Former Motörhead Guitarist Michael "Würzel" Burston Dead at 61

Posted on Jul 10th 2011 1:00PM by Amy Sciarretto Comments

Neil Lupin/Redferns

Sad news for headbangers: Former Motörhead guitarist Michael "Würzel" Burston, who joined the legendary metal band in 1984 and performed with them for 11 years, has passed away at the age of 61. Several sources report that Burston died from ventricular fibrillation, caused by cardiomyopathy.

The news was reported on the Facebook page of Tim Butcher, who has served as the longtime bass tech for Motörhead leader Lemmy Kilmister. Butcher wrote the following unedited post: "RIP Wurzle, Great guitarist an a complete gent .. we will miss you..." An official statement from the Motorhead camp has yet to be issued as of press time.

Prior to Motörhead, Burston also played in Bastard and Warfare. He served in the British Army, as well. His post-Motörhead bands included Splodgenessabounds, WVKEAF and Disgust. He also started a band called Leader of Down, which was supposed to release its debut album in 2010, but that never materialized.

Below is Burston's Motörhead discography:

No Remorse (1984)
Orgasmatron (1986)
Rock 'n' Roll (1987)
Nö Sleep at All (1988)
The Birthday Party (1990)
1916 (1991)

R.I.P., Würzel. Your legacy lives on.

Watch 'Steal Your Face' from Motörhead