A towering bronze statue of iconic Motörhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister has been unveiled in his hometown of Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, drawing hundreds of fans to the ceremony. The 2.25-metre black-coloured sculpture, crafted by local artist Andy Edwards, now stands proudly in Market Place, commemorating both the 10th anniversary of Lemmy’s passing and the 50th anniversary of Motörhead’s formation.
The ceremony featured appearances from several notable figures, including the band’s guitarist Phil Campbell, who described the sculpture as “amazing.” Fans, many of whom have followed Motörhead since their youth, travelled from across the UK to witness the unveiling.
In a unique tribute, the statue also contains some of Lemmy’s ashes, which were escorted to the ceremony in a procession of roaring motorbikes, paying homage to the late rocker’s lifelong connection to biker culture.
The statue depicts Lemmy in his classic stance: singing up towards a microphone while playing his signature Rickenbacker bass guitar. Edwards, who has also sculpted figures such as The Beatles, Bob Marley, Sir Alex Ferguson, Muhammad Ali, and the Bee Gees, said Lemmy was a personal hero.
Born Ian Fraser Kilmister in Burslem in 1945, Lemmy grew up in nearby Newcastle-under-Lyme and Madeley. He joined the space-rock band Hawkwind as bassist and vocalist in 1971 before forming Motörhead four years later. Over the next four decades, Motörhead released 23 studio albums, solidifying their place in rock history.
Lemmy’s unmistakable gravelly voice, thunderous bass lines, and unapologetic lifestyle made him a symbol of defiance and raw rock spirit. His death on 28 December 2015, just days after being diagnosed with prostate cancer, marked the end of an era.
About The Author
