Hard rock and metal legend Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead has died at the age of 70. The cause of death has been confirmed as cancer.
The vocalist and bassist celebrated his 70th birthday last Thursday, and earlier this year had to cancel several shows of their ‘40th anniversary Tour’ due to health problems, including a lung infection.
The news follows the death of original Motörhead drummer Phil Taylor who, died last month after a long illness.
The bands management made the following statement:
“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.”
Our thoughts are with his family, friends and fans. RIP Lemmy. A true rock icon.
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There is no easy way to say this…our mighty, noble friend Lemmy passed away today after a short battle with an extremely…
Posted by Official Motörhead on Monday, 28 December 2015
Lemmy, you are one of the primary reasons this band exists. We’re forever grateful for all of your inspiration. RIP pic.twitter.com/WC1csn5F5x
— Metallica (@Metallica) December 29, 2015
We’ve lost a friend & legend. My heart is broken. RIP Lemmy. Born To Lose, Lived To Win. https://t.co/6KJ4cBCNfH @myMotorhead
— Foo Fighters (@foofighters) December 29, 2015
My friend died today. We’ll all miss you. Your name was Lemmy, and you played Rock n Roll. Rest in Peace, my man.
#RIPLemmy
— MEGA-GEEK MELTDOWN!! (@CoreyTaylorRock) December 29, 2015
This one is for you Lemmy. ⚡️3⚡️
— ⚡️ Nikki Sixx ⚡️ (@NikkiSixx) December 29, 2015
R.I.P. Lemmy.
Have fun drinking Jack & Coke, and playing video poker in heaven.
— Beartooth (@BEARTOOTHband) December 29, 2015
R.I.P. Lemmy.
Have fun drinking Jack & Coke, and playing video poker in heaven.
— Beartooth (@BEARTOOTHband) December 29, 2015
R.I.P. Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead
— Papa Roach (@paparoach) December 29, 2015
So very sad to hear about Lemmy
RIP
— the holiday spice (@gerardway) December 29, 2015
Words about Lemmy can never be enough so we will simply say farewell Lord Lemmy thank you for the music, the shows, https://t.co/ktbp9TwHEI
— Judas Priest (@judaspriest) December 29, 2015
RIP Lemmy….it was an honour sharing stages with you. Wherever you are now, keep on rocking mate
— Ben Bruce (@benjaminbruce) December 29, 2015
Rest in peace Lemmy
— Laura Jane Grace (@LauraJaneGrace) December 29, 2015
Farewell Lemmy. I love you brother.
— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) December 29, 2015
Sorry to report that I have confirmed Lemmy @myMotorhead has passed away just now at the age of 70. RIP to a true original icon of rock.
— Eddie Trunk (@EddieTrunk) December 29, 2015
Lost one of my best friends, Lemmy, today. He will be sadly missed. He was a warrior and a legend. I will see you on the other side.
— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) December 29, 2015
Lemmy: Rest In Peace. Shake the heavens, my friend.
— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) December 29, 2015
Lemmy RIP….@myMotorhead my condolences to his family..
— Billy Idol (@BillyIdol) December 29, 2015
My heart is broken. @iamlemmy is gone. He changed my life. He made my life. I loved him.
— Dee Snider (@deesnider) December 29, 2015
He lived a life of dreams and he went out on top. He was Motörhead and HE PLAYED ROCK & ROLL!!! https://t.co/7wZXgBksq6
— Scott Ian (@Scott_Ian) December 29, 2015
RIP Lemmy. A rebel poet until the end. A true inspiration.
— Myles Kennedy (@MylesKennedy) December 29, 2015
RIP to the one and only Lemmy. It goes without saying but there will never be another like him. A true rock and roll legend.
— Andy Biersack (@andyblack) December 29, 2015
RIP Legend pic.twitter.com/qPGEzH38TE
— Paolo Gregoletto (@TriviumPaolo) December 29, 2015
My dear friend, Lemmy, passed away today. I’ve known him for 38 years. He will be so missed but he will never be forgotten.
— Sharon Osbourne (@MrsSOsbourne) December 29, 2015
#RIPLemmy
One life, lived your way, from the beginning, till the end
See you down the road my friend…
Thank you for the gift of your sound
— Triple H (@TripleH) December 29, 2015