Metallica frontman James Hetfield has shared details of his latest tattoo, depicting the ashes of late Motorhead rocker Lemmy.
Hetfield posted a photo on Metallic‘s, showing a new Aces Of Spades engraved on his right middle finger in reference to Motorhead’s biggest hit.
The singer and guitarist told the band’s 11 million followers that the tattoo was “a tribute to my friend and inspiration Mr. Lemmy Kilmister,” adding: “Without him, there would be NO Metallica.”
He went on to say, “Black ink mixed with a pinch of his cremation ashes that were so graciously given to me. So now he is still able to fly the bird to the world.”
Lemmy, real name Ian Kilmister, was the founder and frontman of the British rock band Motorhead. Formed in the 1970s, the group has released over 20 albums, with hits including Overkill, Iron Fist and Ace Of Spades.
He died in December 2015, just days after being diagnosed with cancer.
Hetfield formed 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 best known for hits such as Enter Sandman, Master Of Puppets, Nothing Else Matters and Until It Sleeps.
“The most badass tribute”
Hetfield has previously spoken about Motorhead’s influence on Metallica and called in 2022 for Motorhead to be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
“It’s just a nod, a tip of the hat. What does it really mean to be here? I don’t know. But for some of these bands, it could mean the world,” he said. he declared in a radio interview.
“With Lemmy passing, it’s really important to me to see Motorhead recognized for that – because there’s no more rock’n’roll on this planet than Lemmy.”
Many fans commented on his tattoo photo, with one calling the inking “the most badass tribute possible.”
Another said: “RIP Lemmy. This is a wonderful gift!”
