Music
29 Dec 15

Lemmy RIP

The sad news from California is that the Motorhead frontman has passed away. The 70 year old singer was diagnosed with cancer on Stephen's Day and died two days later.

In a Facebook post in the early hours of Tuesday morning (GMT), Motorhead announced the death of their frontman, the legendary Ian 'Lemmy' Kilmister. The death will come as a huge shock to fans of the band, all over the world. There had been no warning of the cancer that would kill Lemmy: it took just two days from its diagnosis, on St. Stephen's Day, to the icon rocker's death.

The full Motorhead Facebook post reads as follows:

"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.
Please feel free to post your condolences, well wishes and memories here:
https://www.facebook.com/riplemmyk"

A flood of tributes have poured in from across the music industry, which we have embedded below, alongside Lemmy performing 'Ace of Spades' with Dave Grohl and Slash. Crank up your best hi-fi and turn it up to 11: I'm sure he would have wanted you to play it very loud...

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

Lemmy, RIP - so sorry you're gone. I stand with the countless souls who will miss you, and who love you very much. - Bill. @myMotorhead

— Bill Ward (@billwarddrums) December 29, 2015

Rest In Peace Lemmy. A hell of a man who suffered no fools. U shall be missed brother, and, THANK u 4 the years of unwavering kick ass R&R.

— Duff McKagan (@DuffMcKagan) 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, my friend. pic.twitter.com/2M6VPiBGyE

— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) December 29, 2015

1988, 3 of my friends died in a hit & run. Night of the funeral, Lemmy met their family and friends; then dedicated Motörhead's set to them.

— Matt Sharp (@_mattsharp) December 29, 2015