Plans to erect a towering 2.2-meter statue of MOTÖRHEAD’s iconic figure, Lemmy Kilmister, have been greenlit by Stoke-on-Trent Council for installation in Burslem
Approval has been granted for the construction of a monumental statue honoring the late MOTÖRHEAD frontman Ian ‘Lemmy’ Kilmister in his birthplace of Burslem, Staffordshire. Stoke-on-Trent City Council has given the green light for the installation of the 2.2-meter statue in Burslem’s Market Place.
Lemmy, the founding member of MOTÖRHEAD, was born in Burslem in 1945 and passed away in 2015 at the age of 70, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in the world of rock music.
Local sculptor Andy Edwards will craft the statue from Staffordshire clay once funding is secured. Edwards, renowned for his work including a statue of THE BEATLES at Liverpool’s Pier Head, has been entrusted with this significant project.
Despite initial concerns from the police about potential disturbances, Stoke-on-Trent City Council has approved the plans. These worries were addressed by increasing the plinth’s height from 2.5 meters to 3 meters.
A mock-up submitted with the planning application for the Lemmy statue as it could look in Burslem’s Market Place can be seen below.
The initial planning application stated: “It’s anticipated the project could eventually be expanded to possibly include a branded café, bar, visitor centre etc to further draw visitors from across the nation and, potentially, worldwide. Though Lemmy is perhaps not an historical figure like those normally commemorated with such memorials, it’s important to acknowledge such an influential cultural icon and his links to this historic town.
“The statue will be in traditional materials, appropriately sized and in keeping with the surrounding area. As such, it is felt that the installation will result in an overall positive impact upon the Market Place and, thus, the Conservation Area.
“Similarly, the proposed statue will not negatively impact upon the surrounding listed and historic buildings. The development seeks to improve the public realm and bring in more visitors and revenue to the area, hopefully leading to further investment and regeneration of this historic Potteries town.”
A fundraising initiative has been launched to gather the £50,000 necessary for the project’s completion.
The GoFundMe description reads: “Mark Curran, commercial developer and owner of the Hard Days Night and Zimmerman’s bars in Stoke-on-Trent, began a search for a sculptor worthy of immortalising his hero Lemmy during the lockdown of 2020.
“He found internationally renowned artist Andy Edwards, sculptor of the world famous Liverpool Waterfront Beatles statue fame on his doorstep also in Stoke-on-Trent.
“With their combined focus in one direction, a prime site has been agreed in the centre of Lemmy‘s home town Burslem directly in front of the iconic and historic Town Hall and its famed Gold Angel and enthusiastic cross party support from Stoke-on-Trent city Council given to the planning application.”
Notably, a statue of Lemmy was previously erected at the Rainbow Bar & Grill in Los Angeles the year following his passing.
Ian Fraser Kilmister, or “Lemmy“, gained worldwide recognition as the frontman, bassist, and primary songwriter of the legendary rock band MOTÖRHEAD. Lemmy‘s distinctive gravelly voice, aggressive bass playing, and uncompromising attitude made him an icon in the heavy metal and rock music scenes.
Before forming MOTÖRHEAD in 1975, Lemmy had stints with several other bands, including HAWKWIND. With MOTÖRHEAD, he spearheaded the “speed metal” genre, influencing countless bands with their high-energy, raw sound. Their breakthrough came with the 1980 album “Ace of Spades,” which remains a classic in rock music history.
Throughout his career, Lemmy lived a life as legendary as his music, known for his hard-partying lifestyle, love for gambling, and outspoken personality. Despite his rough exterior, he was also respected for his honesty, loyalty to his fans, and dedication to his craft.
Lemmy‘s influence extended far beyond music. He became a cultural icon, appearing in movies, documentaries, and video games. His legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.
Lemmy passed away on December 28, 2015, just days after his 70th birthday, leaving behind an indelible mark on the world of rock music. He remains one of the most beloved and influential figures in the history of heavy metal and rock ‘n’ roll.