Ian ‘Lemmy’ Kilmister 1945 – 2015

Iconic rock ‘n’ roll bassist Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister has died, having just turned 70 years old on December 24. Lemmy was perhaps best known for being a founding member influential English heavy metal band Motörhead, but also drew acclaim for his work with Hawkwind in the early 1970s. His death comes reportedly after a “short battle with an extremely aggressive cancer.”

The following statement was posted on the Motörhead Facebook page confirming Lemmy’s tragic passing:

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.

Born the night before Christmas in Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire, England, Lemmy joined the London-based Hawkwind in 1972, contributing bass and vocals to the established rock band. After being fired from the group in 1975 he went on to form the widely influential heavy metal band Motörhead of which he remained the sole constant member. In August of this year the band issued the studio album Bad Magic.