Lemmy Kilmister Biography

Lemmy Kilmister was the face and driving force of the rock group Motörhead, a U.K. metal band known for songs such as 1980’s “Ace of Spades.” Kilmister got into the world of rock and roll as a roadie for the Jimi Hendrix Experience in the late 1960s. He then joined the band Hawkweed (1972) as a bass player and singer, but his own outlandish behavior got him kicked from the band, so Kilmister founded Motörhead in 1975. With Motörhead, Lemmy became a heavy metal legend, thanks to hard guitar rock and the usual mix of amphetamines, liquor and marijuana. The only steady member of the band for more than 40 years, Lemmy was recognized by his muttonchop sideburns, unusually large facial moles, and his penchant for Nazi-themed decoration. Although the band experienced huge success in the U.K., they found only a small — but very loyal — following in the U.S. and elsewhere. Longevity despite all odds seemed to be Lemmy’s calling card by the end of his career; the band ended when he died in 2015 from a cancer diagnosis given only two days prior. Over the course of their careers, Motörhead released more than 20 albums, including Ace of Spades, Orgasmatron, Rock N’ Roll, No Sleep ’til Hammersmith and Bad Magic. Their singles include “Killed by Death,” “Bomber” and the Grammy-winning “Whiplash” (a cover of a Metallica song).