Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor dies at 61

Sad news from the world of rock; former Motörhead drummer Phil Taylor has passed away at the age of 61. According to former bandmate "Fast" Eddie Clarke, who posted the news on his Facebook page today, "Philthy Phil" had been unwell for some time.

In a tribute, Clarke said: "My dear friend and brother passed away last night. He had been ill for sometime sic 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 joined Motörhead in 1975 during the recording of their first album 'On Parole', when he was brought in to replace original drummer Lucas Fox. Phil overdubbed all of Fox's tracks except for 'Lost Johnny', as he was being held in custody following an arrest for alleged drunk-and-disorderly conduct when that session was due to take place!

Lemmy apparently hired Taylor, "because he had a car and could give us a lift back down to the studio, the drummer we had wasn't working out very well and Phil kept saying that he could play".

Taylor had a profound impact on the band, introduced them to "Fast" Eddie Clarke, as they went on to worldwide success. He left the band in1984, rejoining from 1987 to 1992.

Read "Fast" Eddie Clarke's original post below:

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> My dear friend and brother passed away last night. He had been ill for sometime but that does not make it any easier... > > Posted by Fast Eddie Clarke Official on Thursday, 12 November 2015

Taylor joined the current lineup of Motörhead onstage in 2014, along with Clarke, but did not play drums on that occasion.

> Great to have Philthy Animal Taylor and Fast Eddie Clarke join us in Birmingham What a way to start the tour!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/c5hSRGjZVV > > — Official Motörhead (@myMotorhead) November 7, 2014