Motorhead’s Lemmy Kilmister Turns 66 Today

Yeah, yeah, we know it's Christmas Eve. But let's not lose sight of the fact that it's also a historic day in heavy metal history. It's Motorhead frontman/bassist Lemmy Kilmister's 66th birthday. It's not lost on us that this is the Lemster's 66(6th) year on earth. Let's take a moment out of our eggnog sipping, gift exchanging, cookie devouring, ugly sweater wearing day to celebrate some of the most important things that Lemmy, a true rock 'n' roll messiah, has taught us during his 66 years on earth. He is a bad ass and we'd like to remember some facts about Lemmy's life and career.

In his earliest muck-raking years, Lemmy (born Ian Fraser Kilmister) toggled in a number of local bands (The Rainmakers, Motown Sect) and roadied for the Jimi Hendrix Experience. He came to prominence in the spacey rock band Hawkwind, which you can learn more about in the Lemmy movie, simply dubbed 'Lemmy.' He then formed a band called 'Bastard' and changed the name to 'Motorhead,' because, well, it seemed much more digestible.

Lemmy is also legendary for his distinct physical features such as his facial moles, his chops and his whisky-ravaged voice. Literally. Lem talks and sings with a gravelly snarl, once that is no doubt enhanced by the fact that he is said to consume a bottle of Jack Daniels per day for the last 30 years, which was revealed in the 'Life Fast, Die Old' doc.

He is also a collector of Nazi memorabilia, which he stores in his rather cramped Hollywood apartment, which you can also see in the documentary about him. He is not a sympathizer, despite his sizable trove of items.

He also appeared in the Adam Sandler and Steve Buscemi comedy 'Airheads.'

Clearly, Lemmy is a cultural icon, a true British bad ass.

Happy 66th to Lemmy Kilmister, from your pals at Loudwire. We couldn't let a little thing like Christmas Eve steal his thunder!