Crushing news coming in at this hour that Motörhead’s indomitable leader Lemmy Kilmister has died at age 70. Lemmy had just turned 70 years old on Christmas Eve. Although the band has not confirmed it officially at this time, VH1/Sirius XM host Eddie Trunk released the news online. Trunk and Lemmy were said to be close. Scores of artists have taken to social media to share their grief.No cause of death has been cited yet, but he had dealt with health issues for several years that caused the cancellation of tours and for the first time in the bands history, halted performances. Still, Lemmy along with Motörhead ‘s reputation in the annals of rock, punk, and metal were cemented with over 40 years of great releases and epic touring schedules. The band had toured extensively this year, promoting the August release of their latest album Bad Magic (UDR). We will update with more news as it comes in, and we wish his family, friends and fans our condolences at this time.

UPDATE: The band has released a statement confirming Lemmy’s passing:

There is no easy way to say this…our mighty, noble friend Lemmy passed away today after a short battle with an extremely aggressive cancer. He had learnt of the disease on December 26th, and was at home, sitting in front of his favorite video game from The Rainbow which had recently made it’s way down the street, with his family.

We cannot begin to express our shock and sadness, there aren’t words.

We will say more in the coming days, but for now, please…play Motörhead loud, play Hawkwind loud, play Lemmy’s music LOUD.
Have a drink or few.

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Celebrate the LIFE this lovely, wonderful man celebrated so vibrantly himself.

HE WOULD WANT EXACTLY THAT.

Ian ‘Lemmy’ Kilmister

1945 -2015

Born to lose, lived to win.

There is no easy way to say this…our mighty, noble friend Lemmy passed away today after a short battle with an extremely…

Posted by Official Motörhead on Monday, December 28, 2015