Motörhead legend Fast Eddie Clarke dies aged 67

A statement on Motörhead’s official Facebook page confirmed that Eddie - the last surviving member of the band’s ‘classic’ line-up -  died in hospital where he was being treated for pneumonia.

“We are devastated to pass on the news we only just heard ourselves earlier tonight...Edward Allan Clarke - or as we all know and love him Fast Eddie Clarke - passed away peacefully yesterday.

“Ted Carroll (who formed Chiswick Records) made the sad announcement via his FB page, having heard from Doug Smith that Fast Eddie passed peacefully in hospital where he was being treated for pneumonia...

“Fast Eddie...keep roaring, rocking' and rollin' up there as goddamit man, your Motörfamily would expect nothing less!!!

“RIP FAST EDDIE CLARKE 5th October 1950 - 10th January 2018”

Phil Campbell said: “Just heard the sad news that Fast Eddie Clark has passed away. such a shock, he will be remembered for his iconic riffs and was a true rock n roller. RIP Eddie."

Mikkey Dee said: “Oh my f***ing god, this is terrible news, the last of the three amigos. I saw Eddie not too long ago and he was in great shape. So this is a complete shock. Me and Eddie always hit it off great.

“I was looking forward to seeing him in the UK this summer when we around with the Scorps…now Lem and Philthy can jam with Eddie again, and if you listen carefully I’m sure you’ll hear them, so watch out!!! My thoughts go out to Eddie’s family and close ones."

Chiswick Records founder Ted Carroll, who signed Motörhead in 1977, said earlier today: “Just got the sad news from Doug Smith that 'Fast' Eddie Clark the great guitarist who played on all of Motörhead’s biggest hits passed away peacefully last night. He died in hospital where he was being treated for pneumonia. R. I P.”

Having played in various bands throughout his teens and early twenties, Eddie was introduced to Lemmy by Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor in the mid-seventies and started to rehearse with them at Snobs Rehearsal Studios before becoming a fully-fledged member of the band. 

The trio of Eddie, Lemmy and Phil are widely regarded as the ‘classic’ Motörhead line-up and together they released the seminal albums Motörhead, Overkill, Ace of Spades, Bomber, No Sleep 'til Hammersmith and Iron Fist. 

Alongside being the riff master of Motörhead, Eddie shared lead vocals on songs including 'Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers’ and ‘I’m Your Witchdoctor’. 

Reportedly unhappy with how ‘Iron Fist’ turned out, Eddie quit Motörhead while on the road in the US – his last ever show taking place at New York Palladium on 14th May 1982. 

He formed Fastway with UFO bassist Pete Way in 1983 and released seven studio albums with the band, most recently 2011’s ‘Eat Dog Eat’. 

On 6th November 2014, Eddie reunited with Lemmy to perform ‘Ace of Spades’ at Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena. 

RIP Fast Eddie Clarke. 

> The last ace has left us. Fast Eddie lives on through his
> music, may he Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/UbswO0eKRJ > > — Kirk Hammett (@KirkHammett) January 11, 2018

> So sad to hear of Fast Eddie Clarke’s passing...unreal to think that the original Motorhead is reunited in heaven....
> This (to my knowledge) is now the 3rd complete band to be gone...Time is fleeting #CarpeDiem pic.twitter.com/q2sK38h1pR > > — Mike Portnoy ? (@MikePortnoy) January 11, 2018

> Thank you for the riffs.
> Thank you for the solos.
> Thank you for the attitude.
> Thank you for being in the coolest band.
> Thank you for inspiring me to go down the same path.#rip #fasteddie #motorhead pic.twitter.com/wZGBoqEyXS > > — Lars Ulrich (@larsulrich) January 11, 2018

> RIP Fast Eddie. > > — Duff McKagan (@DuffMcKagan) January 11, 2018

> We've just heard our good friend Fast Eddie Clarke has died.
> Our thoughts go out to his loved ones and family. He will be greatly missed, but he's gone to join Phil and Lemmy. We have great memories of our times with him.
>
> RIP Eddie
>
> Saxon pic.twitter.com/ABhaU5mOYk > > — Saxon (@SaxonOfficial) January 11, 2018

> So saddened to hear of the passing of another good friend & legend, Fast Eddie Clarke of #Motörhead. So much fun & laughs in the early '80's. Sympathy to your family all your friends. R.I.P. bro. @LemmiumMetal ??? > > — Bernie Torme #FBPE (@Bernie_Torme) January 11, 2018

> I remember when I bought Ace of Spades. I ran home from the record store and played the record over and over, staring at that album cover and all I could think of was-who are these crazy Mexicans and how the hell do they play so fast? RIP Eddie. MOTÖRHEAD FOREVER!!! > > A post shared by Scott Ian (@scottianthrax) on Jan 11, 2018 at 6:19am PST

> Fast Eddie is dead. This is a sad day. pic.twitter.com/NeFB0DDwlq > > — Ginger Wildheart (@GingerWildheart) January 11, 2018

> We just heard our good friend fast EDDIE
> Clark died our thoughts go out to his loved ones we have great memories of our time with him RIP > > — Biff Byford (@biff_byford) January 11, 2018

> All of us at Fastway HQ are absolutely heartbroken to have to post this - we have lost a legend.
>
> Our thoughts are with his family and friends. He will be sorely missed.
>
> RIP Fast Eddie pic.twitter.com/d1itpOG0xG > > — Fastway (@FastwayOfficial) January 11, 2018

> Very sorry to hear today the sad news about Eddie Clarke... his iconic riffs inspired many and will remain dear in our hearts.... RIP FAST EDDIE CLARKE > > — Phil Campbell (@MotorheadPhil) January 11, 2018

> So sad to hear of the passing of Fast Eddie Clarke....time is cruel @myMotorhead > > — rickywarwick (@rickywarwick) January 11, 2018

> RIP #FastEddieClarke > > A post shared by Slash (@slash) on Jan 11, 2018 at 7:14am PST