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June 25, 2025 — Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi has honored the late Lemmy Kilmister by calling him the true definition of rock and roll. In a recent interview, Iommi reflected on the Motorhead frontman’s life, saying Lemmy fully embodied the spirit of the genre.
“Lemmy was everything rock and roll stands for,” Iommi said. “His lifestyle, his music, his attitude — it was all real. He lived it every day.”
Iommi shared stories from their years on the road, describing Lemmy’s extreme drinking habits. “He never really ate on tour — just bottles of Jack Daniel’s, vodka, and loads of beer,” Iommi recalled. “I don’t know how he kept going.”
Their friendship began in the early 1970s, and their bands often toured together. Iommi spoke fondly of the bond they shared and the respect he had for Lemmy’s consistency and work ethic.
Now facing health issues of his own, Iommi said he deeply admired Lemmy’s toughness. “He kept performing even when he was seriously unwell. He refused to stop until he absolutely couldn’t go on anymore. That takes true heart.”
Lemmy passed away in December 2015, just days after learning he had cancer. His passing marked the end of an era, but his influence continues to shape the rock world.
“Lemmy wasn’t just a part of rock and roll,” Iommi concluded. “He was rock and roll.”
