If you’ve ever walked into a tattoo studio and heard the buzz of the needle, chances are someone, somewhere, has been getting Lemmy Kilmister inked into their skin. Why? Because Lemmy was Motörhead, Motörhead was Lemmy, and the man was the living, chain-smoking, whisky-swigging definition of rock ’n’ roll until the very end. 🥃🔥
And let’s be honest, if you don’t have a Snaggletooth somewhere on your body, are you even metal?
So here’s a tattoo tour of fame – rock stars and the odd celebrity who’ve had Lemmy & Motörhead immortalised in ink.
🦇 Ozzy Osbourne – The Prince of Darkness Pays Respect
Ozzy and Lemmy were more than mates – they were drinking partners, songwriting partners, and chaos enablers. Lemmy even penned a few of Ozzy’s best solo cuts (Mama I’m Coming Home, Hellraiser). Of course, Ozzy’s got Motörhead ink to keep that bond forever. Proper job, mun.
🥁 Dave Grohl – The Grohl of Rock ’n’ Roll
Grohl isn’t just a fan – he’s a disciple. He’s got the “Ace of Spades” card tattooed, and has called Lemmy “the last real rock ’n’ roll hero.” He even once turned up at Lemmy’s house with a case of Jack Daniels like some kind of riff-bearing Santa Claus.
🎩 Slash – Top Hat, Snakes, and Snaggletooth
Slash has more ink than a Newport Friday night, but among it all sits the Snaggletooth. He’s often said Lemmy was a huge influence, and you can bet Slash has raised more than a few toasts in his name at the Rainbow Bar & Grill.
🤡 Corey Taylor – Maggots, Masks & Motörhead
Corey Taylor wears his heroes on his skin – literally. He’s got Snaggletooth blasted on him and has admitted Lemmy was one of the few people who left him absolutely starstruck. Imagine that: Slipknot’s frontman, speechless!
🧔 Scott Ian – Anthrax Beard, Lemmy Tattoo
The Anthrax riff-lord rocks a Lemmy tattoo too. He’s often told stories about nights with Lemmy that ended with the kind of hangovers only gods of metal can survive.
🖋️ Kat Von D – Ink Queen with a Lemmy King
Kat Von D isn’t just a tattooist, she’s a walking canvas – and yep, Lemmy’s on there too. She once called him “the epitome of cool,” which is probably the most accurate three words ever strung together.
🎸 Nikki Sixx – Crüe Chaos Meets Motörhead Madness
Motörhead practically lived at the Rainbow on the Sunset Strip, and so did Mötley Crüe. Nikki Sixx’s tattoo tribute is as much about survival as it is about respect – after all, those nights could kill a normal mortal.
🎨 Dave Navarro – Inked in Honour
Navarro, the riff master from Jane’s Addiction, has Motörhead tattoo work too. His philosophy? Lemmy did what he wanted, always. That’s tattoo-worthy if anything is.
🐉 Matt Heafy – Trivium’s Metal Homage
Matt Heafy got a Motörhead tattoo as a nod to the legends that paved the way. He’s often said Lemmy’s influence on heavy music can’t be overstated. True words, tidy ink.
🦁 Phil Anselmo – Pantera Power, Lemmy Love
Phil’s got Snaggletooth too. The man has described Lemmy as the ultimate frontman, and when Phil says ultimate, you listen.
🌍 Random Celebs & Out-of-Nowhere Lemmy Tattoos
It ain’t just the metal lot who’ve gone under the needle for Lemmy…
- Travis Barker (Blink-182) – Full Lemmy portrait tattoo on his thigh. Punk meets metal in perfect harmony.
- Ryan Dunn (Jackass) – Rocked Motörhead ink before his tragic passing. Lemmy would’ve loved his chaos.
- Bam Margera – Another Jackass alum, flying the Snaggletooth flag proudly.
- Jason Momoa (Aquaman) – Massive Motörhead fan, and yep, he’s sported Snaggletooth ink too. Khal Drogo with Lemmy energy? Yes please.
🪦 Ink That Never Dies
Since Lemmy’s passing in 2015, Motörhead tattoos have exploded across the globe. From portraits of his wart-covered mug (done with surprising tenderness by tattooists) to full Snaggletooth back pieces, fans and rockers alike wear him like a badge of honour.
As Lemmy himself said:
“Born to lose, live to win.”
Turns out, some fans were born to tattoo that too.
💀 Would you get a Lemmy tattoo yourself, butt? Or are you already rocking one? Show us your ink on socials and we’ll chuck it up on The Riff Report wall of rockers! 🖤
Michael is the founder, editor, and chief riff wrangler behind The Riff Report, an independent Welsh rock and metal publication built by fans, for fans. With a lifelong passion for loud guitars, unforgettable live shows, and the incredible community that surrounds rock and metal, he created The Riff Report to celebrate everything that makes the scene special—from legendary headline acts and grassroots venues to rising bands that deserve to be heard.
A familiar face at festivals across the UK, Michael spends much of the year covering events including Download Festival, Bloodstock Open Air, Steelhouse Festival, Firevolt, Plumpton Revival, and many more. Whether he’s battling the Welsh weather on a mountainside, surviving a weekend in a muddy campsite, or squeezed against the front barrier with thousands of fellow fans, he’s always searching for the next great story to share.
As editor of The Riff Report, Michael writes festival guides, breaking news, album reviews, gig reviews, interviews, opinion pieces, nostalgia features, and behind-the-scenes stories from across the rock and metal world. His writing combines honest opinions, humour, and a genuine love for live music, bringing readers closer to the bands, festivals, venues, and people that keep the scene alive.
Michael is particularly passionate about supporting independent artists, local venues, charities, and the wider UK rock and metal community. He believes every band deserves a chance to be discovered and every festival has a story worth telling. Through The Riff Report, he aims to shine a spotlight on both the biggest names in rock and the future stars waiting to break through.
When he’s not writing or interviewing artists, you’ll probably find him exploring festival campsites, photographing live shows, chatting with fellow fans over a pint, or planning the next road trip in search of more riffs, bigger crowds, and unforgettable moments.
Above all, Michael believes rock and metal are about more than music—they’re about community, friendship, and creating memories that last a lifetime. That’s exactly what The Riff Report exists to celebrate.
Proudly Welsh. Proudly Loud. Always chasing the next great riff. 🤘
Comments