Lemmy – home forever in Burslem…home for the future…
A statue to celebrate a legend… a memorial which stands on a plinth on Market Place in Burslem in Stoke-on-Trent…a tribute to behold and to cherish…Sonya Farrall reflects on the day the Lemmy Kilmister statue was unveiled in Burslem.
The unveiling of the Lemmy statue in Burslem took place on the sunny afternoon of Friday 9 May 2025…an afternoon which saw hundreds descend upon the late singer’s hometown and where huge celebrations were had.
Lemmy – without a doubt – had a huge influence in the music industry and the 2.25m bronze-cast statue by sculptor Andy Edwards – another local legend to celebrate – has created a buzz which is ringing throughout as news of further regeneration plans are trickling out.
Amanda Bromley, of Barewall Art Gallery – which is located Market Place in the town – said after the unveiling: “What a fantastic event and new energy for Burslem and Stoke on Trent to get yer teeth into.
“We have had nonstop visitors to see this fantastic statue in his birth town of Burslem, its given us all something to remember and celebrate.
“Andy Edwards and the team have made a huge impact already and this is just the start and we at Barewall and Burslem thank them all.”
The town’s football club – Port Vale – who celebrated promotion to the EFL League 1 just days before the Lemmy unveiling, were also delighted to see such celebrations in the Mother Town.
Director of Marketing and Communications at the club, Ryan Grant, said: “As a club, we were delighted to attend the unveiling of the Lemmy statue and witness a local hero being honoured in such a special way.
“The statue itself looks fantastic, and it was great to see people travel from far and wide to be in Burslem on the day. It’s another moment and another monument that will help put our community on the map, during what has been a really positive year for us here, and we’re proud to represent the town that Lemmy called home.”
While Director of Commercial Strategy at University of Staffordshire, Martin Tideswell, spoke about the momentous event being the kickstart to something else for Burslem.
Martin said: “What a privilege it was to be there in the sunshine in Burslem to see this magnificent statue unveiled. We are so fortunate to have Andy Edwards, a world-renowned sculptor, from Stoke-on-Trent, giving back to the city in this way and honouring one of our most famous exports.
“The love and respect for Lemmy was clear for all to see. Thousands had made the journey – some from overseas. The statue itself perfectly captures Lemmy’s trademark stance as frontman of one of the greatest rock bands.
“Hopefully this is just the start as the statue is phase one of a project to kickstart the regeneration of the beautiful Queen’s Theatre and the Mother Town itself.”
The Lemmy statue is there to see, a tribute, and without doubt Friday 9 May, 2025 will be a lasting memory in many people’s hearts and minds.
But what else does this really mean for Burslem – the Mother Town?
Has the Lemmy statue helped to flick a ‘switch?’
What if there were more statues, more occasions and more promotions to celebrate our local heroes and our champions in a town where dreams are all around and can really come true…? Is the question now more of ‘when’ and not what ‘if?’
