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Ian Fraser “Lemmy” Kilmister, the founding bassist, singer and songwriter of Motörhead, died in Los Angeles on December 28, 2015. He was 70. Motörhead said he had been diagnosed with an extremely aggressive cancer just two days earlier.
Who was Lemmy Kilmister?
Born in Burslem, Staffordshire, England, on December 24, 1945, Kilmister became known worldwide as Lemmy. He founded Motörhead in 1975 and remained its only constant member, shaping the band as its bassist, vocalist and songwriter. His gravelly voice and driving bass helped make him one of heavy metal’s most recognizable frontmen.
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Before Motörhead, Lemmy worked as a roadie for Jimi Hendrix in 1967 and joined Hawkwind as a bassist in 1972. He formed Motörhead after leaving Hawkwind. The Television Academy’s biography credits him with a 40-year career that included 23 studio albums, 10 live recordings, 12 compilations and five EPs. Those totals reflect the Academy’s classifications; discography counts can vary depending on how releases are categorized.
When and where did Lemmy die?
Lemmy died in Los Angeles on December 28, 2015, four days after his 70th birthday. The date and age were reported by CBS News and the Associated Press.
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What did Lemmy die of?
Motörhead said Lemmy died after a short battle with an extremely aggressive cancer. In the band’s statement, reported by CBS/AP on December 28, 2015, it said he learned of the diagnosis on December 26, two days before his death. That timing is the band’s account, rather than a separate medical finding reported in the article.
The band’s statement expressed shock and sadness and urged fans to “play Motörhead loud, play Hawkwind loud, play Lemmy’s music LOUD.”
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Why does Motörhead’s career matter?
Motörhead’s success grew markedly between 1979 and 1981. The Television Academy highlights Overkill, Bomber, Ace of Spades and the live recording No Sleep ’Til Hammersmith among the era’s key releases. Lemmy’s role as the band’s constant member gave its long career a distinctive center: the same forceful voice, bass and songwriting presence carried through changing lineups.
His legacy also extends beyond the band’s recordings. In 2025, a statue depicting Lemmy with his bass was unveiled in Burslem, his birthplace, according to the Associated Press.
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