Lemmy tribute to ex-Motorhead drummer Phil Taylor

Motorhead frontman Lemmy has led tributes to Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor, saying he is “devastated” over his death.

The 69-year-old rocker said he felt “very sad” when he heard about the band’s former drummer, who died on November 11, aged 61.

Taylor played with the heavy metal group from 1975 to 1984 and 1987 to 1992 alongside Lemmy and guitarist “Fast” Eddie Clarke.

Lemmy said: “I’m feeling very sad at the moment, in fact devastated because one of my best friends died yesterday. I miss him already.

“His name was Phil Taylor, or Filthy Animal, and he was our drummer twice in our career. Now he’s died and it really p***** me off that they take somebody like him and leave George Bush alive. So muse on that.”

He added: “We’re still going, we’re still going strong, it’s just first Wurzel and now Filthy, it’s a shame, man. I think this rock ’n’ roll business might be bad for the human life. Oh well.”

Clarke wrote on his official Facebook page: “My dear friend and brother passed away last night.

“He had been ill for some time 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. Rest in Peace, Phil.”

Grammy-award winners Motorhead are perhaps best known for their single Ace Of Spades.

Phil Taylor.