The band were sent into turmoil earlier this year when Lemmy spent several weeks in hospital, then fell ill again after going back on the road. They were forced to cancel a tour and even endured rumours that the bassist and vocalist had died following the band's cut-short performance at Germany's Wacken festival.

In the cover feature of the latest edition of Classic Rock, the drummer says: "I think after all he's been through, I'd say this: 'Lem, when are you going to get sick and tired of feeling sick and tired? it's time you started to take care of yourself.'"