The hard rock industry is mourning right now as news of one of its leading figures passed away on Monday. Ian Kilmister, most popularly known as Lemmy, was the founding member and frontman act of the metal band, Motörhead. Kilmister, the band's singer, bassist, and primary songwriter; died of cancer at the age of 70 years old.

Announcing the news through the band's official Facebook page, representatives of the band posted the demise of Kilmister on a status. According to the announcement, Kilmister had a 'short battle with an extremely aggressive cancer.' Just two days after his birthday, the rock veteran discovered he had cancer on December 26. He discovered he had cancer while he was at home.

Before being diagnosed with cancer, Kilmister dealt with a few health issues. In the past few years, the singer had a pacemaker installed and had fought hematoma. Because of his health struggles, the band's tour dates have been canceled and postponed. Despite this, the band continued to make music. In August this year, they released their last album called Bad Magic.

Kilmister is most popular for his gruff vocals and mutton chops. Apart from being part of the band, Kilmister had appeared in some films and video games. One of these was a 2010 documentary, where the musician was featured alongside other pillars in the industry such as Alice Cooper, Slash, Nikki Sixx, and Dave Navarro. Friends of the late musician have expressed their condolences and have shared their sympathies for the loss of one of the industry's biggest names.

Kilmister founded Motörhead in 1975 and has long survived until today. In an interview earlier this year, he admitted that he envisioned the band to last only about six months. A far cry from the number of years the band has stayed together and the 22 albums they have released.

Kilmister would have been the only remaining original member of the band today.