Legendary Motorhead drummer Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor dies aged 61

Phil "Filthy Animal" Taylor, who played drums for one of the fastest, loudest rock bands of all time Motorhead, has died at the age of 61. Taylor, who was in the ground-breaking English band twice, died after an unspecified illness.

On Facebook, Motorhead guitarist "Fast" Eddie Clarke wrote: "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!"

Motorhead were unique in attracting fans from both the rock and punk genres, creating timeless classics like Overkill, Bomber and perhaps their most famous song, the soundtrack to many a movie and 1980s teen's life: Ace of Spades.

Born in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, Taylor joined the band formed by frontman Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister in 1975. Taylor played on all the band's most famous albums including Overkill, Bomber, Ace of Spades and live recording No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith, which reached number one in 1981.

In 1984 he quit, reportedly after the band played a version of Ace of Spades on the cult sitcom The Young Ones, rejoining the band again in 1987 - referring to the three year gap as a holiday. He was fired in 1992 after reportedly failing to learn the drum beat to a song, but briefly returned for a comeback gig in 2014, though he didn't play.

A post on the band's official Facebook page said: "Lil' Philthy...he who once shouted 'stop wincing about' on an album...he who fueled many a young boy's punk/metal hairstyles...he who played the drums with fury and intent...he who liked to call people 'wazzocks' once in a while...friend, Roman, Derbyshireman...rest in peace...with much love..."