Lemmy and Slash statue bid rejected
CALLS to erect statues to two world-famous rock stars from The Potteries have been rejected by councillors.
A petition signed by 318 supporters last month called on Stoke-on-Trent City Council to erect the statues in honour of former Guns 'n' Roses guitarist Slash and Motorhead frontman Lemmy, who were both born in the city.
The request was referred to the council's economic development overview and scrutiny committee for further discussion.
But yesterday, committee members said they did not support the statues idea, and would rather see a broader tribute which would include all of the city's celebrated sons and daughters.
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Labour councillor and music promoter Matt Wilcox said he felt the statue proposal was too selective.
He said: "I think this idea is a complete waste of time and effort, and the petition was the wrong way for this to be brought to us.
"It's actually quite selfish to focus on these two specific artists and I think there should be a more diverse monument to the range of that this city has produced."
He added: "If it was a bit broader then it could be a fantastic contribution to Hanley's Cultural Quarter."
Christian Independent councillor Alan Rigby said the council should look at a possible monument outside the newly-refurbished Mitchell Memorial Theatre.
He said: "We should bring these famous figures back here and display their hand prints outside the theatre where Robbie Williams made his debut."
The committee agreed to ask the council's cultural development officer to look into the idea.
Comments
by Victoria, edinburgh
Saturday, February 26 2011, 6:45PM
“The first chapter of Slash's book is called Stoked! He lived in Stoke until he was 12 with his Stokey dad Tony Hudson and stokey granddad. His experiences in Stoke were important to him as he explains in his book. Maybe not Lemmy though as his politics are a bit dodgy and he never seems to even mention being from Stoke. . . and one of Robbie Williams? Although he is more of an embarrassment for us stokies when we travel the world than something to be proud of, why not give everyone a good laugh. The statues would be a great tourist attraction . . .”
by Victoria Hodson, Edinburgh
Saturday, February 26 2011, 6:40PM
“I never got chance to sign the petition but I definitely would have voted for the statue of Slash, there is a statue of Stanley Mathews already and a man who means nothing to me and again was not proud of being from Stoke.”
by Kelly, Stafford
Tuesday, January 18 2011, 10:48PM
“To rock music fans Lemmy is just as important as Lennon and McCartney are to pop, Liverpool has no issue acknowledging their contribution but Stoke on Trent has problems recognising one of our very few worldwide musical success stories.”
by Mick Penning, Newcastle, Staffs
Tuesday, January 18 2011, 10:25PM
“There ought to be a monument to represent the thousands and thousands of men and women who died a slow death through lung disease contracted from the Pits 'n Pots -when life was indeed grim -and on whose toil the Potteries were built on.
That would be a real gesture to the people -and serve as a lasting memory to those who went before in less salubrious surroundings.
Flash Harrys are ten a penny.”
by Mark, Porthill
Tuesday, January 18 2011, 7:03PM
“Berta- I believe Nick was born and raised in Market Drayton, Shrops and not in Stoke although he has long been a great ambassador for the area; being a genuine Stoke fan.
Phil Taylor is surely well overdue a monument due to his more local connections?”
by Berta, At Work
Tuesday, January 18 2011, 5:33PM
“I have started a petition to request that our council erect a statue in honour of one of Stoke on Trent's greatest exports: Nick Hancock, a man who has brought joy to all fans of sport related quiz shows.
I'm sure you'll all agree that this will be much more deserved than Slash, who's greatest achievement is possessing the ability to play the guitar whilst wearing a hat”
by never, wrong
Tuesday, January 18 2011, 5:23PM
“what do you expect with that young left-wing pup coming out with "more diverse"what a pratt whats up master willcox are lemmy and slash that awefull colour of white that your lot seem to hate”
by Pete, Still at work
Tuesday, January 18 2011, 4:19PM
“So why would the council spend good money on placing a statue of someone not even born in the area and spent so little time here?. We read daily about how the local authorities are having to make cuts, and some bright spark thought i would be a good idea to waste money on a pointless statue of someone not even native to the area”
by Crystal, Staff Moorlands
Tuesday, January 18 2011, 1:13PM
“Pete, you are indeed correct. Slash was born in Hampstead (London), in 1965, but he was raised in Stoke-On-Trent until he was 11 years old when he moved to the USA with his mother.”
by Pete, At Work
Tuesday, January 18 2011, 12:58PM
“Correct me if i'm wrong, but Slash was not born in Stoke on Trent, but in west hampstead LONDON!”