Metallica's James Hetfield uses Lemmy Kilmister's ashes in Motorhead tattoo

Metallica frontman James Hetfield has a new tattoo which includes some of Lemmy Kilmister's ashes - in a suitably rock 'n' roll tribute to the Motorhead star.

In an Instagram post on Wednesday, Hetfield showed off the ace of spades design, etched on his middle finger.

The ink is mixed with a portion of the remains given to Hetfield after the rocker died from cancer in 2015.

"A salute to my friend and inspiration Mr. Lemmy Kilmister. Without him, there would be NO Metallica," he wrote.

Hetfield added that the tattoo, designed by prominent tattoo artist Corey Miller, meant "he is still able to fly the bird at the world".

Kilmister, affectionately known as Lemmy, founded Motorhead in 1975 after being fired from rock group Hawkwind over drug use.

The band became British pioneers of heavy metal, releasing 22 albums, including 1980's iconic Ace of Spades and its anthemic title track.

The success made Lemmy one of music's most recognisable voices and faces.

Fellow 80s rockers Metallica, who have sold more than 100 million albums worldwide, have been open about the influence of Motorhead on their formation, sound and career.

Speaking in 2016, Hetfield told Kerrang! that Lemmy's death left him "distraught".

"My vision of him was as a statue of a man that was immortal. When he ed it scared me, like, 'where's our captain now":[]}