(Los Angeles, CA) As much as we do not want to believe it, the remaining members of Motörhead have confirmed that Ian Fraser “Lemmy” Kilmister passed away due to cancer which metastasized to his brain. The founding member, and perhaps most revered bassist of all times was 70 years old.
Kilmister had been suffering from various health ailments for the past several years, which caused numerous tour delays and cancellations. But in the end, it was cancer that took the rock icon this afternoon at approximately 5:30 p.m..
Kilmister was diagnosed with the disease just two days ago, the band said in a statement.
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
Kilmister died at home his apartment of over 30 years in Los Angeles, on heavy medication for pain, with friends surrounding him and medical personnel on hand .
Motörhead had canceled several recent performances because of what the band said was a lung infection.
The band abandoned its September 1, 2015 concert in Austin, Texas, with Kilmister telling the audience, “I can’t do it,” and walking offstage. The band blamed altitude sickness — Kilmister had recently spent time in Colorado — and said it was looking forward to going back out on the road in February.
The Rainbow Bar and Grill was Kilmister’s “home away from home” and friends/fans are descending upon the bassist’s watering hole to have a toast to the true Ace of Spades this evening.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lemmy’s family, friends and millions of fans around the globe tonight. The world will be a dimmer place without you. R.I.P. Lemmy
