Yesterday, we were shocked to report that legendary former Motorhead drummer Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor had passed away from an undisclosed ailment. Taylor was a highly influential drummer, credited with popularizing the double bass technique, which is responsible for the births of death and black metal.
Naturally, the tributes have been pouring in.
Of course, his former bandmate, Lemmy Kilmister, chimed in to Classic Rock Magazine, with a very touching tribute:
"I'm feeling very sad at the moment, in fact devastated because one of my best friends died yesterday. I miss him already. His name was Phil Taylor, or Philthy Animal, and he was our drummer twice in our career.
"Now he's died and it really pisses me off that they take somebody like him and leave George Bush alive. So muse on that.
"We're still going, we're still going strong, it's just first Wurzel and now Filthy, it's a shame man. I think this rock'n'roll business might be bad for the human life."
The official Motorhead Facebook page also released a statement:
Lil' Philthy…he who once shouted 'stop wincing about' on an album…he who fueled many a young boy's punk/metal hairstyles…he who played the drums with fury and intent…he who liked to call people 'wazzocks' once in a while…friend, Roman, Derbyshireman…rest in peace…with much love…
Ozzy Osbourne, who called Taylor a dear friend, also posted a statement on his Facebook page:
Just heard about Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor's passing. It's a terrible terrible loss. He was a great friend – great drummer – a great guy and he will be dearly missed. Today is a very sad day for me. Rest in peace – and he still owes me 500 bucks from that time in Vegas.
Metallica kept it short and sweet with their tribute, writing:
R.I.P. Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor
You inspired us beyond words.
Here are a few more tributes from metal heavy hitters on the Twitter-verse:
Sad sad news about losing Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor. One of the best drummers in Rock n Roll. RIP Phil, you will be missed. A lot.
— Slash (@Slash) November 12, 2015
I am very sad to hear about the passing of Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor. My condolences to his family. Rest In Peace Phil.
— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) November 12, 2015
Tremendous loss! https://t.co/99FgUYVhv9
— Dee Snider (@deesnider) November 12, 2015
RIP Philthy Animal Taylor…Motorhead's Overkill was one of the first double bass songs I ever learned. My tribute: https://t.co/I6jDVw5NIc
— Mike Portnoy ? (@MikePortnoy) November 12, 2015
? RIP Philthy Animal Taylor, you crazy motherf***er!!! Go rock some heavenly drums and make the angels… https://t.co/Ao81VjN1OP
— AREJAY HALE (@AREJAYHALE) November 13, 2015
RIP Phil Taylor! What a legend! He changed the world of heavy metal drumming! Double bass animal! Gonna go blare "Overkill" in his honor m/
— Jamey Jasta (@jameyjasta) November 12, 2015
RIP Phil Taylor.
— Duff McKagan (@DuffMcKagan) November 12, 2015
RIP Philthy Animal Taylor. https://t.co/N5lKVBYUBl
— Earache Records♠️ (@EaracheRecords) November 12, 2015
https://www.instagram.com/p/9_zxH6S1Pu/
