Proposed Music Venue in Lemmy’s Hometown Poised to Energize Local Music Scene

A planned performance hall in the hometown of heavy metal legend Lemmy Kilmister would assist to strengthen the area’s music scene, according to a local artist.

The idea would convert the abandoned Queen’s Theatre in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, into an 800-seat facility complete with a cafe, museum, and music studios.

Sculptor Andy Edwards of Newcastle-under-Lyme, who designed the statue of the Motorhead vocalist born in Burslem, is one of those pushing the concept.

Mr Edwards told BBC Radio Stoke that the venue, which will be named Kilmister Halls, might assist to draw more bands and artists to the city.

“We’ve got a big musical heritage in this city and we used to attract the best bands,” he told me.

“That’s drifted away and this [new venue] would make a huge difference in getting that back again.”

Image caption,Andy Edwards sculpted the statue of Lemmy Kilmister, which was erected in Burslem

The Grade II-listed Queen’s Theatre closed in 1998, resurfaced for infrequent events in 2003, and closed again in 2014.

It is next to the Lemmy statue on Market Place, which was unveiled on May 9 to commemorate the singer’s cancer death ten years ago and Motorhead’s 50th anniversary.

According to IFK Legacy CIC, which is working on the project, preparations for the facility were in the early stages, with organisers hoping to purchase the building and raise cash.

Mr Edwards stated that meetings with Stoke-on-Trent City Council, which owns the theatre, had been “really positive”.

Image caption,A statue of Lemmy Kilmister, pictured with the Queen’s Theatre behind it, was unveiled in his hometown of Burslem on 9 May

He emphasized the importance of the project’s financial viability, saying, “It’s not just about wild dreams, it’s about making things pay for themselves and not run out of steam.”

A municipal council official stated that “lots of discussions” had taken place with interested parties over the future of the Queen’s Theatre.

“While these discussions are in still in the early stages and all options are being explored, it is clear that all interested parties are keen to progress with a project to restore the building, particularly one which will combine a performance space with wider community and educational uses,” according to them.

Proposed Music Venue in Lemmy’s Hometown Poised to Energize Local Music Scene

Plans to establish a new live music venue in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent — the hometown of the late Motörhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister — have been gaining momentum, with music advocates, local leaders, and fans rallying around the idea. Supporters believe the venue could transform the town into a regional music hub, honor Lemmy’s legacy, and breathe new life into the area’s cultural landscape.

The proposal, still in the early stages, envisions a mid-sized performance space capable of hosting touring acts, local bands, tribute shows, and community events. Advocates argue that such a space would not only commemorate one of rock’s most iconic figures but also provide a much-needed platform for emerging artists in the Midlands.

Lemmy, born Ian Fraser Kilmister in Burslem in 1945, left an indelible mark on the world of rock and heavy metal. Though he left the town as a child, his connection to the area remains significant, and many believe the time is right to celebrate his legacy more tangibly.

“Lemmy is a global rock icon,” said Jane Matthews, a spokesperson for the proposed project. “But he started here. A venue in his honor would connect the town’s proud musical heritage to its future.”

Local musicians and promoters have been vocal in their support. Many note the lack of suitable live performance spaces in Stoke-on-Trent, which often forces artists to travel to larger cities like Manchester or Birmingham to find gigs.

“We have so much talent in this area, but not enough places to showcase it,” said Tom Ashcroft, guitarist for local band Broken Vaults. “A proper venue would give us a real shot, and it would draw attention to everything happening here creatively.”

Councillors in Stoke-on-Trent have acknowledged the proposal, and while no formal planning application has been submitted yet, early discussions suggest that public support could influence council priorities. A feasibility study is expected in the coming months.

The cultural and economic benefits of such a venue could be substantial. Live music drives tourism, creates jobs, and brings communities together. With the right investment, Burslem could become a destination for fans of Motörhead and live music more broadly.

Plans reportedly include not just performance space but also rehearsal rooms, recording facilities, and a permanent Lemmy exhibition—something that has long been requested by fans. A café or bar styled in Lemmy’s image is also under discussion.

For many fans of Motörhead, the idea of a venue honoring Lemmy in his hometown is long overdue. Though Lemmy spent much of his career in London and later in Los Angeles, his working-class roots in Staffordshire played a crucial role in shaping his worldview and no-nonsense musical style.

“I think Lemmy would love the idea,” said rock historian Paul Travers. “He never forgot where he came from, and he was passionate about live music and giving young bands a chance.”

The town has seen recent attempts to revive its arts scene, including mural projects and pop-up performances. A dedicated venue could unify these efforts and act as a focal point for Burslem’s creative community.

Local schools and colleges have also expressed interest in collaborating with the proposed venue, seeing it as an opportunity to offer music education programs, internships, and industry exposure to students pursuing creative careers.

Critics of the project have raised concerns about funding, sustainability, and competition with existing venues in Stoke-on-Trent. However, supporters argue that the unique branding of a Lemmy-themed venue gives it a niche appeal few others can match.

Private investors, including several figures in the British rock industry, are reportedly exploring involvement in the project. While nothing is confirmed, there’s growing optimism that the idea is gaining serious backing.

A petition launched online last month has already gathered over 15,000 signatures, with fans from around the world voicing support for the idea. “Lemmy deserves a monument in music, not just a statue,” wrote one commenter. “This could inspire generations.”

The idea has also caught the attention of Motörhead alumni. Former band members Phil Campbell and Mikkey Dee have expressed interest in performing at an eventual launch event and helping to promote the space globally.

As the proposal gains traction, organizers are encouraging local input to ensure the venue reflects community values and serves more than just rock fans. “This isn’t just about Lemmy—it’s about what he stood for,” said Matthews. “Freedom, authenticity, and music that means something.”

If realized, the Lemmy venue in Burslem could become one of the most unique and meaningful performance spaces in the UK. More than a concert hall, it would be a place where the past and future of British rock come together.

For a town long associated with industry, pottery, and football, a music venue could represent a cultural shift—one built on volume, passion, and the memory of a local lad who went on to become a legend.