Lemmy statue plans approved

An artist's impression shows how the statue could look in Burslem

Plans to erect a statue of Motorhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister in the town where he was born have been approved.

Described as having "one of the most recognisable voices in rock," he founded the band in 1975 and was its lead singer and bassist until his death in 2015.

The band are best known for the 1980 track Ace of Spades.

Plans for the statue in Burslem were given the go-ahead, despite concerns from police about the potential for “good-natured but potentially incident generating attention”.

The 2.25m bronze sculpture is set to be erected in Market Place in the town, once funding is secured.

It will be made from Staffordshire clay and designed by renowned local sculptor Andy Edwards, who is perhaps best-known for his statues of Brian Clough and Peter Taylor at Derby County FC and The Beatles on Liverpool's Pier Head.

Approval was granted by Stoke-on-Trent City Council after Mr Edwards agreed to increase the height of the statue's plinth from 2.5m to 3m, following police concerns.

The proposed material for the plinth has also been changed from polished black granite to sandstone, to match the nearby Queens Theatre and the former town hall.

Lemmy was famously ejected from the band Hawkwind in 1975, before going on to form Motorhead

Staffordshire Police said it had no objection in principle to a statue honouring “a celebrated local son” but raised concerns over fans, footballer supporters or late night revellers potentially climbing on to the plinth to pose with Lemmy.

They also raised concerns over the potential for the microphone stand element of the statue to be subjected to criminal damage.

Iconic pose

In the revised plans, the stand has been moved closer to Lemmy’s body in order to make it more secure.

The statue will depict Lemmy – born Ian Fraser Kilmister – in an iconic pose with his bass guitar, singing up towards a raised microphone.

Lemmy began his career in the late 1960s, but it took off after he joined veteran space rockers Hawkwind in the early 1970s.

He was ejected from the band in 1975 - leaving him free to launch Motorhead.

Campaigners planning the statue now hope Burslem could become a pilgrimage destination for the band's fans as well as less committed members of the public to learn more about his life and work.

A total of £4,512 has so far been contributed to a Go Fund Me campaign which hopes to raise £50,000 to pay for the statue.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.