James Hetfield, Metallica’s lead singer, honors Lemmy by getting his ashes tattooed on his finger
Metallica frontman James Hetfield has revealed his latest tattoo, which includes the ashes of the late Motorhead rocker Lemmy.
Hetfield shared a photo on Metallica‘s Instagram account, showcasing a new Aces Of Spades tattoo on his right middle finger in honor of Motorhead’s iconic song.
The singer and guitarist informed the band’s 11 million followers that the tattoo is “a tribute to my friend and inspiration Mr. Lemmy Kilmister,” emphasizing that “Without him, there would be NO Metallica.”
He further explained, “Black ink mixed with a pinch of his cremation ashes that were so graciously given to me. So now, he is still able to flip the bird at the world.”
Pic: Metallica.com
Lemmy, also known as Ian Kilmister, was the founding member and frontman of the British rock band Motorhead. The band, formed in the 1970s, released over 20 albums, with popular hits such as Overkill, Iron Fist, and Ace Of Spades.
He passed away in December 2015, shortly after being diagnosed with cancer.
Hetfield co-founded the American rock band Metallica with drummer Lars Ulrich in the early 1980s, and the band released their 11th album, 72 Seasons, last year.
They are renowned for hits like Enter Sandman, Master Of Puppets, Nothing Else Matters, and Until It Sleeps.
‘The most badass tribute’
Hetfield has previously acknowledged Motorhead’s influence on Metallica and in 2022 advocated for Motorhead’s induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
“It’s just a nod, a tip of the cap. What does it really mean to be in there? I don’t know. But to some of these bands, it might mean the world,” he expressed in a radio interview.
“With the passing of Lemmy, it’s really, really important for me to see Motorhead acknowledged in that – because there’s no more rock’n’roll person on this planet than Lemmy.”
Many fans responded to his tattoo photo, with one describing the tattoo as “the most badass tribute possible.”
Another commented, “RIP Lemmy. This is a wonderful gift!”
