Motorhead guitarist Phil Campbell recently took part in a unique tribute to his late bandmate, Lemmy Kilmister. In a heartfelt ceremony, some of Lemmy’s ashes were permanently laid to rest behind the bar of his favorite London nightclub, Stringfellows. This marks a special chapter in the ongoing celebration of the rock legend’s legacy, with the tribute honoring both his memory and his love for the iconic London venue.
Lemmy Kilmister, the iconic frontman of Motorhead, passed away in December 2015 at the age of 70, following a brief battle with prostate cancer, cardiac arrhythmia, and congestive heart failure. The British rock legend, born Ian Kilmister in Stoke-on-Trent in 1945, had been in declining health for several months prior to his death. He had been an integral part of Motorhead since its inception in 1975, shaping the sound of hard rock and metal with his unmistakable voice and bass lines. As the only continuous member of the band, Lemmy’s impact on the world of rock music is immeasurable, and his influence continues to reverberate across generations.
On the day of the ceremony, the urn containing some of Lemmy's ashes was installed behind the bar of Stringfellows, where it now sits in a small replica of his famous cavalry hat, designed according to the instructions in his will. The spot holds special significance to Lemmy, who was a regular at the club, often enjoying a drink and some downtime when he had the chance. In fact, according to his bandmate Phil Campbell, Lemmy would frequently arrange cabs to Stringfellows even during rehearsal breaks.
Campbell, who joined Motorhead as guitarist in 1984 and remained with the band until its disbandment in 2015, made the journey from his home in Wales to take part in the intimate ceremony. At the event, Campbell shared a fond laugh, saying, "He’s going to have a good view!" referring to the new resting place of his bandmate’s ashes. "It’s a great place to put some of his ashes to rest in London in Stringfellows, especially because he really enjoyed going there when he had a night off." This sentiment was echoed by Campbell, who added that Lemmy would have loved the idea of having part of him immortalized at a place so central to his life.
But this installation behind the bar is just one part of the ongoing "Lemmy Forever!" movement. The movement is dedicated to preserving Lemmy's legacy by placing parts of his ashes in some of his favorite locations around the world. "We’re just paying our honor to Lem really, putting him in places where he likes to be," Campbell explained. "People can raise a toast to him every time they’re there, or have a chat with him, or whatever. He was always a good listener."
The urn at Stringfellows is not the first memorial to Lemmy—after his death in 2015, part of his ashes were buried at the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Hollywood, in a ceremony attended by an array of rock stars who had shared the stage with him. Members of Nirvana, Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl, Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash, and Metallica's Lars Ulrich and Robert Trujillo were among the mourners who paid their respects to the legendary bassist. However, Lemmy's final resting places are not confined to just one spot. Campbell also revealed that several of Lemmy’s close friends received a special memento: a bullet casing containing some of his ashes, a fitting tribute to the rock star who was known for his rebellious spirit.
“I’ve got one around my neck right now,” Campbell said. “He wouldn’t want to be put in a box in just one place. He was a man of the road; he liked to travel. All of his friends have a small part of him, and that’s really, really special." For those who knew Lemmy, this gesture is a perfect reflection of his lifestyle. Known for his love of rock and roll, the open road, and his countless adventures, it only seems right that part of Lemmy should continue to roam the earth, symbolically at least.
The ceremony at Stringfellows was more than just a somber occasion; it was also a celebration of Lemmy's life and legacy. In true Lemmy fashion, the event featured Motorhead rum and beer, alongside Lemmy's favorite meal—pizza. It was a fitting tribute to a man who lived life on his own terms, never shying away from indulging in his pleasures. Musician and bandmate Mikkey Dee also delivered a heartfelt message during the ceremony, read by his son, Marcus, further honoring Lemmy’s contribution to rock music.
Looking ahead, Campbell confirmed that plans are in motion to commemorate both the 50th anniversary of Motorhead’s formation and the 10th anniversary of Lemmy's passing in 2025. "There’s stuff planned for next year," Campbell teased. "It’s going to be special." For the fans who still revere Lemmy’s music and personality, this anniversary will surely be an emotional occasion, one that celebrates both his impact on rock music and the enduring bond between Lemmy and his fans.
Reflecting on his late bandmate, Campbell described Lemmy as a man unlike any other. "He was unique, wasn’t he? He was a law unto himself," he said. "Even when he was ill, we never spoke about it. We always talked about the next album, or the next tour, or the next song." Lemmy’s sudden passing left a huge hole in the rock world, and the shock of it still lingers in the hearts of those who knew him best. However, his influence remains timeless. Through the music that he created and the stories of his larger-than-life personality, Lemmy’s legacy is secure.
Motorhead, under Lemmy’s leadership, helped to pioneer heavy metal music, with a string of iconic albums like the 1980 smash hit “Ace of Spades” that still resonates with fans old and new. Lemmy’s unique sound and style, with his gritty voice and relentless bass riffs, helped to shape an entire genre of music. While Motorhead may have ended, Lemmy’s spirit lives on through the band’s music and through the ongoing tributes like the one at Stringfellows.
Lemmy’s passing was not just the end of an era for Motorhead but for rock and roll as a whole. However, his legacy endures. From his ashes being spread across the globe to his music continuing to inspire, Lemmy remains one of rock’s most unforgettable figures. For Phil Campbell, the journey of remembering his friend and bandmate is far from over. And just like Lemmy himself would have wanted, the celebration of his life and music will continue for generations to come.
Login