Original Motorhead Drummer Phil ‘Philthy Animal’ Taylor Dies at 61

Original Motorhead drummer Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor died Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the age of 61 after a lengthy illness. Former bandmate “Fast” Eddie Clarke confirmed the news on his Facebook page Thursday.

RIP Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor (1954-2015)
RIP Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor (1954-2015)

Taylor, along with Clarke and Ian “Lemmy” Kilminster, formed the groundbreaking metal band Motorhead in 1975, and in the process influenced hundreds of metal musicians since.

Taylor served two stints in Motorhead (1975-1984/1987-1992), playing on the band’s first seven albums, including the groundbreaking albums Ace of Spades, Iron Fist and Overkill. 

Clarke eulogized Taylor on his Facebook page Thursday:

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!
Taylor’s original exit from Motorhead, while never confirmed by him, was said to have been the result of a dispute with Clarke and Kilmister during the recording of a cover of Tammy Wynette’s “Stand By Your Man” with shock rocker Wendy O. Williams.
Taylor and Clarke rejoined Motorhead onstage at a show Nov. 6, 2014 in Birmingham, England.

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