Former Motorhead Drummer Phil 'Philthy Animal' Taylor Dies [UPDATED]

UPDATE: Read quote from Motorhead Leader Lemmy Kilmister below.

Phil Taylor, former drummer for heavy metal progenitors Motorhead, reportedly died Wednesday night, according to the band and another former member. He was 61.

Also known as “Philty Animal,” Taylor was part of the band’s classic lineup (1975-1982), which consisted of Taylor on drums, “Fast” Eddie Clarke on guitar, and Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister on bass and vocals. Together they recorded what would become the group’s biggest albums — Ace of Spades, Overkill, Bomber and the live album No Sleep ’til Hammersmith.

His no frills, pounding-drumming style was essential to the band’s sound and would be a major influence on metal bands that followed, such as Bay Area thrash bands Possessed and Metallica.

Below is Clarke’s announcement of Taylor’s death.

https://www.facebook.com/fasteddieclarke83/photos/a.765487846794583.1073741829.765466173463417/1081804138496284/

Update: Kilmister weighed in on his official Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialLemmy/posts/10156305879495094

To learn more about Taylor’s career and life, read his obituary by the BBC.