Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister, the frontman of hard rock band Motörhead, died on Monday after succumbing to an "aggressive cancer," the group said on its Facebook page Tuesday.

The British frontman, who celebrated his 70th birthday on Christmas Eve, was a veteran musician, and considered one of rock and roll's greatest survivors - despite his alcohol and amphetamine fueled lifestyle.

"There is no easy way to say this…our mighty, noble friend Lemmy passed away today after a short battle with an extremely aggressive cancer," the band said in its statement.

"He had learnt of the disease on December 26th, and was at home, sitting in front of his favorite video game from The Rainbow, which had recently made its way down the street, with his family," the band added.

"We will say more in the coming days, but for now, please...play Motörhead loud, play Hawkwind loud, play Lemmy's music LOUD. Have a drink or few. Share stories," the band suggested.

'Epitome of rock and roll'

Musicians and fans alike took to Twitter to pay their respects to the rock icon.

Renowned rapper Ice-T shared memories of when the two met, while Jamey Jasta, lead vocalist for hardcore rock band Hatebreed, described Lemmy as the "epitome of rock and roll."

The band, which formed in 1975, was known for playing extremely loud shows.

"We cannot begin to express our shock and sadness, there aren't words," the band said on its official Facebook page.

ls/bk (AFP, Reuters, dpa)