The final surviving founding member of Motorhead, ‘Fast’ Eddie Clarke has died after a battle with pneumonia.
His death was announced on Motörhead’s Facebook page, stating Clarke died peacefully in hospital after suffering from pneumonia.
We are devastated to pass on the news we only just heard ourselves earlier tonight…Edward Allan Clarke – or as we all know and love him Fast Eddie Clarke – passed away peacefully yesterday. Ted Carroll (who formed Chiswick Records) made the sad announcement via his FB page, having heard from Doug Smith that Fast Eddie passed peacefully in hospital where he was being treated for pneumonia…
Current Motorhead members Phil Campbell and Mikkey Dee released the folowing statements:
Phil Campbell: “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.”
Mikkey Dee: “OH MY FUCKING GOD, this is terrible news, 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 come around with the Scorps…now Lem and Philthy can jam with Eddie again, and if you listen carefully I’m sure you’ll hear them, SO WATCH OUT!!! My thought go out to Eddie’s family and close ones.”
As seen in The Guardian, the musician, born Edward Allan Clarke in Twickenham in 1950, joined Motörhead in 1976. Along with drummer Phil Taylor and frontman Lemmy, he is considered to have been part of the best-known Motörhead lineup. The trio released their self-titled debut album in 1977 and produced hits including Ace of Spades. Clarke also provided lead vocals on numerous Motörhead tracks.