Funeral services will be held in Los Angeles today for Motorhead front man Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister, and with fans scattered throughout the world, the entire event will be streamed online so fans can tune in.
Kilmister died of cancer in Los Angeles on Dec. 28, four days after his 70th birthday. His death set off an outpouring of online mourning by heavy- metal fans across the globe.
His funeral service will begin at 3 p.m. at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, but the band asked in a message to fans that “with such limited space available on-site, we respectfully ask that you don’t attend the cemetery.”
“But we want you ALL to be a part of this, so we are setting up a live feed of the service via the Internet on Motorhead’s official YouTube channel,” according to the band. “So wherever you are, PLEASE get together and watch the service with fellow Motorheadbangers and friends. Go to you favorite bar, or your favorite club, make sure they have access to an Internet connection and toast along with us. Or simply invite your pals around and celebrate Lemm’s life at home.
“Whatever your venue, and however you can, let’s be sure to gather globally on Saturday 9th and celebrate the life of our dear friend and irreplaceable icon.”
One place many Lemmy and Motorhead fans will gather will be at the Rainbow Bar and Grill on the Sunset Strip, one of Kilmister’s favorite local hangouts. The famed bar will host a memorial beginning at 2 p.m., although it will close its doors from 5 to 9 p.m. for a private gathering.
Neighboring clubs the Roxy and Whisky A Go Go will remain open “to accommodate those looking to show their respects during this time,” according to the Rainbow’s Facebook page.
The band asked that people who want to make donations contribute to the Ronnie James Do Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund, at www.diocancerfund.org.
