NBC News reports:
Ian Kilmister — also known as Lemmy, of the British heavy metal pioneers Motörhead — died Monday at age 70 of “extremely aggressive cancer,” the band said.
Kilmister — who legendarily survived diabetes and implantation of a heart defibrillator — was diagnosed with the disease just two days ago, the band said in a statement.
“There is no easy way to say this,” Motörhead said. “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,” the band said. “We cannot begin to express our shock and sadness, there aren’t words.”
Motörhead had canceled several recent performances because of what the band said was a lung infection.
The band had to stop short its September 1st concert in Austin, Texas, with Kilmister telling the audience, “I can’t do it,” and walking offstage. The band blamed altitude sickness — Kilmister had recently spent time in Colorado — and said it was looking forward to going back out on the road in February.
Kilmister, a raw-voiced singer and powerful heavy metal bassist, formed Motörhead in 1975 and was its sole remaining original member. The band’s 22 albums included the landmarks “Ace of Spades” — and the hit single of the same name — Overkill and No Sleep ‘Til Hammersmith.
Its most recent album, Bad Magic debuted at Number One in much of Europe and hit the Top 40 in the United States. The titles of several other of its hits and albums can’t be reproduced on a family-friendly website.
Prominent rock musicians have lobbied in recent years for Motörhead to be inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. Acts like Black Sabbath and Green Day have said it helped to form their musical philosophies, citing it as a foundational influence in heavy metal and punk rock.
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
#RIPLemmy A true rocker from beginning to end. We’ll all see you there, soon enough. pic.twitter.com/80wflIsTEf
— Joe Perry (@JoePerry) December 29, 2015
Lemmy RIP….@myMotorhead my condolences to his family..
— Billy Idol (@BillyIdol) December 29, 2015
source: nbcnews.com
17 Responses
Absolutely terrible news. Ride on Lemmy.
No way. I’d just heard this news in Facebook. It’s really sad. But we should honor Lemmy as the godfather of rock n roll and heavy metal regardless. Great bass player, singer, and icon. Prayers go out to Lemmy’s son, family, and friends.
RIP LEMMY KILMISTER
Let you Rock n Roll forever in heaven with Dio and other great musicians up there!
Man, this is heartbreaking. Lemmy seemed indestructible. I called my younger brother when I found out, because Motorhead was his first ever concert, and it really upset him. Lemmy was the greatest rock star ever. He was a true original. There will never, ever be another like him. We’ve lost a true pioneer and legend in rock and metal and in just life in general. He lived his life the way he wanted to live it and didn’t give a damn what anyone thought or said about it. He lived the coolest life I can think of anyone living. He is going to be missed dearly. Rest in peace Lemmy. God bless you. Thank you for all the years of entertainment and decibel blasting brilliance. I salute you sir.
Man lived a thousand lives..incredible stamina. Never got to see em’ live. Ace of spades, indeed. Rock in Peace Lemmy!
You are in for a busy night Dana. RIP Lemmy – you lived several lifetimes; rest easy.