Former Motörhead guitarist Wurzel dies at 61

Wurzel, former guitarist for legendary British metal band Motörhead has died on Saturday (July 9) at the age of 61 from heart failure.

The guitarist, whose real name was Michael Burston, joined the band in 1984 and first appeared on the band’s 1986 album ‘Orgasmatron’. He remained the band’s main axe-wielder until ‘Sacrifice’ in 1995 when he left after recording the record, but before heading out on the road.

Burston gained his nickname during his time in the British army because of his supposed resemblance to the children’s character Worzel Gummidge – a scarecrow with a turnip for a head.

He had been recording with his current band Leader of Down at the time of his death. It’s unknown what will come of the recordings.