The rock world lost one of greatest frontmen of all-time on Monday when it was sadly revealed that Lemmy Kilmister, the frontman from Motorhead, died.
Hard rock and heavy metal aficionado as well as host of That Metal Show on VH1 Classic, Eddie Trunk, delivered the heartbreaking news on his Twitter.
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
The tragic news was verified on the Motorhead Facebook page.
Lemmy was a founding member of Motorhead. He was 70 years old.
Lemmy’s love for drugs and alcohol was legendary. Lemmy was known for being a hard partier, and one who continued his rock lifestyle in the face of his illness. In 1975, Lemmy was fired from the band “Hawkwind” after he was arrested at the Canadian/U.S. border for drug possession charges. Lemmy was released without charge because he was arrested for possession of cocaine, but it turned out to be speed.
The Motorhead frontman famously claimed he drank a bottle of Jack Daniel’s every day since turning 30. After being diagnosed with diabetes, Lemmy made a conscientious decision to live a healthier lifestyle. He switched from Coca-Cola and whiskey to vodka and orange juice. “I like orange juice better,” he told The Guardian in a recent interview. “So, Coca-Cola can fuck off.”
Ian Fraser “Lemmy” Kilmister was born Staffordshire, England in 1945. After seeing The Beatles perform in concert, he knew he wanted to be in a band. He was a roadie in the Jimi Hendrix Experience.
Lemmy was credited for starting the mutton chops craze back in the 70s.
He also made cameos in the Adam Sandler movie Airheads, and was in the Foo Fighters’ video for “White Limo.”
This sad news comes only a month after the original Motorhead drummer, Phil Taylor, died after battling an illness.
Reactions over the death of the heavy metal icon included Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne, Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Megadeth lead singer Dave Mustaine, Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer, Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler, British heavy metal band Judas Priest, heavy metal band Queensrÿche, rapper Ice T, Blaink-182 Travis Barker, Vince Neil of Motley Crue, Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue, Anthrax founder Scott Ian, Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst, wrestler Triple H, WWE CBO Stephanie McMahon, Evanescence singer Amy Lee, American Idol host Randy Jackson and actor Tom Arnold.
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
https://twitter.com/KristNovoselic/status/681652957947924482
https://twitter.com/genesimmons/status/681648168975532034
Farewell Lemmy. I love you brother.
— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) December 29, 2015
RIP #Lemmy heaven is Rockin tonight
— Joey Kramer (@joeykramer) December 29, 2015
Very sad to hear of Lemmy's passing. We've lost a true, true legend. RIP pic.twitter.com/vVVckaeZXM
— Geezer Butler (@geezerbutler) December 29, 2015
"You win some, you lose some, It’s all the same to me…..” RIP Lemmy. MOTORHEAD
— ICE T (@FINALLEVEL) 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
We just heard the horrible news. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Lemmy Kilmister's family, friends, all his… https://t.co/vA3SpIoL5b
— Queensrÿche (@queensryche) December 29, 2015
Never thought the day would come…Rest in power #Lemmy You are and will always be a rock god… https://t.co/N5bI6TSlso
— Travis Barker (@travisbarker) December 29, 2015
Wow just heard, Lemmy was a friend and legend. #RipLemmy
— Vince Neil (@thevinceneil) December 29, 2015
I’ll miss you buddy and our conversations. You were always a pilar of dignity. RIP #Lemmy pic.twitter.com/da7YV08V1W
— 📷 (@NikkiSixx) December 29, 2015
https://twitter.com/freddurst/status/681650175450861568
#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
#RIPLemmy Thank u 4 being our friend & 4 leaving all of us w/ a legacy that will last forever. #longliverockandroll https://t.co/SvnwWXUSaJ
— Stephanie McMahon (@StephMcMahon) December 29, 2015
You were so kind to me, supportive and encouraging and naturally, brutally honest. Thanks, Lemmy.… https://t.co/ZPt4ZfHzsW
— Amy Lee (@AmyLeeEV) December 29, 2015
Wow wow lost a big music icon r I p Lemmy. "Born to lose, lived to win!" pic.twitter.com/R7REDRPXhn
— Randy Jackson (@YO_RANDYJACKSON) December 29, 2015
Nobody worked as hard, rocked as hard, was as funny & humble as LEMMY Kilmister so if you don't mind I'm going to live in denial. #Motorhead
— Tom Arnold (@TomArnold) December 29, 2015
Have a drink for the rock legend tonight.