DUFF McKAGAN PLACES THE ASHES OF HIS LONGTIME FRIEND LEMMY AT DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL

On Tuesday, June 16, the same ashes were transported to O2 Apollo Manchester’

Lemmy’s ashes at O2 Apollo Manchester

Photo Credit: Eddy Highton

Among the music, the noise, and the unmistakable energy of a rock ’n’ roll crowd — the kind of place Lemmy always felt at home — his ashes have found their place at Download Festival.

In a special Lemmy Forever ceremony, longtime friend Duff McKagan placed a miniature of Lemmy’s custom urn containing a portion of his ashes inside one of his own personal fruit machines, a fitting tribute for a man who lived life on his own terms and found joy in the places and moments that brought people together.

Duff McKagan cutting the ribbon at Lemmy’s Lounge – Download 2026

Photo Credit: Katja Ogrin

The ceremony took place at Download’s Lemmy’s Lounge, where fans gathered to honor Lemmy’s memory and hear Duff share personal stories of friendship, music, and the impact Lemmy had on so many lives.

The ashes remained at Lemmy’s Lounge throughout the festival, giving fans the opportunity to visit, pay their respects, and spend time with Lemmy once again.

Following Download, Lemmy’s journey continued north. On Tuesday, June 16, the same ashes were transported to the O2 Apollo Manchester, where another Lemmy Forever ceremony took place with another of Lemmy’s long time friends, Ace of Skunk Anansie, sharing his own memories of Lemmy.

The O2 Apollo Manchester will become Lemmy’s home for fans to visit throughout the year, with the ashes making their annual pilgrimage back to Download — ensuring Lemmy remains forever connected to the music, the places, and the people who loved him.