Streaming funeral for metal-music legend Lemmy lets everyone attend
The funeral for the late Motorhead front man, who died in December at age 70, will be broadcast live on YouTube from Hollywood this Saturday.
When Lemmy Kilmister, leader singer and bassist of the iconic English heavy-metal band Motorhead, died of cancer on December 28, fans and fellow rock stars the world over mourned online via social media.
Now they will able to able to attend his funeral online as well. A private service for family and friends at Forest Lawn Memorial Cemetery in Hollywood, California, this Saturday will stream via Motorhead's official YouTube channel. The service starts at 3 p.m PT and ends at 4:30 p.m. PT.
"With such limited space available on-site, we respectfully ask that you don't attend the cemetery...but we want you all to be a part of this, so we are setting up a live feed of the service via the Internet on Motorhead's official YouTube channel," the band's official Facebook page said.
"Go to your favorite bar, or your favorite club, make sure they have access to an Internet connection and toast along with us," the official statement continued. "Or simply invite your pals around and celebrate Lemm's life at home. Whatever your venue, and however you can, let's be sure to gather globally on Saturday 9th and celebrate the life of our dear friend and irreplaceable icon."
In addition to the funeral, fans can celebrate Lemmy's life at his favorite hangout -- Rainbow Bar and Grill in Los Angeles -- at a 12-hour memorial service. The Roxy and the Whisky on the Sunset Strip will also be open to fans to honor Lemmy, who died at 70.
For anyone wishing to send flowers to honor Lemmy, the official band Facebook page suggests contacting Karen Brando at Flowers by Michael. Fans wanting to make a charitable donation in Lemmy's name are asked to consider the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund.
Meanwhile, a Change.org petition to change the name of a Jack Daniels and Coke to "A Lemmy" in the musician's honor has garnered more than 25,000 signatures since launching Thursday. According to the petition, "a Jack Daniels and Coke will forever be associated with Ian Fraser 'Lemmy' Kilmister."
Lemmy's funeral on YouTube won't mark the first time mourners have tuned in online to watch a streaming funeral. Last year, the family of YouTube star Caleb Logan Bratayley, 13, streamed his memorial service live on Facebook and Periscope to help his fans get closure after his sudden death from an undetected medical condition.
Tune in below for Lemmy's funeral ceremony on January 9 at 3 p.m. PT.