Lemmy Kilmister
Lemmy Kilmister: A Life of Rock 'n' Roll Rebellion
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Iain Robert "Lemmy" Kilmister was born on December 24, 1945, in Stoke-on-Trent, England. He is often referred to as the "King of Punk" or simply Lemmy.
#### Birth and Death Dates
December 24, 1945 – December 28, 2015
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
British musician, singer, songwriter, record producer, and artist. Lemmy was a true rock 'n' roll renaissance man.
#### Early Life and Background
Growing up in post-war England, Lemmy's early life was marked by turmoil and rebellion. His parents separated when he was just four years old, leaving him to be raised by his mother and grandmother. He attended art school for a brief period before dropping out to pursue music full-time.
Lemmy's introduction to rock 'n' roll came through the likes of Elvis Presley and Little Richard, which sparked an insatiable desire to play music himself. At 17, he joined the local band The Rockin' Vickers, laying the foundation for a lifelong passion that would take him to the farthest reaches of the musical world.
#### Major Accomplishments
In 1969, Lemmy co-founded the influential space rock band Hawkwind, with whom he released several critically acclaimed albums. However, his tenure was cut short due to a heroin bust in Canada, which saw him deported back to England.
It wasn't until 1975 that Lemmy's most iconic creation took shape – Motörhead. With their signature blend of punk and heavy metal, the band would go on to release over 20 studio albums and become one of the most influential acts of the late 20th century.
#### Notable Works or Actions
Motörhead's early discography is a testament to Lemmy's innovative spirit and dedication to pushing the boundaries of rock music. Classics like "Ace of Spades" (1980), "Iron Fist" (1982), and "Orgasmatron" (1983) have become synonymous with rebellion and excess.
Lemmy's influence extends far beyond his own work, however. He was an inspiration to countless musicians across genres, from punk icons like the Sex Pistols to metal legends like Metallica. His unwavering commitment to the rock 'n' roll lifestyle has cemented his status as a cult hero.
#### Impact and Legacy
Lemmy's passing on December 28, 2015, sent shockwaves throughout the music world. Tributes poured in from fellow musicians, fans, and even notable figures like David Bowie and Metallica.
His legacy is complex – equal parts rock god, punk iconoclast, and rebellious spirit. Lemmy embodied the very essence of rock 'n' roll: unbridled energy, unwavering dedication, and an unrelenting passion for creating something truly original.
#### Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Lemmy's words are as iconic as his music. His sharp wit, dry humor, and razor-sharp observations on life and rock 'n' roll have been immortalized in countless interviews, documentaries, and quotes.
"Lemmy Kilmister was a true original – a force of nature who defied convention and created something uniquely his own," says former Motörhead bassist Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor. "His impact on rock music will be felt for generations to come."
As Lemmy himself once said, "Rock 'n' roll is a way of life. It's not just about the music – it's about the attitude, the rebellion, and the refusal to conform." These words encapsulate the essence of this remarkable individual and serve as a testament to his enduring influence on the world of rock 'n' roll.
Quotes by Lemmy Kilmister
Lemmy Kilmister's insights on:
The only time I’ve seen any rebellion was in the fifties, sixties and early seventies. The rest of it you can keep.
If there is a God he hasn’t been paying attention. He should retire and hand over to a younger man, because he’s making a real bollocks of everything.
So I peeked under the tent-flap and there was Tommy, stark naked with his clothes under his one arm, running like a maniac. Following closely behind was a furious Guide mistress beating him on the head with his own arm!
People don’t become better when they’re dead; you just talk about them as if they are.
I like girls. That’s the only reason I’m in the music business – I discovered you could get women to take their clothes off if you had a guitar. And they come off a lot faster if you can play it.
My ethic is: ‘Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die.’ You can be as careful as you want, but you’re going to die anyway, so why not have fun?
We were a blues band, really. Although we played it at a thousand miles an hour, it was recognizable as blues – at least to us it was; probably it wasn’t to anybody else.
Integrity is everything to me. I will not die ashamed. I will live on my deathbed knowing that I gave it my best shot, and everything else is meaningless to me.
People don’t want to see the guy next door on the stage, they want to see a being from another planet. You want to see somebody you’d never meet in ordinary life.