Metallica’s James Hetfield shares new tribute to Motörhead legend Lemmy Kilmister
Metallica’s James Hetfield has shared a picture of his new tattoo, which he got on his middle finger as a tribute to the late Motörhead leader Lemmy Kilmister.
Showing off his new ink on the band’s Instagram, the Metallica frontman revealed a tattoo of a spade and an iron cross symbol – the perfect ode to the late musician.
Unlike other tattoos, however, the tribute isn’t just made up of black ink. It also incorporates “a pinch of [Lemmy’s] cremation ashes that were so graciously given to me”. Hetfield added: “A salute to my friend and inspiration Mr. Lemmy Kilmister. Without him, there would be NO Metallica.”
Flipping off at the camera, he added: “So now, he is still able to fly the bird at the world.”
The rock frontman has expressed his admiration for the late star on numerous occasions, and it was clear the feeling was mutual. Discussing Metallica, Kilmister once told Louder that they were one of the greatest rock acts the world has ever seen. He said that “there’s always been something special ever since Lars and Cliff Burton came to my hotel room before Metallica even existed.”
Continuing, he described Metallica as “a great fucking band” and ” truly one of the best bands ever, ‘Some Kind Of Monster’ aside. Every band has problems.”
Hetfield also once claimed that Kilmister had the biggest impact on him when it came to being a frontman. The musician explained that “he was an inspiration” and “definitely a mentor in the heavy metal world.”
He also reiterated the sentiment shared in the social post, adding that Kilmister “is the epitome of rock and roll to me. Without Motörhead, there’s certainly no Metallica.”
Before Lemmy found astronomical success with Motörhead, he was a member of Hawkwind. However, Kilmister’s behaviour led to his dismissal. While this seemed catastrophic at the time, it proved to be a major blessing in disguise.
Hawkwind’s Dave Brock recently shed light on Kilmister’s departure, and explained how one incident while on tour in the United States proved to be the final straw. “I was driving and Lemmy was sitting next to us,” Brock recalled, before adding, “He’d fallen asleep… he was dribbling a bit. The guards must have said, there’s a load of long-haired hippies in there, we’ll have them. And they opened the car door and Lemmy fell out!”
Take a look at the image below.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.