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Lemmy from Motorhead has died at 70

<p>Heavy metal icon Lemmy Kilmister has died at the age of 70 from an aggressive form of cancer.</p><p>Born Ian Fraser Kilmister, he was the founder and frontman of the band Motörhead best known for its 1980 hit “Ace of Spades.” (VIdeo via <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1M4FG1UXH5w" target="_blank">Sony Music Entertainment</a>)</p><p>The British singer and bassist was renowned for his hard partying ways that endeared him to fans and fellow musicians alike. (VIdeo via <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-SjzQv3w4I" target="_blank">Motörhead</a>)</p><p>Ozzy Osbourne, who worked with Kilmister on his "No More Tears" album, <a href="http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/vampire-of-the-sunset-strip-20091029" target="_blank">told Rolling Stone,</a> "People ask me. 'Who's the king of heavy metal?' And it would absolutely be Lemmy. Lemmy, to me, is the epitome of what being a rock star is all about."</p><p>Motörhead’s <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMotorhead/posts/1107561019276205" target="_blank">official Facebook page</a> said Kilmister learned about the cancer just two days before his death and passed while at home with his family in front of his favorite video game.</p><p>The band also requested for fans to “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.”</p><p><i>This video contains images from Getty Images.</i></p>
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Ian Kilmister — better known to the world as "Lemmy" from the band Motorhead — has passed away at the age of 70.

The band posted the news to their Facebook page, urging fans to play Lemmy's music "LOUD" in his honor.

 

 

There is no easy way to say this…our mighty, noble friend Lemmy passed away today after a short battle with an extremely...

Posted by Official Motörhead on Monday, December 28, 2015

 

Kilmister's death was first reported by Radio host and music personality Eddie Trunk.

 

Kimister died from an "aggressive form of cancer," which had been diagnosed just two days ago.

According to a report from Loudwire from October 2014, Kilmister underwent a health scare that nearly cost him his life. As a result, he stopped smoking and cut down on drinking his favorite drink: Jack Daniels and coke.

Kilmister formed Motorhead in 1975 as the band's main vocalist, bassist and principle songwriter. Known for his signature mutton chops and distinctive voice, he helped shape rock music and the heavy metal scene in the United State and the UK.

 

Alex Hider is a writer for the E.W. Scripps National Desk. Follow him on Twitter @alexhider.