Ashes of Motorhead legend Lemmy appear at Download Festival 2026 before moving to permanent home

The ashes of Motorhead legend Lemmy visited Download Festival 2026 before moving to a permanent home.

Ian Fraser Kilmister, known as Lemmy Kilmister, was the founder, lead singer, bassist, and main songwriter of Motörhead.

Born in 1945, in Stoke-on-Trent, he became one of the most influential figures in heavy metal and hard rock, known for his gravelly voice, powerful bass playing, and rebellious lifestyle - with songs like Ace of Spades becoming rock classics.

He continued performing with Motörhead until shortly before his death on December 28, 2015, just days after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.

Throughout the course of his career, the heavy metal icon performed at Download in 2005, 2008, 2010, and 2013, and also joining Slash on stage in 2013 - and the festival have continued to pay tribute to him for years after his death.

His ashes were once again be brought to the site for fans to pay tribute before being taken to their new permanent home in Manchester on Friday (June 12) at 3pm.

The tribute comes as part of the ongoing ‘Lemmy Forever’ initiative, held at the onsite Lemmy’s Lounge, where a miniature of Lemmy’s custom urn containing a portion of some of his ashes will be enshrined in a classic fruit machine.

After the festival finishes on Sunday night (June 14), the ashes will be transported to O2 Apollo Manchester, where a further ‘Lemmy Forever’ ceremony will take place and will remain there permanently.

At the Manchester ceremony, fans and friends are encouraged to come together to remember him and the impact he made with his music.

Speaking about the ‘Lemmy Forever’ initiative, Motörhead manager Todd Singerman said: “It remains a responsibility we proudly carry. Not everyone can make the pilgrimage to visit Lemmy in Hollywood, so we are bringing Lem back to his fans.

“These places meant something to him, and they mean something to the people who loved him. It’s important that they have somewhere they can come, raise a glass, share a story, and spend a moment with him.”