Motörhead guitarist “Fast” Eddie Clarke has died at the age of 67. His death was announced on Motörhead’s Facebook page. According to the post, Clarke died peacefully in hospital after suffering from pneumonia.
The musician, born Edward Allan Clarke in Twickenham in 1950, joined Motörhead in 1976. Along with drummer Phil Taylor and frontman Lemmy, he is considered to have been part of the best-known Motörhead lineup. The trio released their self-titled debut album in 1977 and produced hits including Ace of Spades. Clarke also provided lead vocals on numerous Motörhead tracks.
Clarke left the band in 1982 and was replaced by Thin Lizzy guitarist Brian Robertson. Clarke subsequently formed the rock band Fastway with UFO bassist Pete Way. The band released seven albums and toured with AC/DC.
In later years, Clarke reunited with his Motörhead bandmates. In 2000, he made a guest appearance at their 25th anniversary concert at Brixton Academy, London. He also joined Lemmy in 2014 to play Ace of Spades during a Birmingham Arena show.
Clarke was the last surviving member of the “classic” Motörhead lineup. Phil Taylor died of liver failure in November 2015, and Lemmy succumbed to cancer the following month.