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 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.
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
“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
“What a great example of Rock And Roll. We love you Lemmy!” – Slash
“Many people say Lemmy is God. I believe that.” Matt Sorum
“I never saw him rude to a fan or inappropriate with women.” – Slim Jim Phantom of The Stray Cats and The HeadCat.
“We must always celebrate, respect and enjoy our elders.” – Robert Trujillo of Metallica
“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
“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 homeWhen 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 homeWhen 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’
Children of Bodom are back and armed with a new album, Halo of Blood (Nuclear Blast) that seems to find them displaying the passion of the early days of the band. They are hitting the road on the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival starting this weekend in California. We chatted with front man Alexi ‘Wildchild’ Laiho about the upcoming tour, his new album, new record deal, and his perspective about his career status among other topics.