A NORTH-EAST musician who collaborated with former Motorhead guitarist “fast” Eddie Clarke last year has paid tribute to the heavy metal legend following his death aged 67.

Clarke, the last surviving member of the band’s best-known line-up, died on January 10 after contracting pneumonia.

News of his death was revealed on the official Motorhead Facebook page yesterday, shocking heavy metal fans all over the world, including Shildon-based ‘Evo.’ The former Angelic Upstarts member first met the band in the ear1y 1980s in London.

Evo went on to form the punk band War Fare whose 1985 album Metal Anarchy was produced by Motorhead frontman Lemmy.

Evo and Clarke remained good friends. He was delighted when Clarke played guitar on his 2017 album War Fare, released through the German music label High Roller Records.

“He was a good friend and, in my opinion, the best guitar player in the world,” said Evo.

“We had some great drinking sessions together over the years before he gave up drinking. He was good fun but he was always a professional. He knew exactly what he wanted and he wouldn’t settle for second best.”

On the Motorhead Facebook page the statement confirmed Clarke had passed away peacefully, and concluded: “Fast Eddie... keep roaring, rocking’ and rollin’ up there as goddamit man, your Motorfamily would expect nothing less!!!

“RIP Fast Eddie Clarke 5th October 1950 - 10th January 2018.”

Former Motorhead drummer Mikkey Dee, who is currently a member of the Scorpions, said: “Oh my f***ing God, this is terrible news, the last of the three amigos.”

Referring to Motorhead members Lemmy and Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor, who both died in 2015, he added: “Now Lem and Philthy can jam with Eddie again, and if you listen carefully I’m sure you’ll hear them, so watch out!!!”

Clarke is considered one of the “classic” members of Motorhead, along with frontman Lemmy and drummer Taylor.

He joined the band in 1976 and left in 1982.

During his time, Motorhead spawned hits such as Ace Of Spades and Bomber.

After Motorhead, Clarke founded rock band Fastway with former UFO bassist Pete Way.

Lemmy, whose real name was Ian Fraser Kilmister, died in December 2015, little more than a month after the death of Taylor.