Motorhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister succumbs to cancer

Motorhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister succumbs to cancer

Legendary Motorhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister has died at the age of 70, just two days after learning he had cancer.

Lemmy Kilmister. Pic/AFP

Motorhead's Facebook post states, "There is no easy way to say this - our mighty, noble friend Lemmy passed away today after a short battle with an extremely aggressive cancer."

It further read, "He had learnt of the disease on December 26th, and was at home, sitting in front of his favorite video game from The Rainbow which had recently made it's way down the street, with his family."

"We cannot begin to express our shock and sadness, there aren't words. We will say more in the coming days, but for now, please - play Motorhead loud, play Hawkwind loud, play Lemmy's music LOUD. Have a drink or few," it added.

Earlier, the English musician's lung infection had forced the rock band to cancel a number of U.S. gigs. However, he mustered up the strength to complete the tour.

Kilmister also struggled with diabetes, a hematoma and had an implantable defibrillator put into his chest.

Some of the biggest names in rock'n'roll have paid their tributes to the notorious hellraiser, with Sharon Osborne tweeting, "My dear friend, Lemmy, passed away today. I've known him for 38 years. He will be so missed but he will never be forgotten."

Musician Billy Idol posted, "Lemmy RIP.... @mymotorhead my condolences to his family..," while Ozzy Osborne wrote, "Lost one of my best friends, Lemmy, today. He will be sadly missed. He was a warrior and a legend. I will see you on the other side."