Photo: WENN
Motorhead's ex-drummer Phil 'Philthy Animal' Taylor died on Wednesday night at the age of 61. Since the news emerged, many fellow musicians have taken to Twitter to pay tribute. The cause of death hasn't been announced.
Taylor joined the band 40 years ago in 1975, and played on such classic albums as Overkill and Ace Of Spades. He left the band briefly in the '80s, before returning until 1992, when he left the band for good.
News of Taylor's death was confirmed by former bandmate Eddie Clarke, who took to Facebook to write, "My dear friend and brother passed away last night. He had been ill for sometime 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!"
Now, the likes of Guns N' Roses' Slash and Megadeth's Dave Mustaine have taken to Twitter to pay their respects.
Sad sad news about losing Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor. One of the best drummers in Rock n Roll. RIP Phil, you will be missed. A lot.
— Slash (@Slash) November 12, 2015
Very sad to read of Phil Taylor's passing. Another guy that raised the bar for all aspiring musicians of my day. https://t.co/tzAW99vvpG
— Miles Hunt (@mileshuntTWS) November 12, 2015
RIP Phil Taylor! What a legend! He changed the world of heavy metal drumming! Double bass animal! Gonna go blare "Overkill" in his honor m/
— Jamey Jasta (@jameyjasta) November 12, 2015
Yes he was! RIP Filthy Phil Taylor https://t.co/CnN99wq5mP
— Dee Snider (@deesnider) November 12, 2015
RIP Philthy Animal Taylor...Motorhead's Overkill was one of the first double bass songs I ever learned. My tribute: https://t.co/I6jDVw5NIc
— Mike Portnoy (@MikePortnoy) November 12, 2015
📷 RIP Philthy Animal Taylor, you crazy motherf***er!!! Go rock some heavenly drums and make the angels... https://t.co/Ao81VjN1OP
— AREJAY HALE (@AREJAYHALE) November 13, 2015
I am very sad to hear about the passing of Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor. My condolences to his family. Rest In Peace Phil.
— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) November 12, 2015
Last year, Taylor reunited with Motorhead for a one-off appearance during their gig at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham.
