"Philthy" Phil was a member of the legendary British hardrock band from 1975 to 1984, and rejoined in 1987 for a second five-year stint alongside frontman Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister and guitarist "Fast" Eddie Clarke.

Phil was present on all the band's major albums and played drum on classic Motörhead hits such as Ace of Spades, Overkill, and Orgasmatron.

"Fast" Edie comments:

"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"

Lemmy posted the following statement of Motörhead's Facebook page:

"I'm feeling very sad at the moment, in fact devastated because one of my best friends died yesterday. I miss him already. His name was Phil Taylor, or Philthy Animal, and he was our drummer twice in our career. Now he's died and it really pisses me off that they take somebody like him and leave George Bush alive.(...) Lil' Philthy... he who once shouted 'stop wincing about' on an album... he who fueled many a young boy's punk/metal hairstyles... he who played the drums with fury and intent...