Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor, the former drummer of heavy metal band Motorhead, has died at the age of 61.

Phil Taylor died on Wednesday and an announcement was made by former bandmate, guitarist “Fast” Eddie Clarke.  Taylor with band members Lemmy And Clarke in 1981, “My dear friend and brother passed away last night,” he said.  “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!”

Taylor performed with “The Loudest Band In The World” between 1975 to 1984 and again from 1987 to 1992 alongside frontman Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister and Clarke.  He was the drummer on Motorhead’s best-known albums, including Overkill, Bomber, Ace Of Spades and No Sleep ‘Til Hammersmith.

His distinctive double bass drum style on tracks such as Overkill helped define a new genre – thrash metal.  On the Motorhead Facebook page, the band paid tribute to “Lil’ Philthy … who played the drums with fury and intent”.

“He was a great friend – great drummer – a great guy and he will be dearly missed.