James Hetfield, the iconic frontman of METALLICA, has honored the legendary Lemmy Kilmister of MOTÖRHEAD in a deeply personal way.
Hetfield revealed his tribute on METALLICA‘s Instagram page late Tuesday night (April 16), unveiling a tattoo on the middle finger of his right hand. The tattoo features the Iron Cross and Spade imagery, symbols often associated with Lemmy, incorporating the late MOTÖRHEAD leader’s ashes into the ink.
Explaining the significance behind the tattoo, James Hetfield shared that he chose to place it on his middle finger so that Lemmy could continue his rebellious spirit, still able to “fly the bird at the world” even after his passing.
“With the steady hand of friend and tattoo artist @coreymillertattoo, this tattoo,” Hetfield wrote.
“A salute to my friend and inspiration Mr. Lemmy Kilmister. Without him, there would be NO METALLICA.
“Black ink mixed with a pinch of his cremation ashes that were so graciously given to me.
“So now, he is still able to fly the bird at the world.”
The bond between METALLICA and Lemmy runs deep, with drummer Lars Ulrich previously penning a heartfelt tribute to the MOTÖRHEAD mainman shortly after his death. Ulrich reflected not only on Lemmy‘s profound influence on METALLICA but also on a personal level, highlighting the impact he had on their lives and music.
MOTÖRHEAD‘s legacy lives on, with the band even winning a Grammy Award for “Best Metal Performance” in 2005 for their cover of the METALLICA classic “Whiplash.” The mutual admiration between the two bands was further showcased in a memorable moment at the Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood in 1995. METALLICA members took the stage in tribute to Lemmy on his 50th birthday, donning wigs and performing as a band humorously dubbed the LEMMYS.
Lemmy‘s passing in December 2015 left a void in the music world, with MOTÖRHEAD having to cancel several shows due to his declining health. However, the band managed to complete a European tour just weeks before his death, a testament to Lemmy‘s unwavering dedication to his craft.
In a testament to his enduring legacy, plans for a biopic titled “Lemmy” were announced in June 2020. Directed by Greg Olliver, who previously helmed the acclaimed 2010 documentary of the same name, the film promises to celebrate the life and legacy of the rock ‘n’ roll icon.
Lemmy Kilmister‘s ashes are enshrined in a custom-made urn, a fitting tribute to his larger-than-life persona. The urn is permanently housed in a columbarium at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Hollywood, California, ensuring that Lemmy‘s spirit continues to inspire generations of rockers to come.