Rock fans at Download Festival can attend a special ceremony honouring the late Motörhead legend Lemmy, whose ashes will be enshrined in a fruit machine. The event takes place at Donington Park on Friday, June 12, as part of the Lemmy Forever initiative at Lemmy’s Lounge on site.
Ceremony Details
A miniature of Lemmy’s custom urn, containing a portion of his ashes, will be placed inside a fruit machine, a fixture that always accompanied him on tour. The Lemmy Forever journey has previously taken his ashes to favourite locations such as Hellfest in France, The Rainbow Bar & Grill in West Hollywood, Stringfellows in London, and his hometown of Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent.
Lemmy's Legacy
Lemmy passed away on December 28, 2015, and was cremated. His primary resting place is at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood. In accordance with his wishes, portions of his ashes were placed into specially commissioned bullet casings and given to close friends. The remaining ashes have been travelling the world, with some now staying at Download.
“It remains a responsibility we proudly carry,” said Motörhead manager Todd Singerman. “Not everyone can make the pilgrimage to visit Lemmy in Hollywood, so we are bringing Lem back to his fans. These places meant something to him, and they mean something to the people who loved him. It’s important that they have somewhere they can come, raise a glass, share a story, and spend a moment with him.”
Honouring Phil Campbell
The ceremony will also allow fans to pay respects to Lemmy’s bandmate, longtime guitarist Phil Campbell, who passed away in March of this year. “When Phil passed we lost such an important family member, and I know Lem would insist we all raise a glass to Phil as well,” Singerman added.
Over the years, fans have reported sightings of Lemmy’s ghost at his favourite rock 'n' roll haunts, so attendees at Download this year or in future years should keep an eye out.
