It is a sad day as the rock world says goodbye to one of its most influential, hard-hitting drummers, former Motörhead band member, Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor (pictured centered in the photo above). Taylor passed away on Wednesday at the age of 61.

According to fellow band-mate, “Fast” Eddie Clark, Taylor had been ill for quite some time; however, the finality of the drummer’s passing makes it no less easier to bear. On his official Facebook page, Clark remembered his longtime friend and band-mate in a sentimental post:

“I have known Phil since he was 21 and he was one hell of a character. Fortunately we made some fantastic music together and I have many many fond memories of our time together. Rest in Peace, Phil!”

Taylor was born in England on September 21, 1954 and would years later become the second drummer to accompany Motorhead, joining the band after the departure of the band’s original drummer, Lucas Fox.

The hard-core rock drummer’s style would come to influence the likes of musicians such as Slash and Dave Grohl. Taylor was a true artist who would let his sound be heard, even under the most difficult circumstances, including one instance where he played a gig with a drumstick taped to his hand after receiving an injury to his hand.

Taylor was a formative part of Motörhead’s success during his tenure in 1975-1984, and again, when he rejoined the band from 1987-1992 according to consequenceofsound.

Taylor would eventually be fired during the recording of the band’s March or Die due to his neglect in learning the drum’s tracks for the song “I Aint No Nice Guy.”

However Taylor’s musical influence would be wildly apparent over the years. The one-of-a-kind percussionist would contribute his skills on 10 studio albums as well as one live recording making him a vital part to all of the band’s featured hits that made Motörhead a heavy-metal household-name with albums like Ace of Spades and Overkill. His signature punk style and uncontrollably wild hair would come to be a couple of the many characteristics recognized by fans.

Taylor’s last performance with the group was in 1992 in Irvine, California. He did make an appearance alongside Kilmister and Clarke at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham in 2014, but he did not play during that performance; he just waved to fans.

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