A Legacy of Rock and Remembrance
Lucas Fox, the founding drummer of Motörhead, has shared his reflections on how the band transformed his life, as he prepares to attend a festival in memory of the group’s iconic frontman, Lemmy. Fox, who played with the band for just six months in 1975, will be the guest of honour at the first Burslem Urban Rock Festival in Stoke-on-Trent on Saturday.
The event, held in Lemmy’s hometown, is a tribute to the legendary musician and marks a significant moment in the community’s efforts to celebrate his legacy. The festival follows the unveiling of a statue of Lemmy in Burslem last year, which has left Fox deeply moved by the enduring impact of Motörhead.
“Motörhead and Lemmy changed my life a lot,” Fox said in an interview with Radio Stoke. “I was 21 when we first met, nine months before we started Motörhead… we had a lot in common – a wacky sense of humour, all the British rock groups, the early 60s and a love for history as well.”
Fox recalls the early days of the band, describing the initial meeting in a rehearsal studio as a magical experience. “It was very loud, very fast and it really did sound different to what was going on at the time. It was maybe the link between progressive rock and punk in some ways.”
“Lemmy really invented something that didn’t exist,” Fox added. He described Lemmy, whose real name was Ian Fraser Kilmister, as an “incredibly intelligent” man, a trait that many people underestimated. “You could discuss anything with him – philosophy, the Second World War, all sorts of stuff. He was a real human being, a great human being and he taught me a lot,” said Fox.
“He had enormous respect for the fans and he didn’t suffer fools gladly.”
A Celebration of Music and Community
As part of the festival, seven bands will take the stage from midday, with tribute act Motörheadache headlining the event. The organisers, IFK Legacy CIC, are using the occasion to raise funds for plans to transform Burslem’s Queens Theatre into a concert venue named Kilmister Halls.
When asked what Lemmy, who passed away from cancer in 2015, would have thought of the festival, Fox responded with enthusiasm. “It would knock his socks off. It’s wonderful it’s living on in so many people.” He expressed his excitement about the event and his first visit to the town where Lemmy grew up.
“Every time we were heading up north, there was a buzz in the car and I could feel Lemmy was back home in some ways,” he added.
Looking Forward to the Future
The festival is not only a celebration of Lemmy’s life but also a testament to the lasting influence of Motörhead on music and culture. Fox’s participation highlights the deep connection between the band and its fans, as well as the ongoing efforts to keep Lemmy’s spirit alive.
The event promises to be a memorable day for fans of rock music and those who admire the legacy of one of the most iconic figures in the genre. With performances, tributes, and community involvement, the Burslem Urban Rock Festival is set to become a cherished annual event.
