Motorhead 's Legendary Lemmy Dies of Cancer

Rock Legend Ian Fraser “Lemmy” Kilmister of Motörhead and famed fixture of the Sunset Strip has died of cancer today just two days after he learned of his diagnosis, according to the band’s Facebook page.

The band’s simple post sent many in the rock world reeling:

“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. 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.”

Known simply as Lemmy, the Motörhead frontman was as famous for his hard drinking - a bottle of Jack Daniels daily until recent health problems, according to the documentary ”Live Fast Die Old” - as he was for his gravelly voice and hard edged music embodied in the band’s signature song “Ace of Spades.”

Lemmy had turned 70 two days ago.

News of Lemmy’s passing spread quickly as friends and fans took to social media to mourn the loss of a rock legend.

“Lost one of my best friends, Lemmy, today,” Ozzy Osbourne. ”He will be sadly missed. He was a warrior and a legend. I will see you on the other side.”

On the band’s website Judas Priest wrote, “Words about Lemmy can never be enough so we will simply say farewell Lord Lemmy thank you for the music, the shows, the tours we did and the laughs and stories we shared - all of these and more will be cherished.”

American Idol’s Randy Jackson tweeted, “Wow wow lost a big music icon r I p Lemmy. “Born to lose, lived to win!” ‘

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Photo: Wikimedia Commons