Clarke was renowned for being a part of the band’s classic line up along with bassist/vocalist Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister and drummer Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor from 1976 to 1982 which was followed by his time in the band Fastway. Until now, he was the sole survivor of that line up as both of his former band mates passed away in 2015. Our thoughts go out to him and his loved ones.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pWB5JZRGl0U

photo: Paul Welsh

“Heavy rock lost its most iconic figure over Christmas with the sudden and unexpected death of Ian ‘Lemmy’ Kilmister,” it reads, before going on to explain how an astrological object has been named Lemmy in line with the Union’s regulations.

“Lemmy was a force of nature and the very essence of heavy metal,” the petition reads.

Get involved over at Change.org. At the time of writing, the petition has already reached a whopping 20,542 supporters.

Mind you, back in 2010 Lemmy did tell The Independent that the band are most certainly not heavy metal…

The news was announced via Facebook by bandmate Fast Eddie Clarke.

“My dear friend and brother passed away last night,” wrote Clarke. “I have known Phil since he was 21 and he was one hell of a character.”

“Fortunately we made some fantastic music together and I have many many fond memories of our time together.”

Taylor had reportedly been battling with ill health for some time. He played drums in Motorhead between 1975 and 1984, and between 1987-1992.

Taylor last appeared on stage with Motorhead in November 2014, but did not play drums.

Motörhead are to release that tricky 21st studio album on September 21st. ‘Aftershock’ seems to be quite heavily anticipated – it already has its own wikipedia entry.

Here is the rather awesome front cover. Opening track ‘Heartbreaker’ is surely about Lemmy’s chiselled good looks.

http://www.imotorhead.com/