Former Motorhead Drummer Phil Taylor Dead at 61

Yahoo Music Contributors
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Motörhead’s drummer Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor died Wednesday, former band member “Fast” Eddie Clarke confirmed. (Redferns)

Motörhead’s original drummer, Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor, died last night (Nov. 11), according to former guitarist “Fast” Eddie Clarke. Taylor was 61.

“My dear friend and brother passed away last night,” Clarke wrote on his Facebook page. “He had been ill for sometime but that does not make it any easier when the time finally comes. I have known Phil since he was 21 and he was one hell of a character. Fortunately we made some fantastic music together and I have many many fond memories of our time together. Rest in Peace, Phil!”

Taylor drummed with the pioneering British heavy metal outfit from 1975 to 1984 and then again from 1987 to 1992, which means he played on the bulk of the band’s classic recordings.

Although he officially left Motörhead decades ago, Taylor linked up with the band’s current lineup to perform the immortal “Ace of Spades” in Birmingham last November.