Sculptor Behind Lemmy Kilmister Statue Receives Civic-Pride Award in U.K.

Internationally acclaimed sculptor Andy Edwards, best known for his statue of Motörhead founder and bassist/vocalist Lemmy Kilmister in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, was recognized at the Your Heroes Awards ceremony, held at Staffordshire University in the United Kingdom. Edwards was one of three recipients of the Civic Pride Award, part of a six-month campaign during which community members nominated local heroes for their contributions.

“It was unbelievable, I was totally taken by surprise, totally shocked. I didn’t know where to put myself really,” Edwards told BBC Radio Stoke. “I’ve got to acknowledge the kindness of all the people who put me forward. It means an incredible amount to me.”

The black-tie event handed out 27 awards in categories such as Hero of the NHS, Child of Courage, Carer of the Year, and Uniformed Hero. More than 260 attendees heard stories of selflessness, determination, and resilience. The evening was hosted by Martin Tideswell, director of commercial strategy at Staffordshire University and founder of the awards, who said, “We are unashamedly local and proud as we celebrate the unsung heroes from across our communities. Young and old, individuals and groups, the courageous and the selfless. The very best of us.”

“Lemmy Forever” Statue Unveiled

Edwards’ statue of Lemmy Kilmister was unveiled on May 9, 2025, during the “Lemmy Forever” ceremony in Burslem. The event drew fans, friends, and family, with Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell present to place Lemmy’s ashes into the sculpture. Edwards, a lifelong Motörhead fan, captured Lemmy in his 1981 stage persona—the year the band headlined the Heavy Metal Holocaust at Port Vale Stadium.

The ceremony included a biker’s corteo escorting the ashes, speeches, and a 21-rev salute in honor of Lemmy. Fans gathered early to enjoy pre-ceremonial festivities at local bars and cafés, including the Old Post Office, Ale House, and Market Place Café, which served a special Motörhead-themed roast.

Longtime fan Nobby told BBC Radio Stoke, “It’s unbelievable—it looks alive. Looking at it now, he really has captured Lemmy to a tee. It’s brilliant. It’s well worth the wait, well worth everything, and I hope it brings people to Burslem to see it.”

Celebrating a Rock Legend

Edwards, who has previously sculpted The Beatles, Bob Marley, Sir Alex Ferguson, Muhammad Ali, and the Bee Gees, reflected on Lemmy’s unique place in music history. “Of all the figures in music, there aren’t that many that have the unique stature that Lemmy does. He’s like an avatar of the purest spirit of rock and roll—he’s one of us. I think it’s right that it [the statue] has been made locally,” he said.

Motörhead, a Grammy Award-winning British band, is celebrated for pioneering heavy metal, punk rock, and rock ’n’ roll, as well as their rebellious, free-spirited ethos. In 2025, the band celebrates its 50th anniversary with a series of events, including “Motörhead for Life” and “Lemmy Forever,” honoring both the band’s legacy and its iconic frontman.

Born in Burslem, Lemmy Kilmister later lived in nearby Newcastle-under-Lyme and Madeley before passing away on December 28, 2015, at age 70, shortly after being diagnosed with cancer. Despite declining health, Motörhead completed a European tour weeks before his death. A biopic about Lemmy, directed by Greg Olliver, is currently in development, while a custom-made urn containing his ashes is on permanent display at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Hollywood, California.

Edwards’ statue stands as a testament not only to Lemmy’s enduring impact on rock and roll but also to the spirit of a community that continues to celebrate its hometown hero. As fans from across the globe visit Burslem to see the sculpture, it serves as a reminder that music’s most iconic figures are immortalized not only through their songs but also through the art and devotion they inspire.