Metal band Motorhead calls it quits

The iconic British heavy metal band Motorhead is calling it quits after the death of legendary frontman Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister, the group's Swedish drummer said Tuesday.

"Motörhead is over, of course. Lemmy was Motörhead, but the band will live on in the memories of many," Mikkey Dee told the website of Sweden's Expressen tabloid newspaper.

"We won't be doing any more tours or anything. And there won't be any more records. But the brand survives, and Lemmy lives on in the hearts of everyone," the Swedish musician said.

The gravel-voiced Lemmy, one of rock and roll's great survivors despite a hard-partying lifestyle, was diagnosed with cancer on Saturday -- two days after his 70th birthday -- and died on Monday.

Dee praised his strength and dedication to the band he founded in 1975.

"He was terribly gaunt, he spent all his energy on stage and afterwards he was very, very tired," he said.

Dee said he felt a deep sense of gratitude to the band and to the fans.

"I'm incredibly grateful for the years we had, and that we had such a good time together."