Motörhead have announced the seventh Lemmy Forever ceremony, taking place at Download Festival 2026 on June 12 at 3:00 PM in Donington. The event will celebrate the life and legacy of Lemmy Kilmister, with a portion of his ashes being permanently enshrined at Lemmy’s Lounge inside a custom vessel inspired by one of his favourite pastimes, a classic fruit machine.
The ceremony forms part of the ongoing Lemmy Forever initiative, which has previously honoured Lemmy at locations including Hellfest, Wacken Open Air, The Rainbow Bar & Grill, Stringfellows, Bloodstock Open Air and his hometown of Burslem. Following the passing of longtime Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell, a close friend of Lemmy will oversee this year’s ceremony and continue the tradition of keeping his legacy alive.
Motörhead manager Todd Singerman said the ceremonies ensure that fans who cannot visit Lemmy’s resting place in Hollywood still have meaningful locations where they can gather, share stories and raise a glass in his honour.
“It remains a responsibility we proudly carry,” Singerman said. “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.”
The event will also pay tribute to Phil Campbell, who passed away in March 2026. Singerman noted that both Lemmy and Phil remain deeply connected to the Motörhead family and fan community.
After Download Festival, the same ashes will be transported to the O2 Apollo Manchester on June 16 for another Lemmy Forever ceremony. There, friends and fans will celebrate Lemmy’s extraordinary life and enduring influence on Heavy Metal and rock ‘n’ roll.
“It is such a privilege to welcome Lemmy back to O2 Apollo Manchester, following so many memorable shows at our venue,” Melissa Bury, General Manager at O2 Apollo Manchester, said. “We are so grateful to Download Festival for entrusting us with his memorial between his annual return there. We look forward to celebrating Lemmy’s arrival with his friends, fans and our team.”
The ashes enshrined at Download Festival will return annually before making their way back to the O2 Apollo Manchester, creating a lasting place where fans can remember one of music’s most iconic figures.
