Motörhead frontman Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister has paid tribute to the band's former drummer Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor, who died on Wednesday, November 11 at the age of 61 after suffering of poor health for some time.
Speaking to UK magazine Classic Rock, Lemmy said, "I'm feeling very sad at the moment, in fact devastated, because one of my best friends died yesterday.
"I miss him already. His name was Phil Taylor, or Philthy Animal, and he was our drummer twice in our career. We're still going, we're still going strong, it's just first Würzel and now Philthy, it's a shame man. I think this rock 'n' roll business might be bad for the human life."
Taylor played in the band from 1975 to 1984 and again from 1987 to 1992, appearing on a total of eleven albums from the band, including 1979's Bomber, 1980's Ace Of Spades, and 1982's Iron Fist.
Further tributes to Taylor poured in on Twitter today with Ozzy Osbourne saying, "It's a terrible, terrible loss. He was a great friend - great drummer - a great guy and he will be dearly missed. Today is a very sad day for me. Rest in peace - and he still owes me 500 bucks from that time in Vegas."
Former Guns n' Roses guitarist Slash said, "Sad, sad news about losing Phil 'Philthy Animal' Taylor. One of the best drummers in rock'n'roll. RIP Phil, you will be missed. A lot."
Sad sad news about losing Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor. One of the best drummers in Rock n Roll. RIP Phil, you will be missed. A lot.
— Slash (@Slash) November 12, 2015
Dave Mustaine of Megadeth, who played Dublin last Monday night, said, "I am very sad to hear about the passing of Phil 'Philthy Animal' Taylor. My condolences to his family. Rest In Peace Phil."
Taylor's drumming style was a major influence on drummers in the thrash metal genre.
The official Motorhead Facebook page posted this image of Taylor to pay tribute to the late star.
Paying tribute on Twitter today, Motörhead guitarist 'Fast' Eddie Clarke.Clarke described him as his friend and brother.
"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."
I am very sad to hear about the passing of Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor. My condolences to his family. Rest In Peace Phil.
— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) November 12, 2015
Taylor joined Clarke and Lemmy onstage at a show in Birmingham last November.
His former Motörhead bandmate Michael 'Würzel' Burston passed away in 2011 from heart problems at the age of 61.
