Motorhead guitarist and original line-up member “Fast” Eddie Clarke has died after a battle with pneumonia.
The 67-year-old musician passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 10, according to a statement by Ted Carroll, founder of Chiswick Records, the label that released Motorhead’s debut album in 1977.
“Just got the sad news from Doug Smith that ‘Fast’ Eddie Clark the great guitarist who played on all of MOTORHEAD’S biggest hits passed away peacefully last night.”
The band said in a statement on its official Facebook fanpage that Clark died after being hospitalized for pneumonia.
“Fast Eddie passed peacefully in hospital where he was being treated for pneumonia.”
Phil Campbell, who joined the band as a guitarist in 1984, said, “Just heard the sad news that fast Eddie Clarke has passed away.
“Such a shock, he will be remembered for his iconic riffs and was a true rock n roller. RIP Eddie.”
Former Motorhead drummer Mikkey Dee, who is currently a member of the Scorpions, called the news “terrible” and Eddie “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…”
In reference to Motorhead members Lemmy Kilmister and Phil ‘Philthy Animal’ Taylor, who both died in 2015, he added, “Now Lem and Philthy can jam with Eddie again, and if you listen carefully I’m sure you’ll hear them, so watch out!!!”
Photo taken at a Motorhead concert in Moscow, on Dec. 19, 2009. (Photo via Flickr / KSTZA)Clarke is considered one of the “classic’ members of Motorhead, alongside frontman Lemmy and drummer Taylor.
He was the sole surviving member of the famous trio that produced many of the band’s biggest hits.
Clarke was born in Twickenham, near London on Oct. 5, 1950 and learned guitar at a young age.
He played in several bands before meeting Taylor, who introduced him to Lemmy.
The three hit it off and soon started playing together in a studio on King’s Road in London’s Chelsea district.
Carroll posted this early Motorhead tour poster under his condolence statement.
Clarke, Lemmy, and Taylor were widely reported to be the “classic line-up” that produced the band’s most celebrated hits.
He left Motorhead in 1982 following reports of dissatisfaction with the band’s fifth studio album “Iron Fist.”
Clarke went on to found Fastway, another metal band, releasing seven albums, several to critical and commercial success.
The Fastway official Facebook fanpage posted a condolence note.
“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”
In 2014 Clarke reunited with his former Motorhead bandmate Lemmy on stage in Birmingham, UK.
The pair reportedly played their classic album “Ace of Spades” in front of thousands of fans.
Lemmy Kilmister, Motorhead frontman, died of cancer in December 2015 at the age of 70, according to this report by The Epoch Times. Phil Taylor died of liver failure in November 2017.
Clarke was the last surviving founding member of Motörhead.
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