Fans of the late Mötorhead frontman Lemmy have launched a petition to name a new periodic table element in honour of the singer. Lemmy, who was born Ian Fraser Kilmister, died on December 28th, aged 70, just two days after being diagnosed with cancer.

Lemmy, MotorheadFans want a new periodic table element to be named after Lemmy.

The petition, launched on change.org, asks that the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry name one of the four new discovered Heavy Metals in the Periodic table ‘Lemmium', after the iconic frontman.

It also states that an astrological object (a star) has already been named Lemmy to meet the IUPAC naming recommendations, which require that elements must be named after, a mythological concept or character (including an astronomical object); a mineral, or similar substance; a place or geographical region; a property of the element; or a scientist.

More: Tributes Pour In For Motörhead Frontman Lemmy, Who Has Died Aged 70

Earlier this week it was announced that four new man-made super-heavy elements are to be added to the periodic table, but they currently have no name or symbol. So far over 14,500 fans have signed the petition to have one named after Lemmy, just short of its 15,000 signatures goal.

But not all Mötorhead fans support the idea. Some have pointed out that Lemmy himself didn't consider their music ‘heavy metal’ and instead preferred them to be known as a ‘rock & roll’ band.

“We were not heavy metal. We were a rock’n’roll band. Still are,” Lemmy told The Independent in 2010. “Everyone always describes us as heavy metal even when I tell them otherwise. Why won’t people listen?”

More: Read our review of documentary ‘Lemmy’


A memorial service for Lemmy will be held this Saturday (January 9th) on West Hollywood's Sunset Strip and will be streamed live on Motorhead’s official YouTube channel for fans to watch. "Wherever you are, PLEASE get together and watch the service with fellow Motorheadbangers and friends," the band said on Facebook.

"Go to your favourite bar, or your favourite club, make sure they have access to an internet connection and toast along with us. Or simply invite your pals around and celebrate Lemm's life at home. Whatever your venue, and however you can, let's be sure to gather globally on Saturday, January 9 and celebrate the life of our dear friend and irreplaceable icon."