Lemmy Kilmister Dies; Motörhead Singer Was 70

Lemmy Kilmister – the lead singer of the influential rock band Motörhead – has passed away at the age of 70.

Almost as well known for his reckless lifestyle as for his inimitable vocal stylings on metal classics such “Ace of Spades,” Kilmister succumbed to an undisclosed form of cancer less than 48 hours after being diagnosed.

The official Motörhead Twitter page broke the news to fans moments ago with the following 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.“

The news comes as fans continue to mourn the passing of the band’s drummer, Phil Taylor, who passed away last month.

In addition to his time with Motörhead, Kilmister was an early member of the UK space rock outfit Hawkwind.

Regarded by many as one of the great rock vocalists of all time, Kilmister continued to perform with Motörhead until the end of his life.

View Slideshow: Celebrities We Lost in 2015

Phil Taylor Dies; Motörhead Drummer Was 61

Phil Taylor – the drummer best known for his time with the influential metal band Motörhead – has passed away at the of 61.

Former bandmate Eddie Clarke made the announcement on his Facebook page moments ago:

“He has been ill for sometime but that does not make it any easier when the time finally comes,” Clarke wrote.

“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. Rest in Peace, Phil!”

Clarke and Taylor – who was affectionately referred to by fans as “Philthy Animal” – played together in two iterations of the iconic British band fronted by rock legend Lemmy Kilmister.

Almost as well known for his classically rock star-like behavior as for his drumming, Taylor was arrested or seriously injured on numerous occasions during his time with Motörhead.

He can be seen sporting a neck brace in the music video for the band’s best-known song, “Ace of Spades.”

Taylor’s death was erroneously reported several times over the years, a fact that he joked about in a 2005 documentary.

Taylor’s final public appearance came last year when he joined Kilmister on stage at a concert in Brmingham, England.

View Slideshow: Celebrities We Lost in 2015