'Fast' Eddie Clarke, former Motörhead guitarist, dies at 67
Last surviving member of classic line-up starred on band's first four albums
Motörhead's official Facebook page has announced the sad news of former guitarist Eddie Clarke's death, during treatment for pneumonia, at the age of 67.
'Fast' Eddie was the last surviving member of the band's classic line-up, and co-writer of their biggest hit Ace Of Spades, alongside Lemmy and drummer Phil Taylor.
A statement reads: “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 Facebook page, having heard from Doug Smith that Fast Eddie passed peacefully in hospital where he was being treated for pneumonia.
“Fast Eddie... keep roaring, rockin’ and rollin' up there as goddamit man, your Motörfamily would expect nothing less!
“RIP Fast Eddie Clarke – 5th October 1950 - 10th January 2018.”
The guitarist joined Motörhead after Phil 'Philthy Animal' Taylor introduced him to Lemmy in the mid-70s, before playing on the band's titular debut album, 1979’s Overkill and Bomber, 1980’s seminal Ace Of Spades and 1982’s Iron Fist.
Get the MusicRadar Newsletter
Want all the hottest music and gear news, reviews, deals, features and more, direct to your inbox? Sign up here.
Clarke formed Fastway with Pete Way, former UFO bassist, after leaving Motörhead after the release of Iron Fist. Fastway released seven albums up to and including 2011's comeback Dog Eat Dog.
MusicRadar is the number one website for music-makers of all kinds, be they guitarists, drummers, keyboard players, DJs or producers...
- GEAR: We help musicians find the best gear with top-ranking gear round-ups and high-quality, authoritative reviews by a wide team of highly experienced experts.
- TIPS: We also provide tuition, from bite-sized tips to advanced work-outs and guidance from recognised musicians and stars.
- STARS: We talk to musicians and stars about their creative processes, and the nuts and bolts of their gear and technique. We give fans an insight into the craft of music-making that no other music website can.