David Bowie Dies of Cancer At Age 69


DavidBowie-portrait

David Bowie, who for the majority of his 50 year career was both commercially successful and critically adored, has died after an 18 month bout with cancer, according to a release from his publicist and social media posts from his family. Just this past Friday on January 8th,  Bowie released his new album Blackstar (stylized in some cases as * ) (RCA/Columbia) on his 69th Birthday. Information on this sad news is just coming in, so we will continue to follow-up on it here at Ghost Cult.

 

January 10 2016 – David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18 month battle with…

Posted by David Bowie on Sunday, January 10, 2016


Video: Full Lemmy Kilmister Memorial Event Posted Online


lemmy tribute 1

The two-plus hour video of Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead‘s funeral is now available to watch online. You can watch the ceremony at this link or below:

https://youtu.be/qSAXVdIj6jY

Hundreds of mourners filled the chapel at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Los Angeles to celebrate the life and the memory of Lemmy. Motörhead manager Todd Singerman was the host with eulogies by many legendary musicians and celebrities such as drummer Mikkey Dee, Lemmy’s close friend Dave Grohl of The Foo Fighters, Lars Ulrich and Robert Trujillo of Metallica, Slash and Matt Sorum of Guns `N Roses fame, Rob Halford of Judas Priest, Mike Inez of Alice In Chains, Slim Jim Phantom of Headcat and The Stray Cats, Scott Ian of Anthrax, members of Skew Siskin, Whitefield Crane of Ugly Kid Joe, Triple H from the WWE, and countless others. Lemmy’s son Paul Inder, his partner Sheryl and many family, friends, roadcrew and other friends also spoke. Others in attendance, but didn’t speak were Ozzy and Sharone Osborne and Gene Simmons of KISS.

Lemmy's bass rings out a single note of feedback to close his funeral

Lemmy’s bass rings out a single note of feedback to close his funeral


Family, Friends, And Musicians Honor Lemmy At His Funeral


lemmy tribute 1

Hundreds of mourners filled the chapel at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Los Angeles to celebrate the life and the memory of Ian Frasier “Lemmy” Kilmister of Motörhead today. Their manager Todd Singerman was the de facto Master of Ceremonies which was fitting. A cadre of Lemmy’s family, loved ones, peers, friends and his loyal road crew reminisced and regaled all in attendance in person and online via the webcast on YouTube. Although an official number has not been released, at one point the number of viewers online topped 246,000. Lemmy’s urn was at the center of the deus, a stage adorned with red and white flowers, two huge Marshall stacks and his bass, and giant Iron Cross  other tributes and a lectern as well. Many in attendance could be seen sporting Lemmy’s trademark hat. Many carried shots and drank liberally. As expected everyone spoke glowingly of Lemmy, relating their personal experiences with the man being enormously talented and famous, but remaining down to earth and even comically self-aware at times. 

Lemmy's funeral

 

screenshot of lemmys funeral

Lemmy’s son Paul Inder spoke first and lovingly about his father, ultimately praising him for never quitting on the band or his fans. Next was Mikkey Dee who represented Motörhead with Phil Campbell unable to attend. Dee confessed that prior to the last few years when Lemmy’s health started to fail, the two had never talked about intimate, personal topics as friends, just band stuff.

Todd Singermann

Todd Singermann

Paul Inder Lemmy's son Eulogizes Lemmy

Paul Inder, Lemmy’s son Eulogizes Lemmy

 

Mikkey Dee

Mikkey Dee

Some other memorable quotes and moments:

It was an absolute honor playing, writing, and laughing with you.” Phil Campbell via a letter read by Whitfield Crane (Ugly Kid Joe)

“Lemmy was gravitational…” “We are mourning two deaths. Motörhead is no longer.” “Motörhead eats sunsets for breakfast”.   Mike Inez of Alice In Chains  

A true rock and roll maverick.”  “Faith, Family, Friends, and Fans. God Bless you Lemmy.” Rob Halford of Judas Priest

Triple H Eulogizes Lemmy

Triple H Eulogizes Lemmy

He gave me the gift of his sound.” “He was a true gentleman'”  – Triple H

 

“It was you who taught us how to rock You taught us how to be fucking real.” Scott Ian of Anthrax 

 

Scott Ian Eulogizes Lemmy

Scott Ian Eulogizes Lemmy

 

“What a great example of Rock And Roll. We love you Lemmy!” – Slash

Slash Eulogizes Lemmy

Slash Eulogizes Lemmy

“Many people say Lemmy is God. I believe that.” Matt Sorum

Slim Jim Phantom Eulogizes Lemmy

Slim Jim Phantom Eulogizes Lemmy

“I never saw him rude to a fan or inappropriate with women.” – Slim Jim Phantom of The Stray Cats and The HeadCat.

 

Robert Trujillo Eulogizes Lemmy

Robert Trujillo Eulogizes Lemmy

“We must always celebrate, respect and enjoy our elders.” – Robert Trujillo of Metallica

 

Lars Ulrich of Metallica eulogizes Lemmy

Lars Ulrich of Metallica eulogizes Lemmy

Lemmy was always so fucking hospitable, like the greatest host ever.” – Lars Ulrich of Metallica

I have always cited Lemmy and Motörhead as the primary source of inspiration for Metallica, and I always will.” Lars Ulrich of Metallica

 

Dave Grohl eulogizes Lemmy

Dave Grohl eulogizes Lemmy

“Lemmy had the biggest heart, because he was so kind.” – Dave Grohl

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I’m tired, I’m weak, I’m lone
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

When my way grows drear precious Lord linger near
When my light is almost gone
Hear my cry, hear my call
Hold my hand lest I fall
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

When the darkness appears and the night draws near
And the day is past and gone
At the river I stand
Guide my feet, hold my hand
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home”

Dave Grohl reading an excerpt of the Little Richard song ‘Precious Lord, Lead Me Home’

Lemmy's bass rings out a single note of feedback to close his funeral

Lemmy’s bass rings out a single note of feedback to close his funeral


Funeral Services for Lemmy Kilmister Begin Shortly, Live Link Available


Lemmy of Motörhead, ©Hillarie Jason

Lemmy of Motörhead, Photo credit: ©Hillarie Jason

Funeral services for Ian Frasier “Lemmy” Kilmister of Motörhead’s begin in about an hour with the memorial services from Los Angeles, California and webcasted globally. You can stream the services at this link or below at 2:30 PST.

 

 

Family and close friends will observe a service at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood, commencing at 3 p.m. PST and ending at 4:30 p.m. With such limited space available on site, Motörhead is respectfully asking that fans don’t attend the service at the cemetery, but the band wants everyone to be a part of this, so they are setting up a live feed webcast of the service. Also with the Los Angeles public memorial expected to be heavily attended, The Rainbow Bar And Grill have announced that the entire Sunset Strip will be used.

Fans are leaving constant comments of support and love for Lemmy on social media and at the Official Motorhead YouTube channel, the site of the stream. The following message greets fans:

 

 

We want you ALL to be a part of this memorial service.

So wherever you are, PLEASE get together and watch with fellow Motörheadbangers and friends. GO to your favorite bar, or your favorite club, make sure they have access to an internet connection and toast along with us.
Or simply invite your pals around and celebrate Lemm’s life at home.

Whatever your venue, and however you can, let’s be sure to gather globally on Saturday 9th and celebrate the life of our dear friend and irreplaceable icon.

NOTE: For anyone wishing to send flowers, please contact Karen Brando at
Flowers by Michael
(310) 276-1003

www.flowersbymichael.com
kbrando@flowersbymichael.com

If you’d like to make a charitable donation under Lemmy’s name, please go to:

Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund

http://www.diocancerfund.org/


Lemmy Funeral Plans, Webcast, And Donations Announced


Motörhead, ©Hillarie Jason

Motörhead, ©Hillarie Jason

Details are now set for one of the most enduring personalities in music history. Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead’s family and close friends will observe a service at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood, commencing at 3 p.m. PST and ending at 4:30 p.m. With such limited space available on site, Motörhead is respectfully asking that fans don’t attend the service at the cemetery, but the band wants everyone to be a part of this, so they are setting up a live feed webcast of the service via Motörhead’s official YouTube channel. Also with the public memorial expected to be heavily attended, The Rainbow Bar And Grill have announced that the entire Sunset Strip will be used.

The band has released a statement:

“Wherever you are, PLEASE get together and watch the service with fellow Motörheadbangers and friends. GO to your favorite bar, or your favorite club, make sure they have access to an Internet connection and toast along with us. Or simply invite your pals around and celebrate Lemm’s life at home. Whatever your venue, and however you can, let’s be sure to gather globally on Saturday, January 9 and celebrate the life of our dear friend and irreplaceable icon.”

For anyone wishing to send flowers, please contact Karen Brando at Flowers By Michael: (310) 276-1003.

Charitable donations under Lemmy’s name can be made to the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund.

lemmymemorial_638


Lemmy’s Funeral Set For January 9th, London Memorial Planned


Motörhead, ©Hillarie Jason

Motörhead, ©Hillarie Jason

According to Motörhead‘s Manager Todd Singerman, Lemmy Kilmister’s funeral will be held on on January 9th at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Los Angeles at 3 PM. In addition to the Public Memorial at The Rainbow Bar And Grill, a London memorial has been planned for the same day at The Wig and Gown, 99 Holloway Road, London N7 8LT. Doors are at 9 PM and the event will run until 1 AM local time and plans for a simulcast of the LA services. Other memorials are also being planned for the legendary rocker around the world. 

The Facebook event for the London memorial can be found here


Obituary: Lemmy Kilmister Of Motörhead, 1945-2015


Motörhead © Kevin Estrada / kevinestrada.com

Motörhead © Kevin Estrada / kevinestrada.com

 

The music world lost one of its true great baddasses when Ian Frasier Kilmister, known to scores of fans by his eponymous nickname Lemmy of Motörhead, passed away suddenly from cancer on December 28th. The shockwave felt with from announcement of his death at age 70 on social media, and then confirmation by the band was heartbreaking for many who followed his career of nearly five decades. Although he has struggled with health issues the last few years, Motörhead was last seen on tour in Europe three weeks earlier, supporting their recent new album Bad Magic (UDR). One of the most enduring sounds in rock music, the obscenely loud volume of the bands’ live backline, unmatched by any band in any genre, will never be heard again. Continue reading


Remaining Motörhead Members Announce The End Of The Band


Motörhead, ©Hillarie Jason

Motörhead, ©Hillarie Jason

Following the news of Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister of Motörhead passing, drummer Mikkey Dee has given an interview with Swedish newspaper Expressen, saying that “Motörhead is over, of course. Lemmy was Motörhead. But the band will live on in the memories of many.”

He continued to put a definitive end to the band, reflecting on the final months of their life as a band:

“We will not be doing any more tours or anything. And there will not be any more records. But the fire survives, and Lemmy lives on in the hearts of everyone.”

Motörhead, ©Hillarie Jason

Motörhead, ©Hillarie Jason

Speaking of their final tour of Europe:

“He was terribly gaunt,” “He spent all his energy on stage and afterwards he was very, very tired. It’s incredible that he could even play, that he could finish the Europe tour. It was only 20 days ago. Unbelievable.”

“It feels fantastic that we were able to complete the tour with [Lemmy], “It’s heartening that we didn’t cancel because of Lemmy.

“I’m incredibly grateful over the years we’ve had, and that we had such a good time together.”

The band had toured extensively this year, promoting the August release of their latest album Bad Magic (UDR).

motorheadbadmagiccd_638


UPDATED: Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister of Motörhead, Dead At Age 70


Motörhead, ©Hillarie Jason

Motörhead, ©Hillarie Jason

Crushing news coming in at this hour that Motörhead’s indomitable leader Lemmy Kilmister has died at age 70. Lemmy had just turned 70 years old on Christmas Eve. Although the band has not confirmed it officially at this time, VH1/Sirius XM host Eddie Trunk released the news online. Trunk and Lemmy were said to be close.  Scores of artists have taken to social media to share their grief.No cause of death has been cited yet, but he had dealt with health issues for several years that caused the cancellation of tours and for the first time in the bands history, halted performances. Still, Lemmy along with Motörhead ‘s reputation in the annals of rock, punk, and metal were cemented with over 40 years of great releases and epic touring schedules. The band had toured extensively this year, promoting the August release of their latest album Bad Magic (UDR). We will update with more news as it comes in, and we wish his family, friends and fans our condolences at this time.

UPDATE: The band has released a statement confirming Lemmy’s passing:  

 There is no easy way to say this…our mighty, noble friend Lemmy passed away today 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.

There is no easy way to say this…our mighty, noble friend Lemmy passed away today after a short battle with an extremely…

Posted by Official Motörhead on Monday, December 28, 2015

 

 

 

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Motörhead, ©Hillarie Jason

Motörhead, ©Hillarie Jason


Obituary: Scott Weiland, 1967- 2015


weiland-vasoline

The rock world lost a unique, yet enigmatic talent when Scott Weiland was found dead on the evening of December 3rd 2015  on his tour bus in Minneapolis, MN, ahead of a scheduled performance with his band. He was 48 years old. Weiland was on tour with his band Scott Weiland And The Wildabouts, and was found by his tour manager, right as he was to appear on stage to perform.

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Scott Weiland, with Stone Temple Pilots

Weiland, born Scott Richard Klein in San José California in 1967, adopted his stepfather’s surname as a boy; a name that he would become synonymous with as an adult. Weiland shot to fame in 1992 with his band Stone Temple Pilots on the strength of their début album, Core (Atlantic). Initially dismissed as Peal Jam copycats by some critics and fans specifically because of Weiland’s voice, STP went on to become one of the most respected, best-selling, and original bands of the Grunge/Alt-Rock movement of 1990s. After an acrimonious split with STP, Weiland formed the super-group Velvet Revolver in 2003 with members of Guns `N Roses and had two hit albums before going on hiatus, which included his firing from the band. STP and Weiland had reconciled several times over the years, but he officially fired in 2013 and was not in the latest incarnation of the band which toured in 2015. Weiland also has several solo projects and other bands over the years including The Magnificent Bastards, producing a well-received Christmas album in 2014, recorded many distinctive cover songs, and participated in the disputed Art of Anarchy album in 2015.

Velvet Revolver

Scott Weiland, with Velvet Revolver

An autobiography was released in 2011, Not Dead & Not for Sale, co-written with David Ritz. With many public feuds and an openness about his issues with drug addiction and mental illness, he opened up a controversial dialogue about these topics. Known as a musical chameleon throughout his career, he often adopted a style that served the song first, often leaping out of his own comfort zone talent-wise. He was unusually gifted at harmonizing his own tracks, a credit to his self-trained ear. Above all he ought to be held in high regard for his dusky and flexible baritone and tenor voice, his interesting melodic choices, philosophical lyrics, wild stage performances, and bold charisma.

 

WORDS BY KEITH CHACHKES