Andrea Lius in The Scientist:
Metallica’s lead vocalist James Hetfield often lauds Motörhead’s Lemmy Kilmister as one of his biggest inspirations. In 2024, nine years after Kilmister passed away, Hetfield tattooed the ace of spades (the title of one of Motörhead’s most popular tracks) on his right middle finger. But what made Hetfield’s tribute so heartfelt—and eccentric—is the fact that he didn’t just use any tattoo ink but one mixed with a pinch of Kilmister’s ashes.
As morbid as they may sound, cremation tattoos are more common than one might expect. Tattoo parlors, crematoriums, and companies specializing in the production of cremation tattoo inks claim that the practice is safe, or at least that it’s no riskier than conventional tattooing. However, no regulatory body actually governs what can go into tattoo ink and under people’s skin. From human ashes to industrial paint used on cars, just about anything goes.
More here.
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