Motörhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister has passed away at the age of 70. According to the band, the singer died on Monday, December 28, from an aggressive form of cancer just two days after being diagnosed.
"There is no easy way to say this," Motörhead said in a statement on Facebook. "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. Ian ‘Lemmy’ Kilmister. 1945 -2015. Born to lose, lived to win."
Kilmister, who had also suffered from diabetes and had a defibrillator implanted on his heart, was known for his rock star lifestyle.
“Apparently I am still indestructible,” he said during an August interview with The Guardian, while explaining that he switched from whiskey to vodka to help with his diabetes. “I like orange juice better. So, Coca-Cola can f–k off.”
Motörhead canceled a handful of shows ahead of his death due to what they explained was a lung issue. The band’s 22nd and final album, Bad Magic, dropped on August 28. Kilmister, who was the heavy metal band’s main songwriter and only constant member, founded the band in 1975. He had just celebrated his birthday on December 24.
