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Former MOTÖRHEAD Drummer Phil Taylor Dies Aged 61
November 11th, 2015

Phil ‘Philthy Animal’ Taylor, former drummer for hard rock group Motörhead, died on November 11th, 2015 at the age of 61.

According to erstwhile bandmate and guitarist ‘Fast’ Eddie Clarke, the sticksman had been suffering from an unspecified illness “for some time.”

Clarke issued the following statement: “My dear friend and brother passed away last night. He had been ill for some time 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!”

Phil Taylor was born on September 21st, 1954 in Hasland, Chesterfield, England. The drummer joined the ranks of Motörhead in 1975, replacing original member Lucas Fox. Taylor had known Clarke when the latter was a foreman working on a houseboat, attempting to fund a music career. Ultimately, the drummer introduced Clarke to frontman Lemmy Kilmister, suggesting the axeman replace the departed Larry Wallis – Wallis wished to focus on the Pink Fairies.

Cut in September 1975 at Rockfield Studios in Wales, debut recording On Parole featured the man’s services, but didn’t surface until December 1979. Taylor appeared on the next six Motörhead studio full-lengths, namely; Motörhead (1977), Overkill (1979), Ace Of Spades (1980), Iron Fist (1982), and Another Perfect Day (1983). In addition, he was featured on 1981 live outing No Sleep ’Til Hammersmith.

Taylor quit in February 1984 following the band recording a version of signature track ‘Ace Of Spades’ for BBC television comedy series The Young Ones. He returned in 1987, replacing successor Pete Gill (formerly of Saxon). Two further records boasted the rhythmist, namely Rock ‘N’ Roll (1987) and 1916 (1991). In 1992, Taylor was fired during recording sessions for the outing March Or Die.

Post-Motörhead projects included Web Of Spider and the Deviants, as well as a project with former W.A.S.P. guitarist Chris Holmes.

On November 6th, 2014 at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham, England, Taylor appeared onstage at a Motörhead concert – albeit not performing, unlike Clarke.

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