"Fast" Eddie Clarke, former Motörhead guitarist, has died aged 67 according to a statement on the band’s official Facebook page.
Clarke was being treated in hospital for pneumonia where he passed away peacefully yesterday (January 10).
Clarke was the last surviving member of Motörhead’s ‘classic’ lineup along with Lemmy and Phil Taylor. With them he recorded the band’s self-titled album, Overkill, Ace of Spades, Bomber, No Sleep ’til Hammersmith and Iron Fist.
The statement on Motörhead’s Facebook page 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 FB 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"
After departing Motörhead Clarke went on to form the band Fastway with former UFO bassist Pete Way. They released seven albums between 1983 and 2011.
The Facebook post also featured comment from later Motörhead musicians Phil Campbell and Mikkey Dee.
Campbell, who played guitar with the group from 1984 until 2015 said: "Just heard the sad news that Fast Eddie Clark has passed away. Such a shock, he will be remembered for his iconic riffs and was a true rock n roller. RIP Eddie."
Dee, who played drums alongside Campbell and Lemmy from 1992 until 2015 and is currently a member of Scorpions, said: "Oh my fucking god, this is terrible news, the last of the three amigos. I saw Eddie not too long ago and he was in great shape. So this is a complete shock. Me and Eddie always hit it off great. I was looking forward to seeing hem in the UK this sumer when we come around with The Scorps… Now Lem and Philthy can jam with Eddie again, and if you listen carefully I’m sure you’ll hear them, so watch out!!! My thoughts go out to Eddie’s family and close ones."
