Motörhead frontman Lemmy has passed away aged 70 following a short fight against cancer.
The death was announced by radio DJ Eddie Trunk this tonight (December 28) and later by close friends Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne. A statement from the band confirming the news soon followed.
Motorhead’s statement reads: “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.”
The band were recently forced to cancel a series of shows, as well as cut some short, due to Lemmy’s ill health.
Lemmy’s health has deteriorated in recent years and a number of festival dates were axed this summer after the frontman suffered gastric distress and dehydration. He was also diagnosed with a lung infection later in the year.