The very sad news is that former Motörhead guitarist ‘Fast’ Eddie Clarke has passed away in hospital from complications arising from pneumonia. He was 67.
Part of the classic power trio line-up of the band that scored massive hits with Overkill, Bomber, Ace Of Spades and the No Sleep ‘Til Hammersmith live album, the Londoner went on to form Fastway with UFO bassist Pete Way, and in the process kickstart the career of future Flogging Molly mainman Dave King, the rookie Dublin singer who was brought in to front the band.
Among the many reasons we loved Motörhead is that, even at the height of The Troubles, they insisted on playing for their fans in the North.
With Lemmy and drummer ‘Philthy’ Phil Taylor also dead, a glorious chapter in hard rock history finally has its full-stop.
Surviving Motörhead members Phil Campbell and Mikkey Dee pay tribute to Eddie below:

The tributes don't end there, with Lars Ulrich explaining the profound effect Eddie & Co. had on the young Metallica.

Thank you for the riffs.
Thank you for the solos.
Thank you for the attitude.
Thank you for being in the coolest band.
Thank you for inspiring me to go down the same path.#rip #fasteddie #motorhead pic.twitter.com/wZGBoqEyXS

— Lars Ulrich (@larsulrich) January 11, 2018

We've just heard our good friend Fast Eddie Clarke has died.
Our thoughts go out to his loved ones and family. He will be greatly missed, but he's gone to join Phil and Lemmy. We have great memories of our times with him.

RIP Eddie

Saxon pic.twitter.com/ABhaU5mOYk

— Saxon (@SaxonOfficial) January 11, 2018