'Lemmy to Burslem is as Shakespeare to Stratford'

Andy Edwards, a man wearing sunglases, is draped in a blue flag. He is smiling for the camera.

Sculptor Andy Edward is the creator the Motorhead frontman's statue which was unveiled in May

Ethan Saunders
BBC Radio Stoke

Since the statue of Motorhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister was unveiled in his hometown in May, it has become a point of pilgrimage for fans from across the globe.

On Sunday, rock fans gathered in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, to celebrate his legacy and help raise money for a project to turn the Queen's Hall into a 900-seater concert venue to be renamed Kilmister Hall.

Celebrations included live music, food trucks, merchandise stalls, an art exhibition, retro clothing and pre-loved record stalls, as well as a motorbike rally.

Lemmy died almost 10 years ago, on 28 December 2015, in Los Angeles, just four days after his 70th birthday.

Lea Williams, a woman wearing a black leather jacket and black T-shirt and a gold chain, is standing in a street with shops and people in the background.

Artist Lea Williams says the town has been put "back on the map" following the statue's arrival in Burslem

Artist Lea Williams was among those who attended Sunday's event.

"It's amazing to actually be here and see so many fans coming for the same reason - all united for the love of Lemmy - and also for Ozzy," she said.

Ms Williams said the pair were both there in spirit. Birmingham legend and Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne died on 22 July.

"Lemmy and Ozzy go together like salt and pepper," she told BBC Radio Stoke.

She added that the statue had put Burslem "back on the map".

A mock road sign where the town of Burslem has been renamed Burslemmy. It is white with black writing and features the crest of the city council, as well as the dates Lemmy Kilmister was born and died.

A sign renaming the town "Burslemmy" was one of the items on display

The statue's creator, Andy Edwards, was behind this weekend's spectacle and said his sculpture had been exactly what the area needed, adding that it drew people to the area from miles around.

"Lemmy is to Burslem what Shakespeare is to Stratford," he said. "Today proves that."

He said the day had been "absolute chaos", but that was "fantastic – it's what we want".

He added that the Queen's Hall had a lot of potential, with a live music venue alongside a music school, as well as the possibility that EMI's Abbey Road Studios may consider opening a recording studio there.

"All the elements are here," Mr Edwards said.

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