Motörhead’s late frontman Ian Kilmister was best known by the single name Lemmy. He was the English rock musician’s adopted stage name and became one of the most recognisable identities in heavy metal.
Lemmy founded Motörhead in London in 1975 after leaving the space-rock group Hawkwind. He served as the band’s lead vocalist, bassist and principal songwriter, remaining its only constant member until his death in 2015. Motörhead’s fast, loud blend of rock and roll, heavy metal and punk influence helped inspire later speed-metal and thrash-metal bands.
His gravelly voice, mutton-chop sideburns, military-style clothing and heavily distorted Rickenbacker bass made him instantly distinctive. His best-known songs include “Ace of Spades,” “Overkill” and “Bomber.”
The alternatives are names associated with Motörhead history: “Philthy” refers to drummer Phil Taylor, while “Fast Eddie” refers to guitarist Eddie Clarke. Neither was Lemmy’s stage name. Lemmy had earlier performed with Hawkwind and sang on their hit “Silver Machine.”