Pouring one out today and hailing former Motörhead drummer Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor, who died last night. He was 61.
The news was confirmed by the Fast Eddie Clarke Facebook page earlier today.
“My dear friend and brother passed away last night,” the page writes. “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!”
UPDATE: 12:06 p.m.: Motorhead has released a statement: “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, Yorkshireman…rest in peace. With much love…”
The British-born Taylor, pictured up top at left, played in legendary heavy metal band Motörhead with Clarke between the years 1975 and 1984 and then again from 1987 to 1992, recording and playing on some of the band’s best-known material.
Rest in power.