Bronze Statue Honoring Motörhead Legend Lemmy to Be Unveiled in His Hometown This May

Bronze Statue of Motörhead Icon Lemmy to Be Unveiled in Burslem This May

The legacy of Motörhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister will be forever etched in his hometown of Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, with the unveiling of a life-size bronze statue on May 8. This long-anticipated tribute follows years of dedicated effort to commemorate one of rock and roll’s most influential figures.

The $2.8 million statue, crafted by renowned sculptor Andy Edwards, was initially approved last year. However, due to a Queen Victoria-era law requiring additional authorization for monuments placed on council-owned highway land, final permissions delayed the process. With all legal formalities now complete, the tribute to Lemmy is ready to take its rightful place in the heart of his birthplace.

A Stoke-on-Trent Council spokesperson expressed the city’s pride in honoring one of its most iconic figures, stating: “Stoke-on-Trent has produced many famous faces over the years, and what better way to celebrate one of our own than by installing a statue in the town where he was born? In our centenary year, we look forward to welcoming visitors from around the world for the unveiling.”

A Fitting Tribute to a Rock and Roll Pioneer

Andy Edwards, the artist behind the world-famous Beatles statue in Liverpool, meticulously sculpted the Lemmy statue to capture the musician at the height of his fame in the 1980s. The artwork portrays Lemmy in his signature stance—head tilted slightly upwards towards the microphone, gripping his legendary Rickenbacker 4001 bass.

Speaking about the inspiration behind his work, Edwards shared, “Lemmy was a personal hero to me. The reason for creating this statue is to give others the same joy, confidence, and energy that he gave me. I remember seeing him perform at Victoria Hall, Bingley Hall, and Vale Park, and those memories are etched into my mind. Now, I hope this statue becomes a landmark that allows fans to relive those moments and celebrate his impact.”

Meticulous Attention to Detail

Edwards dedicated special attention to replicating the intricate details of Lemmy’s bass guitar, an instrument nearly as legendary as the man himself. “I included every detail because if something is off, people can sense it—even if they can’t immediately identify what it is. Getting it right ensures that fans feel connected to the piece and linger longer, allowing their imaginations to take them back in time.”

An Enduring Symbol of Rock and Roll

Lemmy’s upcoming statue joins a growing list of monuments honoring legendary musicians in their hometowns. Recently, a statue of Irish guitar virtuoso Rory Gallagher was unveiled in Belfast, and plans are underway for a similar tribute to Gary Moore in the same city. These tributes serve as enduring reminders of the profound influence these artists have had on music history.

For rock and metal fans worldwide, the unveiling of Lemmy Kilmister’s statue will mark not just a celebration of his legacy but also the establishment of a new pilgrimage site—one where admirers can gather to honor the man who embodied the very essence of rock and roll.