gigantic person that touched the entire world, and most people love that guy,” Callisto said. “I thought I could do my little part to raise him up a little bit more, if I could, in memory for his town, for the place he grew up and graduated from, and [for] his family and friends. I just feel lucky that I got to be the guy to lift him up.”

Artist Ryan Callisto, Supervisor Katrina Foley, and Mayor Sue Kempf, from left, admire the mural of the late Taylor Hawkins during a dedication ceremony for the mural entitled, “There Goes My Hero.”

(Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

Callisto delivered those remarks at a dedication ceremony for his 12-foot-by-12-foot artwork. He then cut a ceremonial ribbon. Kelly Fitzgerald became the first to perform on the redecorated stage following the ceremony.

The project cost $5,000, Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Manager Sian Poeschl said. Funding for the mural came from the lodging establishments and the city of Laguna Beach. The mural is expected to be on exhibit for a year, depending on its condition, Poeschl added.

Community members and music lovers alike descended upon Aliso Beach to take part in a drum circle following Hawkins’ death in March. Hawkins had been known to play local shows even after achieving stardom.

Robin Culp, and Alexander and Damian Carter, from left, gather for a picture on the performance stage at the Promenade on Forest Avenue in Laguna Beach on Thursday. The three were close friends of Hawkins growing up.

(Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

“When Taylor Hawkins passed away, a lot of people in the community asked me what could we do for Taylor Hawkins,” Mayor Sue Kempf said. “So many people loved Taylor Hawkins, not only his music, but as a person. I’m so glad and happy to see such a beautiful piece of work.

“… Here we have a performance deck, and it’s so wonderful that people, when they perform, they can look and see Taylor anytime they want.”

Artist Ryan Callisto joins Damian Carter at a dedication ceremony for the mural “There Goes My Hero,” in honor of Taylor Hawkins, on the Promenade on Forest Avenue in Laguna Beach on Thursday.

(Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

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