Motorhead Frontman Lemmy Kilmister Dead After Short Battle with Cancer
The rocker had been battling cancer.
— -- Motörhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister has died at the age of 70.
An announcement was made Monday evening on the official Facebook page for the British heavy metal legends.
"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," the post begins. "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," the post continues. "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 post concludes, "Born to lose, lived to win."
Various celebrities have tweeted their memories of Kilmister, including Ozzy Osbourne, who wrote, "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."
Kilmister battled a range of health issues in recent years, including diabetes, and underwent pacemaker surgery.
Ian Fraser "Lemmy" Kilmister, who turned 70 on Christmas Eve and was known for his distinctive mutton chops and gravelly voice, was a founding member of Motörhead, which launched in 1975 and has released more than 20 albums, including Ace of Spades, featuring the title track, and the live album No Sleep 'til Hammersmith.
Prior to his run with Motörhead, Kilmister was a member of the English rock band Hawkwind.