Download / Manchester

On June 12, 2026, Motörhead and the Lemmy Forever initiative will return to Download Festival for a special ceremony celebrating the life and legacy of Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister — our friend, our brother, and one of rock ’n’ roll’s most enduring icons.

Taking place at 3:00 PM local time at Download’s Lemmy’s Lounge, the ceremony will see a miniature version of Lemmy’s custom urn, containing a portion of his ashes, permanently enshrined within a vessel that reflects one of his great passions: a classic fruit machine. A familiar sight throughout much of his life on and off the road, it is a tribute that perfectly captures the spirit of the man himself.

The Lemmy Forever initiative was created to ensure that Lemmy remains where he always belonged — among the fans, the music, and the places that mattered most to him. Over the years, portions of his ashes have been placed at locations around the world that held special significance, allowing fans the opportunity to pay their respects and celebrate his extraordinary life.

Because of his brotherly connection with Lemmy, Phil Campbell always felt it was important to personally place Lemmy’s ashes during these ceremonies. Following Phil’s tragic passing earlier this year, a longtime friend of Lemmy’s, Guns N’Roses’ Duff McKagen, will carry on that tradition and preside over this year’s event.

The Lemmy Forever journey has already taken Lemmy to many of the places he loved most, including Hellfest in France, Wacken Open Air in Germany, The Rainbow Bar & Grill in West Hollywood, Stringfellows in London, Bloodstock Open Air, and his hometown of Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent.

“It remains a responsibility we proudly carry,” says Motörhead manager Todd Singerman. “Not everyone can make the pilgrimage to visit Lemmy in Hollywood, so we are bringing Lem back to his fans. These places meant something to him, and they mean something to the people who loved him. It’s important that they have somewhere they can come, raise a glass, share a story, and spend a moment with him.”

This year’s Download ceremony will also provide an opportunity for fans to pay tribute to Lemmy’s longtime bandmate and friend, Phil Campbell.

“When Phil passed, we lost such an important family member, and I know Lem would insist we all raise a glass to Phil as well,” adds Singerman.

Following Download, the journey continues north. On June 16 at 12:00 PM, the same ashes enshrined at Download will be transported to Manchester Apollo, where another Lemmy Forever ceremony will take place.

Friends of Lemmy will gather to share stories, celebrate his remarkable life, and honor a man whose influence on rock ’n’ roll remains as powerful today as ever. Ace from Skunk Anansie was on hand to speak about his friendship with Lemmy.

In a fitting tribute to one of Britain’s most beloved rock icons, the ashes enshrined at Download will make the pilgrimage back to the festival each year before returning home to Manchester Apollo, where fans will be able to visit Lemmy throughout the rest of the year.

It is another chapter in the ongoing Lemmy Forever story — ensuring that Lem remains exactly where he belongs: among the people, the music, and the community that meant so much to him.