Former Motörhead drummer Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor has died at the age of 61, bandmate “Fast” Eddie Clarke confirmed on Facebook.

“My dear friend and brother passed away last night. He had been ill for some time but that does not make it any easier when the time finally comes,” Clarke wrote. “I have known Phil since he was 21 and he was one hell of a character. Fortunately we made some fantastic music together and I have many many fond memories of our time together. Rest in Peace, Phil!”

Taylor, born September 21, 1954 in Chesterfield, England, was a member of Motörhead from 1975 to 1984 and again from 1987 to 1992.  He played on 10 of the band’s studio albums and one live album.

Taylor’s cause of death has not been revealed.