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Motorhead’s Lemmy Dead at Age 70


FILE - Lemmy Kilmister of the band Motörhead performs in concert during their “Bad Magic Tour 2015” at the Tower Theater, Sept. 22, 2015, in Upper Darby, Pa.
FILE - Lemmy Kilmister of the band Motörhead performs in concert during their “Bad Magic Tour 2015” at the Tower Theater, Sept. 22, 2015, in Upper Darby, Pa.

British hard rock icon Lemmy, the lead singer and bass player for Motorhead, had died at the age of 70, two days after being diagnosed with cancer.

“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,” Motorhead said in a Facebook posting Monday “We cannot begin to express our shock and sadness, there aren’t words.”

The band noted that he had been diagnosed with cancer on December 26.

Born Ian Kilmister, Lemmy formed Motorhead in 1975. He was known for his aggressive bass and his gravelly voice on such songs as “Bomber,” “Overkill” and the band’s most famous track “Ace of Spades.”

“It's still very popular. When we do it onstage, everyone loves it," Lemmy told Rolling Stone in August.

Many rock and heavy metal musicians have been paying tribute to the Motorhead front man.

On Twitter, Ozzy Osbourne called him a warrior and a legend. 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.

We've lost a friend & legend," Foo Fighters said in a Facebook posting.

Metallica tweeted that it would be “forever grateful for all your inspiration.”

Lemmy was known for his hard living lifestyle that including heavy drinking. While confirming his death, Motorhead urged fans to “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."

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