Motorhead Drummer Phil Taylor Dies At 61

Rock legend Phil Taylor, whose groundbreaking drum playing for british rock band Motorhead helped birth the thrash metal genre, has died.

Motorhead Drummer Phil Taylor Dies At 61

Taylor’s bandmate Eddie Clarke shared on the news in a Facebook post but did not give details on where or how the musician passed away.

“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!”

Better known as “Philthy Animal,” Taylor (pictured at center with the band) served as drummer for the band from from 1975–1984 and 1987–1992 recording ten studio albums and playing on a number of classic hits including “Overkill” and “Ace of Spades.”

Celebrities and fans alike took to social media to express their sadness over Taylor’s passing.

In a Facebook post Black Sabbath frontman, Ozzy Osbourne wrote “Today is a very sad day for me. Rest in peace — and he still owes me 500 bucks from that time in Vegas.”