Former Motörhead Drummer Phil Taylor Dies Aged 61
Former Motörhead drummer Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor has died aged 61.
Posting to Facebook, his friend and former bandmate “Fast” Eddie Clarke says, “My dear friend and brother passed away last night. 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!”
A post on the official Motörhead Facebook page reads:
“Lil’ Philthy…he who once shouted ‘stop wincing about’ on an album…he who fueled many a young boy’s punk/metal hairstyles…he who played the drums with fury and intent…he who liked to call people ‘wazzocks’ once in a while…friend, Roman, Derbyshireman…rest in peace…with much love…”
Tributes for Taylor have been flowing since the announcement, with the likes of Ozzy Osbourne, Mike Portnoy, Slash and Hatebreed’s Jamey Jasta sharing their condolences online. Catch those tributes, below.
Taylor was part of Motörhead for 14 years. He left the band in 1984, only to return again in 1987 and going on to play with the band until 1992. His talents feature on a stack of the group’s studio albums, including hit songs like Overkill and Ace Of Spades.
Watch: Motörhead – Ace Of Spades
Just heard about Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor’s passing. It’s a terrible terrible loss. He was a great friend – great…
Posted by Ozzy Osbourne on Thursday, 12 November 2015
My dear friend and brother passed away last night. He had been ill for sometime but that does not make it any easier…
Posted by Fast Eddie Clarke Official on Thursday, 12 November 2015
Lil’ Philthy…he who once shouted ‘stop wincing about’ on an album…he who fueled many a young boy’s punk/metal…
Posted by Official Motörhead on Thursday, 12 November 2015
RIP Philthy Animal Taylor…Motorhead's Overkill was one of the first double bass songs I ever learned. My tribute: https://t.co/I6jDVw5NIc
— Mike Portnoy 🤘 (@MikePortnoy) November 12, 2015
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
RIP Phil Taylor! What a legend! He changed the world of heavy metal drumming! Double bass animal! Gonna go blare "Overkill" in his honor \m/
— Jamey Jasta (@jameyjasta) November 12, 2015
sad news. RIP "philthy animal" taylor. so much crushingly good music. gonna go home and crank "overkill" and "ace of spades" in your honor.
— matt nathanson (@mattnathanson) November 12, 2015
Sad to hear about the passing of Phil Taylor. #RIP @myMotorhead#AnotherPerfectDayTour
— HELIX (@helixtheband) November 12, 2015
Feature Image: Getty Images
