Ex-Motörhead Drummer Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor Passes Away

Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor, former drummer for the iconic Motörhead, has passed away at age 61 after a long battle with an unspecified ailment, Blabbermouth reports. The cause of his death at a relatively young age has either not yet been made public or is still unknown.

Guitarist “Fast” Eddie Clarke, who played with Taylor in Motörhead from 1976 to 1984, had the following to say:

“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 played on eleven Motörhead albums during two separate tenures with the band, the second of which ended in 1992. In layman’s terms: that means even your mom has heard Taylor’s drumming. Few musicians will ever leave a mark as indeliable.

Our thoughts are with Taylor’s family and friends during this difficult time. Be sure to crank some Taylor-era Motörhead music today in his honor.