Motorhead frontman Lemmy dies at 70 after cancer battle

Motorhead frontman Lemmy has died at 70, following a short battle with an "extremely aggressive cancer", the band have said.

The rock star, whose real name was Ian Kilmister, was diagnosed with the disease on Boxing Day.

Tributes have poured in on social media, one of them from fellow heavy metal star Ozzy Osbourne.

A post on the band's Facebook page said: "There is no easy way to say this ... our mighty, noble friend Lemmy passed away today after a short battle with an extremely aggressive cancer.

"He had learnt of the disease on December 26, and was at home, sitting in front of his favourite video game from The Rainbow which had recently made its way down the street, with his family.

"We cannot begin to express our shock and sadness, there aren't words.

"We will say more in the coming days, but for now, please ... play Motorhead loud, play Hawkwind loud, play Lemmy's music LOUD. Have a drink or few. Share stories.

"Celebrate the LIFE this lovely, wonderful man celebrated so vibrantly himself. HE WOULD WANT EXACTLY THAT."

The rock music world reacted with shock at the news.

Osbourne, of Black Sabbath fame, tweeted: "Lost one of my best friends, Lemmy, today. He will be sadly missed. He was a warrior and a legend. I will see you on the other side."

Kiss star Gene Simmons said: "Lemmy: Rest In Peace. Shake the heavens, my friend."

Guns N' Roses, bassist Duff McKagan added: "Rest In Peace Lemmy. A hell of a man who suffered no fools. U shall be missed brother, and, THANK u 4 the years of unwavering kick ass R&R."