The world is a little less loud today. Legendary Motörhead frontman and heavy metal icon Lemmy Kilmister has passed away due to complications from cancer. He was 70 years old. Lemmy had been battling several health issues over the last few months, most notably a lung infection back in September. Despite having to cancel a few shows, the band recently completed what would be their final tour back in the early fall. Motörhead were set to kick off their 40th Anniversary European Tour on January 23 at City Hall in the UK with special guests Saxon and Girlschool. The band issued the following statement today on their official Facebook page:
There is no easy way to say this…our mighty, noble friend Lemmy passed away today after a short battle with an extremely aggressive cancer. He had learnt of the disease on December 26th, and was at home, sitting in front of his favorite video game from The Rainbow which had recently made it’s way down the street, with his family. We cannot begin to express our shock and sadness, there aren’t words. We will say more in the coming days, but for now, please…play Motörhead loud, play Hawkwind loud, play Lemmy’s music LOUD.
Have a drink or few. Share stories. Celebrate the LIFE this lovely, wonderful man celebrated so vibrantly himself. HE WOULD WANT EXACTLY THAT.
Ian ‘Lemmy’ Kilmister [1945 -2015] – Born to lose, lived to win.
MOTÖRHEAD – Live Photo Gallery
Motörhead were one of the definitive heavy metal acts of all time. Throughout their 40-year ass-kicking career, the band sold nearly 20 million albums worldwide. Motörhead released their 22nd and final studio album Bad Magic this year. The disc peaked at #35 on the Billboard Top 200, #10 on the UK Albums Chart, and #1 on the UK Hard Rock Albums Chart. – by Matt Bishop
