Legendary Motorhead Frontman, Lemmy, To Be Immortalized with Statue in Birthplace of Burslem
via Danii els / YouTube
Plans have been given the green light to erect a magnificent statue of the Motorhead legend, Ian ‘Lemmy’ Kilmister, in the charming Staffordshire town of Burslem. As the birthplace of the iconic musician, this location holds a special significance for both Lemmy and his loyal fans. Stoke-on-Trent City Council has approved the proposal, allowing for the construction of a grand 2.2-meter statue in Burslem’s Market Place.
The Vision and Approval
Lemmy, the enigmatic founder of Motorhead, was born in Burslem in 1945. Throughout his illustrious career, he captivated audiences with his distinctive voice and unparalleled talent, ultimately establishing himself as a rock music icon. Sadly, in 2015, the music world mourned the loss of Lemmy, who passed away at the age of 70, leaving behind an extraordinary musical legacy that continues to inspire generations.
The task of immortalizing Lemmy falls to local sculptor Andy Edwards, who is renowned for his exceptional craftsmanship. Edwards has notably created a statue of The Beatles at Liverpool’s Pier Head, which has become a beloved landmark in the city. Using genuine Staffordshire clay, he will expertly shape the statue, ensuring that it accurately captures the essence of Lemmy’s dynamic personality and musical prowess.
Despite initial reservations expressed by the police regarding the potential for attention and associated incidents, Stoke-on-Trent City Council demonstrated their support for the project by approving the plans. In response to the concerns, Edwards agreed to increase the height of the plinth from 2.5 meters to an imposing 3 meters, both enhancing visibility and ensuring the safety of the statue. This decision further underscores the council’s commitment to commemorating Lemmy and highlighting his significant cultural impact.
To fund this momentous tribute, a dedicated fundraising campaign has been launched, aiming to raise the necessary £50,000. The driving force behind the campaign is Mark Curran, a commercial developer and the owner of the popular Hard Days Night and Zimmerman’s bars in Stoke-on-Trent. During the lockdown of 2020, Curran embarked on a search to find a sculptor capable of truly capturing Lemmy’s spirit. Much to his delight, he discovered Andy Edwards, an internationally renowned artist who happened to reside in Stoke-on-Trent, creating a serendipitous connection between the town and the sculptor.
View this post on Instagram
The description on GoFundMe states:
“Mark Curran, commercial developer and owner of the Hard Days Night and Zimmerman’s bars in Stoke-on-Trent, began a search for a sculptor worthy of immortalising his hero Lemmy during the lockdown of 2020.
“He found internationally renowned artist Andy Edwards, sculptor of the world famous Liverpool Waterfront Beatles statue fame on his doorstep also in Stoke-on-Trent.
“With their combined focus in one direction, a prime site has been agreed in the centre of Lemmy’s home town Burslem directly in front of the iconic and historic Town Hall and its famed Gold Angel and enthusiastic cross party support from Stoke-on-Trent city Council given to the planning application.”
Honoring Lemmy: A Landmark in Burslem
The chosen location for the statue holds particular significance. Positioned at the heart of Burslem, it will occupy a prime site directly in front of the iconic Town Hall, which boasts an enchanting Gold Angel. This prominent position ensures that Lemmy’s statue will be at the center of attention, surrounded by the historic charm that Burslem exudes. The enthusiastic cross-party support from Stoke-on-Trent City Council is evidence of the widespread dedication to the planning application, further solidifying the community’s commitment to paying tribute to one of their own.
It is worth noting that this is not the first statue erected in honor of Lemmy. The Rainbow Bar & Grill in Los Angeles proudly boasts its own statue, constructed just a year after his passing. Now, with the approval from Stoke-on-Trent City Council, it is clear that Lemmy’s memory will also be celebrated in the town that shaped him and influenced his musical journey.
The forthcoming statue of Lemmy in Burslem is poised to become a remarkable testament to his extraordinary life and achievements. As the fundraising campaign gains momentum, the opportunity for fans and admirers to contribute to this incredible tribute becomes increasingly compelling. With the necessary funds secured, Andy Edwards will commence his artistic process, skillfully immortalizing Lemmy in the very place where his story began.
Granted the approval from Stoke-on-Trent City Council and supported by the unwavering devotion of the local community, the statue of Lemmy promises to be a revered landmark in Burslem. This fitting homage will forever honor the indelible mark that Lemmy left on the world of music and ensure that his legacy endures for generations to come.
