Lemmy Kilmister (Motörhead)

 The Man

• Born Ian Fraser Kilmister (Dec. 24, 1945 – Dec. 28, 2015)

• Founder, bassist, and voice of Motörhead

• Known for that gravel-throated vocal and Rickenbacker bass played like a rhythm guitar

• Helped bridge punk and metal — faster, louder, dirtier

 Before Motörhead

• Roadie for Jimi Hendrix (yes… THAT Hendrix)

• Bassist for Hawkwind

• Fired after a drug arrest at the Canadian border (1975) → led directly to forming Motörhead

 Motörhead Legacy

• Formed Motörhead in 1975

• Breakout with:

  • Overkill (1979)

  • Bomber (1979)

  • Ace of Spades (1980) 🔥

• Influenced:

  • Metallica

  • Slayer

  • Anthrax

  • pretty much EVERY speed/thrash band

 Style & Identity

• Wore:

  • black hat

  • boots

  • military-style gear

• Famous for:

  • Jack & Coke (his signature drink)

• Lived hard, nonstop touring lifestyle for decades

 How He Passed

• Diagnosed with aggressive cancer just 2 days before his death

• Passed on Dec. 28, 2015, at home in Los Angeles

• Also suffered from:

  • heart issues

  • diabetes

• Still performing almost up to the end — last show was Dec. 11, 2015

 Final Moments

• Found out diagnosis on Dec. 26

• Told to take it easy… he didn’t have time

• Died playing video games at home, surrounded by friends