Ex-Motorhead drummer Phil Taylor dies aged 61

Motorhead drummer Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor had reportedly been "ill for sometime" before he died Credit: D. Raban/EMPICS Entertainment

Former Motorhead drummer Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor has died, aged 61.

The musician, who played with the British heavy metal group from 1975 to 1984 and again from 1987 to 1992, died after being "ill for sometime" according to ex-bandmate Eddie Clarke.

Clarke wrote on Facebook:

Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor joined Motorhead after meeting them when he was just 21 Credit: D. Raban/EMPICS Entertainment

Taylor, who also played with bands Waysted and Operator, was best known for his Motorhead days and during his time with the band he helped them record ten studio albums as well as the live album No Sleep 'til Hammersmith.

The drummer played his last gig with the band at Irvine Meadows in California in March 1992.

Motorhead posted a tribute to Taylor, who they described as a "friend, Roman, Derbyshireman", on its official Facebook page with the message "rest in peace... with much love."

Motorhead paid tribute to former drummer Phil Credit: Facebook