“RIP Fast Eddie Clarke – 5th October 1950 – 10th January 2018.”
He was the last surviving member of Motörhead’s classic trio. Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor (who died in 2015) that introduced Clarke to Lemmy who we also lost in 2015. He was with the band from 1976 until 1982. We’re talking classic albums like their self titled debut in 1977, “Overkill” two years later, then “Bomber” seven months after that. In 1980 “Ace of Spades” and his last with the band “Iron Fist.” It was actually that album that made him leave – he wasn’t happy with it even thought it peaked at #6 on the UK charts. It would be their second highest position after “Ace of Spades which reached #4.
Motorhead’s Facebook page released the following statement, “We are devastated to pass on the news we only just heard ourselves earlier tonight – Edward Allan Clarke, or as we all know and love him Fast Eddie Clarke – passed away peacefully yesterday. He was in hospital being treated for pneumonia.
Fast Eddie… keep roaring, rockin’ and rollin’ up there as goddamit man, your Motörfamily would expect nothing less!
After Motorhead Clarke recorded 7 albums with Fastway a more commercial sounding Rock/Metal band
Former Motörhead drummer Mikkey Dee. “I saw Eddie not too long ago and he was in great shape. So this is a complete shock. Me and Eddie always hit it off great. I was looking forward to seeing him in the UK this summer when we come around with the [Scorpions]…Now Lem and Philthy can jam with Eddie again, and if you listen carefully I’m sure you’ll hear them, so watch out!!! My thoughts go out to Eddie’s family and close ones.”
Motorhead were one of the loudest band ever and Clarke was a big part of that. He reunited with Lemmy on his 1994 solo album “It Ain’t Over Till It’s Over” on the tune “Laugh at the Devil.” – by John Beaudin
John Beaudin has been in major market radio (Edmonton, Vancouver & Calgary) for 33 years and a music journalist since 1989. He graduated from Broadcasting school as a news man so he would have the skills to write about the artists that inspired him since he bought his first album, “Madman Across The Water” by Elton John as a teen. In the 80’s Beaudin was the host of the syndicated radio show “The Cross Canada Report” which had two version (Rock and A/C). Beaudin was also asked to be a judge at the Juno Awards (Canada’s answer to the Grammys) Twice. He has anchored every position in radio including morning and afternoon drive and was a Program and Music Director for The Breeze and California 103 in Calgary. He currently hosts the popular Lovesongs at QM-FM in Vancouver and on iHeartRadio.
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