On Friday, May 9, 2025, Motörhead founder, bassist, and vocalist Lemmy Kilmister was celebrated and further enshrined in legacy during the “Lemmy Forever” ceremony held in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, England.
With Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell in attendance to personally place Lemmy’s ashes into a striking statue crafted by renowned local sculptor—and devoted Motörhead fan—Andy Edwards, the “Lemmy Forever” celebration was a day steeped in camaraderie, fun, and of course, plenty of volume.
The tribute began around 4:00 p.m. in Burslem town centre, but fans and friends were encouraged to arrive early and soak in the spirit of the occasion. Nearby venues such as the Old Post Office Bar and Ale House welcomed attendees with pre-ceremonial Motörhead-themed drinks, while the Market Place Café offered refreshments, including a specially prepared Motörhead roast of the day.
Highlights of the ceremony included a biker cortege escorting Lemmy’s ashes, heartfelt speeches from various guests, and a thunderous 21-rev salute that roared into the skies in a powerful gesture of respect. The statue itself immortalizes Lemmy in his electrifying stage presence from the 1981 era—a fitting tribute to the year Motörhead headlined the legendary Heavy Metal Holocaust at Port Vale Stadium, just down the road, on August 1 of that same year.
