Lemmy Kiminster’s ashes will have a new home at O2 Apollo Manchester.
A much-loved venue for both Lemmy and Motörhead, they had played there 23 times across five decades throughout their legendary career and founder, lead vocalist, bassist and primary songwriter of Motörhead Lemmy Kilminster will return on Tuesday 16 June.
The Motörhead frontman’s ashes will be displayed in a custom-made slot machine in honour of his love for gambling and the influence of this passion on the iconic global hit ‘Ace Of Spades’. Devoted to the slots, Lemmy was a regular playing the classic machines and even used to tour with a vintage German model.
This new memorial at O2 Apollo Manchester will give fans of Lemmy and Motörhead a new opportunity to pay their respects to a true music icon before the ashes make their pilgrimage back to Download festival each June.
In true Lemmy style, the ashes will be delivered to the venue by a procession of bikers who have been charged with escorting the rock ‘n’ roll legend safely to O2 Apollo Manchester. Leaving O2 Victoria Warehouse at midday, Tuesday 16 June, Lemmy will be transported across the city to O2 Apollo Manchester, where a further Lemmy Forever ceremony will take place. Invited guests and friends will gather to share stories, celebrate his extraordinary life, and honour a man whose influence on rock ’n’ roll remains as powerful today as ever.
“O2 Apollo Manchester is a venue Lemmy always felt at home playing. It is a venue that embodied many of the things Lemmy valued—history, authenticity, great crowds, and a deep connection to working-class rock-and-roll culture.” Motörhead manager Todd Singerman
Melissa Bury, General Manager at O2 Apollo Manchester added: “It is such privilege to welcome Lemmy back to O2 Apollo Manchester following so many memorable shows at our venue, and we are so grateful to Download Festival for entrusting us with his memorial between his annual return there.
We look forward to celebrating Lemmy’s arrival with his friends, fans and our team.”
2025 marked 50 years since Motörhead formed and it was ten years since Lemmy Kilminster passed on December 28, 2015, just a few days after his 70th birthday and 17 days after what would be Motörhead’s final gig.
