Guitarist 'Fast' Eddie Clarke -- the last surviving member of Motorhead's first classic lineup -- has died at age 67 after a battle with pneumonia.
Clarke joined Motorhead in 1976 and, with bassist and singer Lemmy Kilmister and drummer Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor, performed on the band's first five studio albums. Taylor died in November 2015; the following month, Kilmister died just days after his 70th birthday.
"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," a representative posted on Motorhead's official Facebook page. "Ted Carroll (who formed Chiswick Records) made the sad announcement via his FB page, having heard from Doug Smith that Fast Eddie passed peacefully in hospital where he was being treated for pneumonia."
Phil Campbell, who served as Motorhead's guitarist from 1984 until 2015, when Kilmister's death ended the band, was quick to pay his respects. "Just heard the sad news that Fast Eddie Clarke has passed away," he said. "Such a shock, he will be remembered for his iconic riffs and was always a true rock n roller. RIP Eddie."

"Oh my f---ing god, this is terrible news," added Mikkey Dee -- who played drums for the group from 1992 until their dissolution. "The last of the three amigos. 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 U.K. 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."

He will always be THE guitarist of Motorhead and Fastway were a great throwback band with a heavy Zep sound.

I saw Fastway in 1983 open for Iron Maiden (w/ Coney Hatch on the bill as well), and somehow, Fastway crafted that one great album and a bunch of turds afterwards (without Pete Way the band suffered with awful writing).

I reached out to Eddie for my first book a couple years ago and he was initially interested, but then bowed out because he was very sour and hurt by the music industry and decided to pass on it and not discuss his career.

I was bummed, but I totally understood and thanked him for being honest.

Now, the whole classic lineup of Motorhead is just...gone.

How sad and how stark a reminder that we aren't meant to last. Not even Lemmy.

R.I.P.