I was only away from Facebook for 30 minutes and I discovered on my return that legend, icon, rock God LEMMY had passed away. I found it amazing to see my newsfeed fill up so quickly and so totally with news of the passing of metal giant Lemmy. A tribute to his vast influence.
The Motörhead frontman has been battling ill health for a few years now and stayed true to his word and rocked until the very end.
The contribution and influence over the metal scene bares witness through the hundreds of posts already made.
I'll never forget my introduction to Lemmy via The Young Ones in the early-mid 80s. One of a kind and one louder than anyone else.
In his own iconic words, Lemmy has now finally been Killed By Death.
RIP Lemmy.
Here's how the news is being reported around the world:
And the many reactions from those in the rock community can be summed up with a few comments such as these:
Alan Frew: Sad to hear they legendary "Lemmy" of Motörhead has died. He lived the way he sang. Raw & on the edge....always.
Sean McNabb: This guy was Everything #R&R Stands for and then some!
Paul Stanley: Lemmy has passed away. Truly one of a kind. Much more to him than many knew. RIP.
Dee Snider: I love and miss you, my brother! Owe you the world! You were the real deal!
Doug Aldrich: R.I.P. Lemmy. Condolences to his family and friends.... Aside from how much he did for music, he was a nice dude...
Michael Sweet: I met #Lemmy in Germany & we talked about the bible. I'll never forget that. May god Bless Lemmy & the @myMotorhead family & fans worldwide!
Joey Kramer: RIP #Lemmy heaven is Rockin tonight
Brian May: A Horrible shock tonight.
Tony Franklin: RIP Lemmy! We hung for a little while in the early Firm days, 1984. Farewell to a true rocker. Pic: Robert Knight.
Jeff Scott Soto: Another Metal legend gone...RIP Lemmy!
And finally - the band's own official statement:
There is no easy way to say this - our mmighty, 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.
Ian ‘Lemmy’ Kilmister
1945 -2015
Born to lose, lived to win.
