Rock Fans Campaign for Lemmy and Slash Statues in Stoke-on-Trent

Could Stoke-on-Trent be England's hardest rocking city? It could certainly make a serious claim for the accolade if rock fans campaigning for statues to erected in honour of former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash and Motorhead overlord Lemmy get their way.

Thisisstaffordshire.co.uk reports that a petition in support of the idea has gathered 318 signatures and is now being considered by the city council's economic development overview and scrutiny committee.

A campaign spokesperson told the committee, "We firmly believe it could be a landmark that is really quite individual and exclusive to the area, and would definitely be a popular attraction for fans of rock music worldwide."

Both musicians are closely linked to the area. Lemmy was born nearby Burslem but moved to North Wales when he was 10-years-old while Slash -- though born in London -- lived in Stoke-on-Trent until he was six. Stoke-on-Trent's other famous sons include Take That's prodigal Robbie Williams who was born there in 1974 and Gorillaz's fictional bassist Murdoc claims to be from the city. Strangely, their names are conspicuous by their absence.

However, though receiving support from the committee ,savage public spending cutbacks mean that campaigners will have to fund any statues themselves.