EDDIE CLARKE,
1950-2018

“Fast” Eddie Clarke, the guitarist in Motörhead during its breakthrough period, died Wednesday in London. He was 67.

Clarke, joined Lemmy and drummer Phil Taylor in 1976 and stayed with Motörhead until 1982. He was in the lineup on their breakthrough album Ace of Spades plus Bomber, Overkill and No Sleep ‘Til Hammersmith, playing guitar and co-writing all of the band’s songs.

After leaving Motörhead, Clarke formed Fastway with former UFO bassist Pete Way, drummer Jerry Shirley (Humble Pie) and singer Dave King. Signed to Columbia, Clarke was the only member to stay with the band during its 1983-1990 run. He formed a new version of the band in 2011 and released Eat Dog Eat.

Clarke’s replacement in Motörhead, guitarist Phil Campbell, noted on Twitter “his iconic riffs inspired many and will remain dear in our hearts.”