Iconic Motörhead vocalist / bassist Ian ‘Lemmy’ Kilmister passed away at age 70 on December 28th from an extremely aggressive cancer. Since this depressing news broke, social media has exploded with tributes and accolades to the fallen legend. Drummer Matt Sorum, best known as a former member of Guns N' Roses, The Cult and Velvet Revolver, once toured with Motörhead (in 2009) as their temporary drummer; he has posted the following tribute to Lemmy:
 
“Today we lost the greatest badass in the history of Rock n Roll , Lemmy Kilmister . He was a man who lived his life with no apologies and lived the dream of a life on the road playing to thousands of fans worldwide .Lemmy loved RNR and his fans. Never took them for granted and rocked as hard as he could night after night . With his opening line at every Motorhead show...

‘We are Motorhead and we play Rock n Roll.’

I met Lemmy in '89 when playing with The Cult in London in a small rock club called St Moritz . He opened his arms to me as I was new to the big leagues at that point. I felt accepted by him and that meant everything to me. The years ahead with Guns N' Roses, The Cult and Velvet Revolver and travels on the road it was always a good time crossing paths with him. Likes Pirates on sailing ships. He was someone that carved the way and we followed by example. Stick to what you believe in, never waver, and everybody else can fuck off. 

I got the call to play with Motorhead in 2009 and took the invitation meeting them in DC with no rehearsal although somewhat nervous the fans would kill me if I didn't do the music justice. I played with the toughest rock n roll band in history and definitely the loudest. The best time was on the bus with countless stories from the very intelligent Lemmy, a well read man and history buff. It made you really love him like an elder statesman that you looked up too. A classic gentleman, really.

That's what he was for me. He taught me to respect myself and have respect and gratitude for the life we'd be given. He will always remain in my heart as a guide to push on. Take no prisoners and never give up. The world of rock is shaken today but thank god Lemmy was here to teach us how it's supposed to be done.

My condolences to his band mates Phil and Mikkey and his family and close friends .

God Speed my Friend , I love you and will miss you.”

Motörhead has issued the following statement with regards to Lemmy's passing:

"There is no easy way to say this… our mighty, noble friend Lemmy passed away today (December 28th) after a short battle with an extremely aggressive cancer. He had learnt of the disease on December 26th, and was at home, sitting in front of his favorite video game from The Rainbow which had recently made it’s way down the street, with his family.

We cannot begin to express our shock and sadness, there aren’t words.

We will say more in the coming days, but for now, please… play Motörhead loud... play Hawkwind loud, play Lemmy’s music LOUD. Have a drink or few. Share stories. Celebrate the LIFE this lovely, wonderful man celebrated so vibrantly himself.

HE WOULD WANT EXACTLY THAT.

Ian ‘Lemmy’ Kilmister

1945 -2015

Born to lose, lived to win."