Motörhead, Lemmy’s ashes stop in Manchester

THE Motorhead have announced that the seventh edition of the ceremony “Lemmy Forever” will be held on the occasion of the Download Festival 2026. At the end of the event, a portion of the historic frontman’s ashes will be transferred to Manchesterwhere it will find a permanent location.

Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister, singer and bassist considered one of the most influential figures in the history of heavy metal, passed away in December 2015 at the age of 70, following a cancer diagnosis. The Download Festival for years it has hosted a tribute in his honor, in memory of the musician’s participation in the 2005, 2008, 2010 and 2013 editions (the year in which he also shared the stage with Slash).

Festival organizers have confirmed that fans will be able to gather to celebrate the musician Friday 12 June at “Lemmy’s Lounge”, inside the concert area. During this phase of the “Lemmy Forever” initiative, a miniature urn containing part of the ashes will be displayed inside a classic slot machine (a fruit machine), a device that, according to his closest collaborators, the musician used to take with him on tour.

At the end of the festival, on the evening of Sunday 14 June, the remains will be transported to the O2 Apollo, Manchester. The facility will host a second ceremony and become the definitive headquarters for this portion of the ashes. The Manchester event was conceived as a gathering where fans and friends can share anecdotes and remember Kilmister’s impact on the musical landscape.

Historically, memorial services have been organized by the former guitarist and bandmate Phil Campbell. Following the latter’s death in March, management was entrusted to another close collaborator of Lemmy. Todd SingermanMotörhead’s manager, released the following statement:

It remains a responsibility that we carry forward with pride. Not everyone can make the pilgrimage to visit Lemmy in Hollywood, so we’re bringing Lem back to his fans. These places had meaning for him, and they have meaning for the people who loved him. It’s important that they have a place where they can go, raise a glass, share a story and spend a moment with them.

Singerman also underlined that the 2026 edition will also offer the opportunity to pay tribute to Campbell: “With Phil’s passing we have lost an essential member of the family, and I know Lemmy would have insisted that we all toast to Phil too.”