S Poddar
The spirit of rock and roll thunder that was Lemmy Kilmister is due to reverberate once more at this year’s Bloodstock Festival. The legendary frontman of Motorhead—an epitome of unyielding power and the spirit of rebellion—is going to be remembered in a very unique way: by a permanent memorial featuring a portion of his ashes.
Phil Campbell, of Motorhead guitar extraordinaire and very close friend to Lemmy, says the late legend was a man possessed with unwavering integrity and a rock and roller to the marrow: “He was one of a kind,” Campbell reflects. “A true pioneer.” This weekend, fans from around the world will have the opportunity to pay their respects to Lemmy in a fittingly rock ‘n’ roll manner as Bloodstock unveil a specially commissioned bust housing a part of his essence.
His death in December 2015 came just days after being diagnosed with cancer, so the music world was really in shock. That final show—a ripping Berlin performance—proved to be a poignant goodbye to one of rock’s giants. He’s been remembered warmly by friends and fans alike; even Metallica’s James Hetfield reportedly had a piece of Lemmy with him at all times as his own personal tribute.
It’s now time for the fans to get up close and personal with the legendary frontman. Along with the memorial bust, Bloodstock is also coming up with an exhibit of extremely rare memorabilia, never-before-seen pictures, and painstakingly created replicas of Lemmy’s dressing room. Entering it was like walking into the sanctum sanctorum of a rock god, witnessing for oneself the human energy that coursed his life.
Campbell, who will take to the main stage to share personal and poignant stories about his friend, said this tribute was just about perfect to celebrate Lemmy’s enduring legacy: “People can come and share their thoughts or scream, or even shout at him for playing too loud—just like I used to.” He laughs. “That’s a place to connect with the man and the music.”
Bloodstock joins an elite list of global venues to host a portion of Lemmy’s ashes, including the iconic Rainbow Bar & Grill in West Hollywood. Following the festival, the remaining ashes will be laid to rest at the seminal Rock City music venue in Nottingham. Fear not, rock fans, for a portion of Lemmy’s ashes shall return to Bloodstock every year to guarantee Lemmy lives on at this hallowed ground.
It was upon the dreary landscape of London in the 1970s that Motorhead, through the very charismatic Lemmy, exploded onto the scene with brutal and relentless speed and power. Their anthems, like “Overkill,” “Iron Fist,” and the immortal “Ace of Spades,” became a soundtrack to countless rebellions.
The legend that was Lemmy’s personality was as legendary as his music. He was known for his undeniable devotion to rock and roll; he was a man who liked to live by his own rules. But beneath the tough exterior lay a real, warm, sensitive core of care for his fans and fellow members of the band.
Campbell, who joined Motorhead in the mid-1980s, has had quite the ride with the band. He remembered Lemmy never lost his passion for making unforgettable rock and roll, which obviously was attained. “I miss him every day,” Campbell said. “He was one of a kind, intelligent, kind, and incredibly funny. There aren’t many people like him left in the world.”
Even the mundane could turn into an adventure with Lemmy. Campbell tells of carrying a bullet with a smidgen of Lemmy’s ashes in it, a Treasured Keepsake. But airport security was another story. “They nearly had a heart attack when they saw it,” Campbell said laughing. “I had to prove to them it was costume jewelry online. Not a real bullet. I don’t take it abroad anymore, but it is special to me.”
There’s running through the very heart of Bloodstock a thread of acknowledgement and love for Lemmy and Motorhead. A very special connection with that legend is shared by festival organizers Vicky and Alan Hungerford. It was working as Lemmy’s personal assistant and security guard that Vicky met her husband, setting a long-lasting bond between them.
“Lemmy was just the best,” says Alan. “You hear these stories about him, no matter how ridiculous, and they’re probably all true.” Vicky concurs, “There will never be another Lemmy—the most rock and roll star.”
The Bloodstock tribute was a labor of love. Beginning with Lemmy’s iconic hat and bass guitar to personal items such as his reading glasses and his much-loved Milky Way chocolates, the exhibit offers a close look at the life of a rock legend. Even the slot machine that went everywhere with him while on tour and a plaque citing the canceled tour in the wake of his death are on display.
For Vicky and Alan, sorting out the exhibition has been an emotional journey. “We want this to be the biggest celebration of Lemmy and Motorhead ever seen in the UK,” Vicky says. It’s special, adds Alan. “I looked after him in life, and now I’m still looking after him in a way. It’s a special responsibility.”
The gates of Bloodstock will swing open in great spirit, with Lemmy. With headliners the likes of Opeth, Architects, and Amon Amarth, it’s guaranteed to be loud, raw in energy, and unforgettable in its celebration of rock and roll. There will, however, be a corner reserved for a quiet tribute to a true legend in a sea of mosh pits and roaring crowds—a man whose music and spirit have gone on to inspire generations.
Lemmy’s legacy is much more than music; it is a testament to the power of rock and roll, which unites, inspires, and eternalizes. And for as long as there are Bloodstocks, and fans refuse to let the music die, Lemmy’s spirit will live on, ever reminding that rock and roll isn’t some genre of music but a way of life.
