Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor, the former drummer with British rock band Motorhead, has died.

The 61-year-old played with the heavy metal group from 1975 to 1984 and 1987 to 1992 alongside frontman Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister and guitarist “Fast” Eddie Clarke.

Motorhead in 1983
Motorhead in 1983 (Rex)

Lemmy led tributes to the drummer, saying he was “devastated” over his death.

The 69-year-old rocker said: “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 Filthy 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.”

He added: “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. Oh well.”

Lemmy
Lemmy paid his own tribute (Yui Mok/PA)

Writing on his official Facebook page, bandmate Eddie said: “My dear friend and brother passed away last night.

“He had been ill for sometime but that does not make it any easier when the time finally comes. I have known Phil since he was 21 and he was one hell of a character.

“Fortunately we made some fantastic music together and I have many many fond memories of our time together. Rest in Peace, Phil!”

A post on Motorhead’s Facebook page also paid tribute to their former drummer.

It said: “Lil’ Philthy … he who once shouted ‘stop wincing about’ on an album … he who fuelled 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.”

Lil’ Philthy…he who once shouted ‘stop wincing