Former Motörhead drummer Phil ‘Philthy Animal’ Taylor has died at the age of 61.
The drummer was a member of the band from 1975 to 1984 and later rejoined for the five years between 1987 and 1992. His last appearance alongside frontman Lemmy came in 2014 when he joined the band for a gig in Birmingham. Footage from that gig can be seen below.
Taylor died yesterday (November 11) with his former bandmate ‘Fast’ Eddie Clarke confirming the news to fans and posting the following tribute: My dear friend and brother passed away last night. He had been ill for sometime but that does not make it any easier when the time finally comes.
“I have known Phil since he was 21 and he was one hell of a character. Fortunately, we made some fantastic music together and I have many many fond memories of our time together.”
My dear friend and brother passed away last night. He had been ill for sometime but that does not make it any easier…
Posted by Fast Eddie Clarke Official on Thursday, November 12, 2015
Motörhead tour the UK in January 2016, starting in Newcastle and ending in London, in support of new album ‘Bad Magic’, released in August.
Motörhead will play:
Newcastle City Hall (January 23, 2016)
Glasgow Clyde Auditorium (24)
Manchester O2 Apollo (26)
Swindon Oasis (27)
London Eventim Apollo (29)
The band were recently forced to cancel a series of shows, as well as cut some short, due to frontman Lemmy’s ill health.