Motörhead (pronounced /ˈmoʊtərhɛd/) are a British rock band formed in 1975 by bassist, singer and songwriter Ian Fraser Kilmister, known mostly by his stage name Lemmy, who has remained the sole constant member. The band is often considered a precursor to or one of the earliest members of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, which re-energised heavy metal in the late 1970s and early 1980s.[1] Usually a power trio, Motörhead had particular success in the early 1980s with several successful singles in the UK Top 40 chart. The albums Overkill, Bomber, Ace of Spades, and particularly No Sleep 'til Hammersmith, cemented Motörhead's reputation as one of Britain's foremost rock bands.[2] Motörhead are typically classified as heavy metal, and their fusion of punk rock into the genre helped to pioneer speed metal and thrash metal.[3] Lemmy dislikes such labels, preferring to describe the band's music simply as "rock n' roll" and usually opening live shows with the line "We are Motörhead. We play rock and roll."[4] Motörhead's approach has remained the same over the band's career, preferring to play what they enjoy and do best; their appreciation of early rock and roll is reflected in some of their occasional cover songs. Motörhead's lyrics typically cover such topics as war, good versus evil, abuse of power, promiscuous sex, substance abuse, and "life on the road". The name "Motörhead" is a reference to users of the drug amphetamine.[5] The band's distinctive fanged-face logo, with its oversized boar's horns, chains, and spikes, was created by artist Joe Petagno in 1977 for the cover of the Motörhead album and has appeared in many variations on covers of ensuing albums. The fanged face has been referred to variously as "War-Pig"[6] and "Snaggletooth".[7] The band is ranked number 26 on VH1's 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock.[8] They are cited as the first speed metal band.
History
1975–1977 - Early years - The Motörhead album
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Lemmy was fired from Hawkwind in May 1975 for, as he says, "doing the wrong drugs".[9] He was arrested on suspicion of possessing cocaine at the Canadian border and spent five days in prison, causing the band to cancel some of their North America tour dates.[10] Now on his own, Lemmy decided to form a new band, originally to be called 'Bastard'. Douglas Smith, the band's manager, advised him that, "It's unlikely that we're going to get on Top of the Pops with a name like Bastard". Lemmy concurred and decided to call the band Motörhead, inspired by the final song he had written for Hawkwind.[11]
Lemmy's stated aim was to "concentrate on very basic music: loud, fast, city, raucous, arrogant, paranoid, speedfreak rock n roll... it will be so dirty that if we move in next door to you, your lawn will die".[12] On the recommendation of Mick Farren, he recruited Larry Wallis (ex-Pink Fairies) on electric guitar and Lucas Fox on drums. According to Lemmy, the band's first practice was in a furniture store in Chelsea, England in 1975. Kilmister has said they used to steal equipment, as the band was short on gear.[13] Their first gig was supporting Greenslade at The Roundhouse, London on 20 July 1975.[14] On 19 October, having played 10 gigs, they became the supporting act to Blue Öyster Cult at the Hammersmith Odeon.
The band was contracted to United Artists by Andrew Lauder, the A&R man for the band Lemmy was previously in, Hawkwind.[15] They recorded sessions at Rockfield Studios in Monmouth with producer Dave Edmunds, during which Fox proved to be unreliable and was replaced by drummer Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor, a casual acquaintance of Lemmy's. Their record label was dissatisfied with the material and refused to release it, although it was subsequently issued as On Parole in 1979 after the band had established some success.[16]
In February 1976, deciding that two guitarists were required, the band auditioned "Fast" Eddie Clarke. Wallis, who was continuing to tour with a reformed Pink Fairies, quit immediately after the auditions and Clarke remained as the sole guitarist. This trio of Lemmy – Clarke – Taylor is today regarded as the "classic" Motörhead line-up.[17] In December, the band recorded the "Leaving Here" single for Stiff Records, but United Artists intervened to prevent its general release as the band were still under contract to them, despite their refusal to issue their debut album. Initial reactions to the band had been unfavourable; they won a poll for "the best worst band in the world" in the music magazine NME.[18]
By April 1977, living in squats and with little recognition, Taylor and Clarke wanted to give it up, and after some debate, the band agreed to do a farewell show at the Marquee Club in London. Lemmy had become acquainted with Ted Carroll from Chiswick Records and asked him to bring a mobile studio to the show to record it for posterity. Carroll was unable to get the mobile unit to the Marquee Club but showed up backstage after the gig and offered them two days at Escape Studios with producer Speedy Keen to record a single. The band took the chance, and instead of recording a single they laid down 11 unfinished tracks. Carroll gave them a few more days at Olympic Studios to finish the vocals and the band completed 13 tracks for release as an album.[19] Chiswick issued the single "Motorhead" in June, followed by the album Motörhead in August, which spent one week in the UK Albums Chart at number 43.[14] The band toured the UK supporting Hawkwind in June, then from late July they commenced the 'Beyond the Threshold of Pain' tour with The Count Bishops.[14]
In August, Tony Secunda took over the management of the band, and their cohesiveness became so unstable that by March 1978, Clarke and Taylor had formed and were gigging as The Muggers with Speedy Keen and Billy Rath.[12]
1978–1979 - Rise to success: Overkill and Bomber
In July 1978, the band returned to the management of Douglas Smith, who secured a one-off singles deal with Bronze Records.[12] The resulting "Louie Louie" single was issued in September peaking at number 68 on the UK Singles Chart, and the band toured the UK to promote it, recorded a BBC Radio 1 John Peel in session on 18 September (these tracks were later issued on the 2005 BBC Live & In-Session album), and appeared for the first time on BBC Television's Top of the Pops on 25 October.[14] Chiswick capitalised on this new level of success by re-issuing the debut album Motörhead on white vinyl through EMI Records. By this time, the standard of their performances had improved considerably, and the uncompromising nature of their music was beginning to garner a following from enthusiasts of both metal and punk.
The single's success led to Bronze extending their contract, and put the band back into the studio to record an album, this time with producer Jimmy Miller at Roundhouse Studios.[16] A hint of what the band had recorded for the album came on 9 March 1979 when the band played "Overkill" on Top of the Pops to support the release of the single ahead of the Overkill album, which was released on 24 March. It became Motörhead's first album to break into the top 40 of the UK Albums chart, reaching number 24, with the single reaching number 39 on the UK Singles Chart. These releases were followed by the 'Overkill' UK tour which began on 23 March.[14] A subsequent single was released in June, coupling the album track "No Class" as the A-side with the previously unreleased song "Like a Nightmare" on the B-side. It fared worse than both the album and previous single but reached number 61 on the UK singles chart.
During July and August, except for a break to appear at the Reading Festival, the band were working on their next album, Bomber. Released on 27 October, it reached number 12 on the UK Albums Chart. On 1 December, it was followed by the "Bomber" single, which reached number 34 on the UK Singles Chart. The 'Bomber' Europe and UK tour followed, with support from Saxon. The stage show featured a spectacular aircraft bomber-shaped lighting rig. The title-track of the Bomber album was inspired by the Len Deighton novel Bomber,[citation needed] which was a real-time chronicle of an RAF bombing raid from the points of view of all concerned: from the RAF crews, the Luftwaffe, and the civilians on the ground. During the 'Bomber' tour, United Artists put together tapes recorded during the Rockfield Studios sessions in 1975/6 and released them as the album On Parole, which peaked at number 65 on the UK Albums Chart in December.
On 8 May 1980, while the band were on tour in Europe, Bronze released The Golden Years, which sold better than any of their previous releases, reaching number eight on the UK Singles Chart. The band had, however, preferred the title Flying Tonight, in reference to the 'Bomber' lighting rig. On 20 August, the band (40 minutes) and Girlschool (20 minutes) were filmed performing live at the Nottingham Theatre Royal for the Rockstage programme, broadcast on UK television by the ATV station on 4 April 1981.[20]
1980–1982 - Ace of Spades and Iron Fist
During August and September 1980, the band were at Jackson's Studios in Rickmansworth, recording with producer Vic Maile. The "Ace of Spades" single was released on 27 October 1980 as a preview of the Ace of Spades album, which followed on 8 November.[16] The single reached #15 and the album reached #4 on the UK charts. Bronze celebrated its gold record status by pressing a limited edition of the album in gold vinyl. Motörhead made two appearances on Top of the Pops in October that year with "Ace of Spades", and between 22 October and 29 November the band were on their 'Ace Up Your Sleeve' UK tour with support from Girlschool and Vardis, and also made an appearance as guests on the ITV children's show Tiswas on 8 November.[14] The 'Arizona desert-style' pictures used on the album sleeve and tour booklet cover were taken during a photo session at a sandpit in Barnet.[21] "Ace of Spades", considered to be the definitive Motörhead anthem,[22] "put a choke on the English music charts and proved to all that a band could succeed without sacrificing its blunt power and speed".[23]
To coincide with the Ace of Spades release, Big Beat, who had inherited the Chiswick catalogue, put together four unused tracks from the Escape Studios sessions in 1977 and released them as Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers, which reached #43 on the UK Singles Chart in November.[16]
The band had more chart hits in 1981 with the releases St. Valentine's Day Massacre EP, their collaboration with Girlschool which reached #5 on the UK Singles Chart in February; the live version of "Motorhead", which reached #6 on the UK Singles Chart in July; and the album it was taken from, No Sleep 'til Hammersmith, which reached #1 on the UK Albums Chart in June. During March 1981, the band had been touring Europe, and in the final week of the month they conducted the 'Short Sharp, Pain In The Neck' UK tour from which the recordings for No Sleep 'til Hammersmith were made.[14]
From April through to July, the band toured North America for the first time as guests of Blizzard of Ozz, an early incarnation of Ozzy Osbourne's band, but were still able to make an appearance on Top of the Pops on 9 July to promote the live "Motorhead" single. In October the band recorded tracks at BBC's Maida Vale 4 studio for the David Jensen show broadcast on 6 October. The band commenced a European tour on 20 November, supported by Tank, followed by Clarke producing Tank's debut album Filth Hounds of Hades at Ramport Studios in December and January.
Between 26 and 28 January 1982, the band started recording their self-produced new album at Ramport Studios, before moving onto Morgan Studios to continue the sessions throughout February. On 3 April the single "Iron Fist" was released, reaching #29 on the UK Singles Chart, followed by the parent album Iron Fist, released on 17 April and peaking at #6 on the UK Albums Chart. They were the last releases to feature the Lemmy, Clarke, Taylor line-up, though the line-up continued to perform in the Iron Fist UK tour between 17 March and 12 April, and the band's first headling North America tour from 12 May until Clarke's last gig at the New York Palladium on 14 May.[14]
1982–1984 - Departures from the band and Another Perfect Day
Clarke left as a consequence of the band recording Stand By Your Man, a cover version of the Tammy Wynette classic, in collaboration with Wendy O. Williams and the Plasmatics. Clarke felt that this compromised the band's principles, refused to play on the recording and resigned, later forming his own band, Fastway. Lemmy and Taylor made numerous telephone calls to find a guitarist, including one to Brian Robertson, formerly with Thin Lizzy, who was recording a solo album in Canada. He agreed to help out and complete the tour with them. Robertson signed a one-album deal resulting in 1983's Another Perfect Day and the two singles from it, "Shine" and "I Got Mine".[16] In June and July the band played five dates in Japan, and from mid-October until mid-November they toured Europe. From late May until early July, the band conducted the 'Another Perfect Tour', followed by an American tour between July and August, and another European tour in October and November.[14] Robertson began to cause friction in the band as a result of his on-stage attire, consisting of shorts and ballet shoes, and, furthermore, with his point blank refusal to play the old standards that every Motörhead audience expected to hear. This led to an amicable agreement that Robertson would leave,[16][24] playing his last gig with the band at the Berlin Metropol on 11 November.[14]
After Robertson's departure in 1983, the band were sent tapes from all over the world from potential guitarists. The group returned to the concept of dual lead guitars by hiring unknowns Würzel and Phil Campbell (ex-Persian Risk).[16] In February 1984, the Lemmy, Campbell, Würzel and Taylor line-up recorded "Ace of Spades" for the "Bambi" episode in the British television series, The Young Ones. Scenes of the band playing are interspersed with the characters' antics as they rush to the railway station, in a parody of The Beatles' comedy film A Hard Day's Night.[25] Taylor quit the band after that recording, causing Lemmy to quip: "Did I leave them or did they leave me?". Before joining Motörhead, Phil Campbell had met ex-Saxon drummer Pete Gill, and the trio decided to call him to see if he would like to visit London. The try-outs went well and Gill was hired.[16]
1984–1985 - No Remorse
Bronze Records thought the new line-up would not make the grade and decided to 'nail down the lid' on the group with a compilation album. When Lemmy found out, he took over the project, selecting tracks, providing sleeve notes and insisted that Motörhead record four brand new tracks to go at the end of each side of the album.[16] During the sessions between 19 May and 25 May 1984 at Britannia Row Studios, London, the band recorded six tracks for the single's B-side and the album. The single "Killed by Death" was released on 1 September and reached #51 in the UK Singles Chart, the double album No Remorse was released on 15 September and reached silver disc status, attaining the position of #14 in the UK Album charts.[14]
The band were involved in a court case with Bronze over the next two years, believing that their releases were not being promoted properly, and the record company banned them from the recording studio.[16] The band looked to more touring for income; Australia and New Zealand in late July to late August, a brief tour of Hungary in September, and the No Remorse 'Death On The Road' tour between 24 October and 7 November. On 26 October the band made a live appearance on the British Channel 4 music programme The Tube, performing "Killed By Death", "Steal Your Face" (over which the programme's end-credits were played) and the unbroadcast "Overkill", before going on to their next gig that evening. From 19 November to 15 December the band toured America with Canadian speed metal band Exciter and Danish Metal band Mercyful Fate and from 26 December to 30 December performed five shows in Germany.[14]
On 5 April 1985, ITV broadcast three songs that were recorded after the band went off air on their earlier appearance on The Tube programme. A week later the band, dressed in tuxedos, played three songs on the live Channel 4 music show ECT (Extra-Celestial Transmission). To celebrate the band's tenth anniversary, two shows were arranged at Hammersmith Odeon on 28 June and 29 June, a video of the second show was taken and later released as The Birthday Party. From early June until early August the band were on their 'It Never Gets Dark' tour of Sweden and Norway, an American tour followed in mid-November until late December.[14]
1986–1989 - Orgasmatron and Rock 'n' Roll
From 26 March to 3 April 1986, the band toured Germany, Holland and Denmark on their 'Easter Metal Blast' and in June, played two dates in Bologna and Milan in Italy. The court case with Bronze was finally settled in the band's favour. The band's management instigated their own label, GWR.[16] Recording took place in Master Rock Studios, London and the single "Deaf Forever" was released on 5 July as a taster for the Orgasmatron album, which was released on 9 August. On the same day as the release of the album, Lemmy and Würzel were interviewed by Andy Kershaw on the BBC Radio 1 Saturday Live show and "Orgasmatron" and "Deaf Forever" were played. The single reached #67 and the album reached #21 in the UK charts.
On 16 August, the band played at the Monsters of Rock at Castle Donington and was recorded by BBC Radio 1 for a future Friday Rock Show broadcast. The performance closed with a flyover by a couple of WW2 German aircraft. Also that day Lemmy was filmed giving his views on spoof metal act 'Bad News' for inclusion in a Peter Richardson Comic Strip film entitled 'More Bad News' since the band featuring Rik Mayall, Peter Richardson, Nigel Planer and Adrian Edmondson were also performing at Donington. In September the band conducted their 'Orgasmatron' tour in Great Britain, supported by fledgling act Zodiac Mindwarp and the Love Reaction. In October they toured America and in December were in Germany.[14]
In 1987, during the filming of Eat the Rich — in which Lemmy was taking a starring role alongside well-known comedy actors such as Robbie Coltrane, Katherine Lucy Bridget Burke, the regulars from The Comic Strip ensemble, and various other musician cameo appearances[26] — Gill left the band and Taylor returned to appear in the band's cameo as 'In House Club Band' alongside Würzel and Campbell. The band wrote "Eat the Rich" especially for the film, its soundtrack featured tracks from Orgasmatron and Würzel's solo single "Bess". The band's second album for GWR was Rock 'n' Roll, released on 5 September, after a tight work schedule in the studio. While having some popular tracks and using "Eat the Rich" as its second track, the band commented that the album was virtually "nailed together".[16]
On 2 July 1988 Motörhead were recorded performing at the Giants of Rock Festival in Hämeenlinna, Finland. The tracks were released as No Sleep at All on 15 October. A single from the album was planned with the band wanting "Traitor" as the A-side, but "Ace of Spades" was chosen instead. When the band noticed the change, they refused to allow the single to be distributed to the shops, and it was withdrawn and became available only on the 'No Sleep at All' tour and through the Motörheadbangers fan club. The band again felt unhappy with their career, and a court case with GWR followed, which was not resolved until mid-1990.[16]
1990–1992 - Epic/WTG years: 1916 and March ör Die
With the court case resolved, the band signed to Epic/WTG and spent the last half of 1990 recording a new album and single in Los Angeles.[16] Just prior to the album sessions the band's former manager, Doug Smith, released the recording of the band's tenth anniversary show, much against the bands wishes, having previously told him that they did not want it released, in 1986. In the studio they recorded four songs with the producer, Ed Stasium, before deciding he had to go. When Lemmy listened to one of the mixes of "Going to Brazil", he asked for him to turn up four tracks, and on doing so heard claves and tambourines that Stasium had added without their knowledge. Stasium was fired and Pete Solley was hired as producer. The story according to Stasium was that Lemmy's drug and alcohol intake had far exceeded the limitations of Stasium's patience so he quit.[27] The single "The One to Sing the Blues" issued on 5 January 1991, was followed by the album 1916 in February. The single, which was issued in 7", cassette, shaped picture disc, 12" and CD single, reached #45 in the UK Singles Chart, the album reached #24 in the UK Album Charts.[14]
The band conducted their 'It Serves You Right' tour of Britain in February, the 'Lights Out Over Europe' tour followed, lasting until early April, when the band returned to Britain to play another six venues. In June the band played five dates in Japan and five dates in Australia and New Zealand. Between July and August, they played across the US with Judas Priest and Alice Cooper on the 'Operation Rock 'n' Roll' tour. The band finished the year with six dates in Germany during December.[28]
On 28 March 1992 the band played what would turn out to be Taylor's last gig at Irvine Meadows, Irvine, California.[28] The band had been wanting Lemmy to get rid of their manager, Doug Banker, for some time and after an unsolicited visit from Todd Singerman, who insisted he should manage them despite never having managed a band before, the band met with Singerman and decided to take him on board, firing Banker.[29] In the midst of this, the band were recording an album at Music Grinder Studios, in the city's east part of Hollywood during the 1992 Los Angeles riots. Three drummers participated in the making of the March ör Die album: Phil Taylor, who was fired because he did not learn the drum tracks on the song "I Ain't No Nice Guy"; Tommy Aldridge who recorded most of the material on the album; and Mikkey Dee, who recorded "Hellraiser", a song originally written by Lemmy for Ozzy Osbourne's No More Tears album. The March ör Die album features guest appearances by Ozzy Osbourne and Slash.[14]
1993–1994 - Bastards
Lemmy had known Mikkey Dee from the time when King Diamond had toured with Motörhead. He had asked Dee to become Motörhead's drummer before, but Dee had declined due to his commitment to King Diamond. On this occasion, Dee was available and met the band to try out. Playing the song "Hellraiser" first, Lemmy thought "he was very good immediately. It was obvious that it was going to work." After recording "Hellraiser" and "Hell on Earth" in the studio,[30] Dee's first gig with Motörhead was on 30 August at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. The new line-up then went on tour, playing dates with Ozzy Osbourne, Skew Siskin and Exodus. On 27 September, the band played at the Los Angeles Coliseum with Metallica and Guns N' Roses. The band toured Argentina and Brazil during October and conducted the 'Bombers and Eagles in '92' tour of Europe with Saxon throughout December.[28]
Motörhead played two dates at the Arena Obras Sanitarias in Buenos Aires in April 1993 and toured Europe from early June until early July, returning to the states to play one show at the New York Ritz on 14 August.[28] A new producer was sought for the band's next album and eventually Howard Benson, who was to produce the band's next four albums, was chosen. The band recorded at A & M Studios and Prime Time Studios in Hollywood and the resultant album, Bastards, was released on 29 November 1993. The single "Don't Let Daddy Kiss Me" included the song "Born to Raise Hell" which also appeared on the album and would later be rerecorded and released as a single in its own right. Although Bastards received airtime, the record company, ZYX, would not pay for promotional copies, so the band sent out copies themselves.[31] A further tour of Europe was made throughout December that year.[28]
In February and March 1994, Motörhead toured the US with Black Sabbath and Morbid Angel. In April the band resumed their tour of the States until early May, playing a gig with the Ramones on 14 May at the Estadio Velez in Buenos Aires,[28] attracting a crowd of 50,000 people.[32] The band toured Japan in late May and Europe in June, August and December.[28]
1994–1995 - Sacrifice
The band's 1995 touring schedule began in Europe in late April. In June, they went on a second tour with Black Sabbath, this time supported by Tiamat, until the band succumbed to influenza and headed back to Los Angeles, to Cherokee Studios in Hollywood where they were to record an album. During the sessions it became clear that Würzel was not extending himself and left the band after the recording.[33] The title track from the album, Sacrifice, was later used in the movie Tromeo and Juliet, a film in which Lemmy appears as the narrator. The band decided to continue as a three-man line-up and a tour of Europe was performed throughout October and the first two days of November. A three-day tour of South America followed the week after. Lemmy celebrated his 50th Birthday later that year with the band at the Whiskey A Go Go in Los Angeles; Metallica played at the event under the name "The Lemmy's".[28]
In 1996 the band began touring the States in early January and played thirty venues up to 15 February a seven-date tour of Europe in June and July was followed by two gigs in South America during August.
1996–1997 - Overnight Sensation
A tour of the USA with Dio and Speedball began with two shows (Los Angeles & Hollywood) in early October 1996 and concluded in Washington on 4 December.[28] During this time the band had recorded Overnight Sensation, at Ocean Studio and Track House Recording Studio. The album was released on 15 October, the first official album of the band as a three-piece since Another Perfect Day and the best distributed album the band had had for years.[34] The band concluded the year's touring with thirteen dates in Germany.[28]
During 1997, the band toured extensively, beginning with the first leg of the Overnight Sensation tour in Europe on 12 January at the London Astoria, where the guest musicians were Todd Campbell, Phil Campbell's son, on "Ace of Spades" and Fast Eddie Clarke for "Overkill". The European leg lasted until March and was followed by four dates in Japan, from late May to 1 June, and an American tour with W.A.S.P. throughout the rest of June. In August, three dates in Europe were followed by seven dates in Britain, which ended with a show at the Brixton Academy on 25 October, where the guest musician was Paul Inder, Lemmy's son, for "Ace of Spades". A further four dates in October in Russia concluded the year 1997.[28]
1998–1999 - Snake Bite Love & Everything Louder Than Everyone Else
Lemmy recalled that the touring was going particularly well, with some countries like Argentina and Japan putting the band in larger venues, and the English promoters discovered that "they could turn a nice profit with Motörhead shows". In his opinion the three-piece line-up were performing excellently and it was high time they made another live record.[35] The band did eventually, but made another studio album first, Snake Bite Love, recorded in various studios and released on 10 March 1998.
The band joined with Judas Priest at the Los Angeles Universal Amphitheatre on 3 April, to begin their 'Snake Bite Love' tour. On 21 May, Motörhead were recorded at The Docks in Hamburg. The tracks from this performance were later released as Everything Louder Than Everyone Else. During this tour, Jared Allen served as a roadie for the band.[36] The band were invited to join the Ozzfest Tour and played dates across the States during early July until early August and were in Europe from early October until late November. The British leg of the tour was dubbed the 'No Speak With Forked Tongue' tour and included support bands Groop Dogdrill, Radiator and Psycho Squad, which was fronted by Phil Campbell's son Todd.[28]
2000–2001 - We Are Motörhead and 25 & Alive
In 1999 Motörhead made a tour of the states between 20 April and 2 June, before going to Karo Studios in Brackel, Germany to record their next album, We Are Motörhead, which was released in May the following year. During the time the album sessions took place, the band played at venues around Europe, the first of which was at Fila Forum in Assago, near Milan, where Metallica's James Hetfield joined the band on-stage to play "Overkill". In October and early November, the band toured the states with Nashville Pussy. Throughout the rest of November, the band conducted their European 'Monsters Of The Millennium' tour with Manowar, Dio and Lion's Share, ending the Millennium with two shows at the London Astoria. The two shows were billed under the Kerrang! "X-Fest" banner and at the first show were supported by Backyard Babies and during the second show guest vocals were provided by Skin from Skunk Anansie and Nina C. Alice from Skew Siskin for "Born to Raise Hell", and Ace from Skunk Anansie played "Overkill" with the band.[28]
In May 2000, the release of We Are Motörhead and the single from it, "God Save the Queen", coincided with the start of the band's 'We Are Motörhead' tour across South and North America during May and June, with a further nine shows across in Europe in July. Shows in the USA and France were followed by the release of a double-disc compilation album, The Best Of, on 12 September. Four dates in Japan preceded the band's 25th Anniversary concert on 22 October at the Brixton Academy in London, where guest appearances were made by "Fast" Eddie Clarke, Brian May, Doro Pesch, Whitfield Crane, Ace, Paul Inder and Todd Campbell. The show also featured the return of the Bomber-lighting rig. The event was filmed and released the following year as the 25 & Alive Boneshaker DVD, and the CD of the show, Live at Brixton Academy, was released two years after that.[28] Lemmy states the reason for the DVD as wanting "to record it for the posterity or whatever it is. I nodded off through the tenth anniversary, we never did anything on the twentieth, so the twenty-fifth made sense."[18]
A tour of West and East Europe followed the anniversary concert, taking the band through October, November and December.[28] The schedule for the Eastern European tour was quite brutal, involving two eighteen-hour drives back-to-back and little time off, at the Warsaw venue the band did not arrive until eleven o'clock and the crew were still loading into the venue at one in the morning, while the fans waited.[37]
2002–2003 - Hammered
After taking a month off, the band began working on a new album at Chuck Reid's house in the Hollywood Hills. This album, Hammered, was released the following year. On 1 April 2001 the band gave a one song performance for Triple H's entrance at WrestleMania X-Seven at the Reliant Astrodome in Houston. The second leg of the 'We Are Motörhead' tour began in May in Ireland, moving across to the United Kingdom. In Manchester, the band were supported by Goldblade, and by Pure Rubbish at the two London shows. The second London show also included Backyard Babies and Paul Inder, who was guest musician for "Killed By Death". Between June and August, Motörhead played at a number of rock festivals in Europe; including as the Graspop Metal Meeting in Belgium, the Quart Festival in Norway, and the Wacken Open Air on 4 August, where four songs were recorded for the 25 & Alive Boneshaker DVD. The band returned to the States for a seven show tour between late September and early October.[28]
In April 2002 a DVD of some of Motörhead's performances from the '70s and '80s along with some stock footage of the band was released as The Best of Motörhead. Two weeks earlier, the Hammered album was released and supported by the 'Hammered' tour, which kicked off in the States at around the same time. The USA dates continued until late May, and a European leg followed between June and August. In October, the band played five dates in Great Britain with Anthrax, Skew Siskin and Psycho Squad. The final venue was the Wembley Arena in London, where instead of Psycho Squad, the band were supported by Hawkwind, with Lemmy performing "Silver Machine" on stage with them. Throughout the rest of October and better part of November, the band were on a European tour with Anthrax.[28]
In April and May 2003, the band continued to promote the Hammered album in the States, and on the three dates Phil Campbell had to miss, his mother having died, Todd Youth stood in for him. Between late May and mid-July the band played seven dates at Summer Festivals in Europe and from late-July until the end of August, they were touring the USA with Iron Maiden and Dio. On 7 October a comprehensive five-disc collection of the band's recordings covering 1975–2002 was released as Stone Deaf Forever!. On 1 September 2003, the band returned to Hollywood's Whisky A Go-Go club for the Hollywood Rock Walk Of Fame Induction. During October, the band performed a tour of Great Britain with The Wildhearts and Young Heart Attack. The band performed seven shows across Belgium, Holland and Spain between 21 October and 28 October and from late-November until early-December they were in Germany and Switzerland, touring with Skew Siskin and Mustasch. On 9 December, the previously recorded Live at Brixton Academy album was released.[28]
2004–2005 - Inferno
On 22 February 2004 Motörhead performed an invitation only concert at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London; at Summer Festivals in South America during May; and also Europe during June, July and August. The band had already spent time in the recording studio, working on their next album, Inferno, which was released on 22 June and was followed by the 'Inferno' tour of Ireland with Class Of Zero for three dates, before being joined by Sepultura and taking it to Great Britain.[38] Some of the London show at the Hammersmith Apollo was filmed for TV as Gene Simmons introduced the extra opening act, The Class – a band made up of school children appearing in his Channel 4 series, Rock School – and Würzel joined as guest musician for "Overkill". The band continued the tour with Sepultura across Europe through the rest of November and December. At the show in Magdeburg, Germany on 4 December Motörhead joined Sepultura on stage during their support slot playing the song "Orgasmatron", in celebration of Sepultura's 20th Anniversary. The show on 7 December at the Philipshalle in Düsseldorf was recorded and later released as the Stage Fright DVD.[28]
Motörhead picked up their first Grammy in the awards of 2005 in the Best Metal Performance category for their cover of Metallica's "Whiplash" on Metallic Attack: The Ultimate Tribute.[39] From March until early May, the band toured the USA, and in June and August were on the '30th Anniversary' tour in Europe.[28] On 22 August, the band were the subject of an hour-long documentary, Live Fast, Die Old, which was aired on Channel 4 as part of The Other Side series of documentaries, filmed by new and established directors.[40][41] On 20 September, a compilation album containing the band's appearances on BBC Radio 1 and a concert recording from Paris Theatre, London, was released as BBC Live & In-Session. In October, the band toured Europe with Mondo Generator before returning to Great Britain to tour with In Flames and Girlschool in October and November. During the show at the Brixton Academy on 19 November, Lemmy joined Girlschool on stage to play "Please Don't Touch". Motörhead finished the year's tours in December, with two gigs in New Zealand and five in Australia with Mötley Crüe.[28]
In 2006, the band performed a four-date House Of Blues tour in the States in March with Meldrum and from June until early August played at European open-air festivals with some indoor headlining shows. On 28 October, the band performed at The Rock Freakers Ball in Kansas City before heading off to tour Great Britain with Clutch and Crucified Barbara.
2006–2007 - Kiss of Death
While that tour was still going, their next album, Kiss of Death, was released on 29 August 2006 via Sanctuary Records, with a video for "Be My Baby". The tour ended with a gig on 25 November at the Brixton Academy, where Phil Campbell was guest guitarist for "Killed By Death" played during Crucified Barbara's support set. A further twelve shows in Europe with Meldrum took them through the end of November to early December, the first two shows also featuring Skew Siskin.[28]
In November, the band agreed to a sponsorship deal with the Greenbank B under-10s football team from North Hykeham, Lincoln, putting the band's name as well as War-Pig on the team's shirts; the under-10s run out to "Ace of Spades". Lemmy is old friends with Gary Weight, the team's manager; Weight "sent an email off to them and they came back and said it was a great idea" and hopes the deal will draw inspired performances from his team.[42] On 25 April 2007, the band played at the Poliedro de Caracas in Caracas, Venezuela, and on 29 April at the Fundiçao Progresso, Rio de Janeiro.[28] In June, Motörhead played a gig at the Royal Festival Hall as part of Jarvis Cocker's Meltdown.
On 26 February 2008, No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith was reissued again as a two disc CD.
2008–2009 - Motörizer
From March through to June 2008, the band convened in Los Angeles with producer Cameron Webb to begin work on their 19th album Motörizer. Mikkey Dee's drum tracks were recorded at Dave Grohl's studio. Motörizer was released on 26 August. It does not feature artwork from Joe Petagno, the artist who designed many of their classic album covers.
In June 2008 the band performed at the main stage of the Download festival. Between 6 August and 31 August, Motörhead joined with Judas Priest, Heaven & Hell and Testament on the Metal Masters Tour. On 20 August the band played one date at the Roseland Ballroom, New York, as part of 'The Volcom Tour 2008' which continued with bands The Misfits, Airbourne, Valient Thorr and Year Long Disaster at House of Blues, Anaheim, California on 2 September, playing a further thirteen dates. The band concluded the tour without the supporting bands, playing one more show at the Roseland Ballroom on 20 September, and the final gig, at The Stone Pony, Asbury Park, New Jersey on 21 September.
On 30 September, Reuters reported that Neverdie Studios had signed a deal with Lemmy and Motörhead to develop and market Lemmy's Castle and Motorhead Stadium inside the virtual world of Entropia Universe, an online virtual universe.[43] The year's touring ended with a 34-date tour of Europe with a variety of support bands including Danko Jones, Saxon, Witchcraft, and Airbourne.[28] On 6 March 2009, the band played in the Middle East for the first time, at the annual Dubai Desert Rock Festival in Dubai. On 1 April Motörhead are reported to have entered into a two year sponsorship deal with UK Roller Derby team the Lincolnshire Bombers Roller Girls.[44]
In November 2009, the band are being supported by NWOBHM veterans Sweet Savage on the Irish leg of the tour (30 years after first sharing the stage together) and punk and goth rock legends The Damned on the UK leg of their world tour. On The Damned's official website, Captain Sensible is quoted as saying:[45]
"Ha ha..... we're working with Lemmy again are we? Excellent! He's the real deal, the absolute antithesis to all that the likes of Simon Cowell stand for. And for that we should all be grateful. This tour will be a celebration of all things rock 'n' roll..... pity the poor roadies is all I can say!"
2010-present - The Wörld Is Yours
In a November 2009 interview with ABORT Magazine's E.S. Day, Lemmy stated that Motörhead would enter the studio in February 2010 "to rehearse, write and record" their 20th studio album, to be released on 13 December 2010.[46][47] The album was recorded with Cameron Webb and Welsh producer Romesh Dodangoda in Longwave Studio, Cardiff.
On 25 January 2010 it was confirmed that Motörhead would play at Download Festival in June 2010, and on 24 February 2010 it was also confirmed that they would play at Rock in Rio in May 2010.[citation needed]
In an interview with Hungarian television in July 2010, drummer Mikkey Dee announced that the album was finished, with 11 tracks. The album's name was said to be The Wörld Is Yours. On 3 November 2010, Future PLC, a UK media company, announced that Motörhead are to release The Wörld is Yours via an exclusive publishing deal with Classic Rock magazine on 14 December.[48][49] The standard CD release of The Wörld is Yours would go on sale on 17 January 2011, through Motörhead's own label, Motörhead Music.[49][50]
To coincide with the release of their upcoming album, Motörhead embarked on a 35th Anniversary UK tour, from 8–28 November 2010,[51] and a European tour from 31 November 2010 - 19 December 2010. They will also take their tour to the Americas in 2011.[52]
In October, the band re-recorded a slow blues version of their longtime hit Ace of Spades for a TV spot for Kronenbourg beer.[53] The file will be available for free download from the Kronenbourg website.[54]
On 5 December the single "Get Back In Line was released.[55] Followed by the release of a video for the single on December 6.[56]
In December, Mikkey Dee told to some French journalists that Motörhead is planning to release a box-set with several DVDs in 2011. He didn't give any details but said that it will come in a "beautiful package including many surprises".[57]
On 17 January 2011, it was announced that Motörhead would be part of the Sonisphere Festival in Knebworth.[58] In August 2011, they will be headlining the Brutal Assault open-air festival in the Czech Republic.
On March 2, 2011 Motörhead performed on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.[59]
Style
Though the band are typically classified as heavy metal or speed metal, Lemmy has stated that he never considered Motörhead a metal band.[60] When asked if he has a problem with Motörhead being called a metal band, he replied: "I do, because I come from way before metal. I’m playing rock 'n' roll and I think rock 'n' roll should be sacred – it is to me. I don’t see why it should not be for everybody else."[4]
In a biography of the band, senior editor for Allmusic, Stephen Erlewine, wrote: "Motörhead's overwhelmingly loud and fast style of heavy metal was one of the most groundbreaking styles the genre had to offer in the late '70s" and though "Motörhead wasn't punk rock ... they were the first metal band to harness that energy and, in the process, they created speed metal and thrash metal."[61] Whether they created these genres might be subject to debate, but Motörhead were unquestionably influential.
Lemmy has stated that he generally feels more kinship with punk rockers than with metal bands: Motörhead had gigs with fellow Brits The Damned, with whom he played bass on a handful of late 1970s gigs,[62] as well as having penned the song "R.A.M.O.N.E.S." as a tribute to the Ramones. Motörhead, Lemmy states, have more in common aesthetically with The Damned than Black Sabbath, and nothing whatsoever in common with Judas Priest. Lemmy says he feels little kinship with the speed metal bands Motörhead have inspired:
"They've just got the wrong bit. They think that being fast and loud is the whole thing and it isn't. The guitar solos are not really difficult for a guitar player, it's just playing scales. To feel a solo and bend into it & I mean Hendrix is the best guitarist you've ever seen in your life. And he learned from people like Buddy Guy, Lightnin' Hopkins and people like that inspired Hendrix. To be influenced by something, you're gonna have to play it the same."[63]
Of the genre debate itself Lemmy was more forthright when Joel McIver spoke to him for an interview published in the January 2000 edition of Record Collector. He asked him if he thought some people get confused between hard rock and soft metal and all the other categories. Lemmy replied "Cunt metal? Spunk metal? Left-handed metal? Right-handed metal? Upwardly-mobile metal? This term 'heavy metal' is only rock'n'roll anyway, because metal bands are the logical successors to Eddie Cochran and Buddy Holly".[64]
The NME stated that their brief solos were just long enough "...to open another bottle of beer", while a 1977 Stereo Review commented that "they know they're like animals, and they don't want to appear any other way. In view of the many ugly frogs in heavy metal who think they are God's gift to womankind these Quasimodos even seem charming in their own way".[65] Motörhead's approach has not changed drastically over the band's career, though this is a deliberate choice: erstwhile Motörhead drummer Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor said that rock icons like Chuck Berry and Little Richard never drastically altered their style, and, like them, Motörhead preferred to play what they enjoyed and did best.[66] This fondness for the first decade of rock and roll (mid-1950s to mid-1960s) is also reflected in some of Motörhead's occasional cover songs from that era.
Supporters
Motörheadbangers
During the 1979 'Bomber' tour of Great Britain, the band met with writer Alan Burridge who then produced the first 'Motörhead Magazine'. Around the same time, drummer Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor's sister, Helen Taylor, had started the Motörheadbangers fan club. Burridge and Taylor worked together to print the latest news for Motörhead fans, the first fanzine was published in January 1980. The Motörheadbangers fanzine is printed three times a year, and has 3,000 subscribers.[67] Paul Hadwen, who had worked on the 'cartoon' style of the early Motörheadbangers fanzines with Chris Harris during Helen Taylor's leadership, and also drew the 'comic strip' art included with the 'Another Perfect Day' album, died at his home in Leeds in late July 2007, aged 50. The club now has roughly over 3000 members since starting in 1980.
WWE
Motörhead are well-known in the professional wrestling community for performing popular wrestler Triple H's entrance music, "The Game", from Christmas 2000. In addition to the track being heard whenever Triple H appears on WWE Raw or WWE Smackdown and at other pay-per-view wrestling shows, the band have performed the song live at two WrestleMania events, WrestleMania X-Seven and WrestleMania 21. They also provided the entrance music for Triple H's (now defunct) faction "Evolution" titled "Line in the Sand". "The Game" was released on both the American version of Hammered album and WWF The Music Volume 5, and the Evolution theme song was released on the WWE ThemeAddict album. Since then, Motörhead have performed a new track titled "King of Kings", emphasising Triple H's "King of Kings" character, which made its debut at WrestleMania 22. Triple H confessed on his 2002 DVD release The Game that he has been a lifelong Motörhead fan, and that it was a huge honor to have Motörhead play him down the ring at WrestleMania X-Seven. Triple H also sported a Lemmy-style beard for a duration of his wrestling career.[68]
Sports
Triple H's theme music "The Game" can often be heard echoing from the rafters of Verizon Center during the Washington Capitals hockey games.[69]
Tribute bands
UK tribute band Motörheadache was formed in May 2003 and embarked on its first "Beyond the Threshold of Pain" tour of the UK from August of that year. Based in Sheffield,[70][71] the band features original members Rob (Lemmy) and Nigel Plant (more Phil Campbell than 'Fast Eddie') and has had many different drummers. During the course of their career they have been joined onstage by 'Fast' Eddie Clarke and supported Girlschool.
Other Motörhead tribute bands include "We're Not Motörhead" from Portsmouth,[70][72] "Ace Of Spades" from Varberg, Sweden,[70] "Motorkill" from the Midlands, United Kingdom,[70] "Motorheat" of Belgium, "Bömbers" from Norway, featuring Abbath (Immortal),[73] "Lemmy's Wärt",[74] "Mauro Tolot Kilmister" and the "Reptiles" from Italy,[75] "Motörheads" from Moscow, Russia,[76] "Motörhead Tribute" formed by UCLA and USC students out of the Los Angeles area, "Bastardi" from Italy, "Snaggletoöth" from Holland,"Overhead" from Norway,[77] "Motorizer" from Ottawa, Canada,[78] "Elderhead" from New York City,[79]"Motörment" and "Motorock", both from Germany, "Capricorn USA" from Austin, Texas,[80] and Motörheadcase from West Yorkshire.[81][82] Motorheadache from Toronto, Canada,[83] Mothërhead from Novara, Italy [84] Matërhead from Matera, Italy,[85] Moottörin Jyrinä from Finland [86] Motörfuckers from São Paulo, Brazil [87]
Slash is known to have started a Motörhead tribute band called Road Crew as his first band as a teenager.
Tribute albums
Motörhead have been the subject of several tribute albums, markedly in the years since 1999. Genres range from hardcore punk[88] and rock,[89] to black and death metal and industrial.[90][91]
- Built for Speed: A Motörhead Tribute: 1999, Victory Records, various hardcore and punk artists[88]
- A Motörhead Tribute: 2000, Pink Honey Records, various rock artists[89]
- Tribute to Motörhead: 2006, Crimson Mask, various black metal and death metal artists[90]
- Dead Forever: Tribute to Motörhead: 1999, Dwell, various death metal and industrial artists[91]
- Make 'Em Deaf Forever: A Tribute to the Loudest Band in the World, Motörhead: 1997[92]
- Homenaje a Motörhead: Spanish release, 2005, El Diablo[93]
- Remember Me Now... I'm Motörhead: 2005, Scatboy Records, USA[94]
- Motörmorphösis – A Tribute to Motörhead Part 1: 2001, Remedy Records[95]
- Saint Valentine's Day Massacre – Tribute to Motörhead: 2005, Bad Reputation Records[96]
- Strength to Endure – A Tribute to Ramones and Motörhead by Rioygun and Bullet Treatment: 2002, Basement Records[95]
- Sheep in Wolves' Clothing: 2008; Compiled and released by the band's Fan Club, Motörheadbangers World; features contributions from The Deviants with Philthy Animal Taylor and Girlschool with Fast Eddie Clarke[97]
Cover art
The band's name is usually printed in a lowercase form of blackletter. The umlaut character ö is possibly derived from the similar "heavy metal umlaut" in the name of their 1975 acquaintances Blue Öyster Cult. However, this umlaut does not alter the pronunciation of the band's name. When asked if Germans pronounced the band "Motuuuurhead", Lemmy answered "No, they don't. I only put it in there to look mean".[98]
Snaggletooth is the fanged face that serves as the symbol of Motörhead. Artist Joe Petagno drew it in 1977 for the cover of the band's debut album (with designer Phil Smee who turned it into a negative and did the lettering to complete the logo),[99] having met Lemmy while doing some work with Hawkwind.[100] Petagno stated;
The inspiration came from just being a naturally pissed-off bastard! And Lemmy's the same way! So it was bound to be an alchemal wedding of a more "primordial nature". I did a lot of research on skull types and found a cross-breed gorilla-wolf-dog combination would work nicely with some oversized boars horns. Lemmy added Helmet, chains, spit, spikes and grit.[100]
Eddie Clarke was less sure about the imagery to begin with:
I shuddered when I saw it the first time. I thought, "Blimey, this ain't gonna go down that well", because it was just way over the top, then. But I grew to love it... [At first] it was not scary or horrifying, it would've been, in those days, deemed bad taste.[101]
It has remained a symbol of Motörhead throughout the years, with Petagno creating many variations of War-Pig for the covers of ensuing albums. To date, only two of the original covers for Motörhead's 20 studio albums do not feature any variation of War-Pig on the cover: On Parole and Overnight Sensation (of which, On Parole was never sanctioned by the band, and was in any case reissued with a black War-Pig on a white background. Phil is wearing a War-Pig badge on the cover of Ace of Spades. The cover of 'Iron Fist' depicts a metal gauntlet wearing four skull-shaped rings, one of which is War-Pig, while the rear of the album-sleeve shows a fully detailed 3-D metal sculpture of the symbol. Originally the War-Pig design included a swastika on one of the helmet's spikes. This was painted out on later re-releases of the albums on CD.
On 21 September 2007 Petagno announced that "there will be no more "HEADS" from my hand", citing irreconcilable differences between himself and the band's current management, Singerman Entertainment. Petagno stated:
It has been a long, exciting and industrious journey, full of art and intuition, difference in repetition, and creative innovation. I feel I accomplished something unique in Metal history over the last 31 years by breathing life again and again into a figment of my own imagination, an image or better an entity which has taken on a life of its own, which I actually believe goes beyond the music it was created to represent. I'm damn proud of that!
In reply, Lemmy stated:
As many of you know, we have been working with Joe Petagno for 31 years. We always treated Joe fairly, and I would like to stress that at no time did my manager demand what Joe thinks he demanded - it is all a colossal misunderstanding. We have always loved his artwork, obviously, and if he now decides to stop working with us, we have no choice but to use someone else. However... if he will not discuss this personally and try to work things out, I think it's a great tragedy. If Joe continues with us, no one would be more delighted than me. If it's goodbye, Joe, I wish you well, but I hope, even at this stage, to be reconciled and continue our association.[102]
Current band members
For a more comprehensive list, see List of Motörhead band members.
- Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister – vocals, bass guitar (1975–present)
- Phil Campbell – guitar, backing vocals (1984–present)
- Mikkey Dee – drums (1992–present)
Discography
Though hard to track, World-Wide the band has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide, and 23 million in the U.S.A alone.
For a more comprehensive list, see Motörhead discography.
| Title | Year | Label | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| On Parole | 1975 | United Artists | ||
| Motörhead | 1977 | Chiswick | ||
| Overkill | 1979 | Bronze | ||
| Bomber | 1979 | Bronze | ||
| Ace of Spades | 1980 | Bronze | ||
| Iron Fist | 1982 | Bronze | ||
| Another Perfect Day | 1983 | Bronze | ||
| Orgasmatron | 1986 | GWR | ||
| Rock 'n' Roll | 1987 | GWR | ||
| 1916 | 1991 | WTG | ||
| March ör Die | 1992 | WTG | ||
| Bastards | 1993 | ZYX | ||
| Sacrifice | 1995 | CMC | ||
| Overnight Sensation | 1996 | CMC | ||
| Snake Bite Love | 1998 | CMC | ||
| We Are Motörhead | 2000 | CMC | ||
| Hammered | 2002 | Steamhammer | ||
| Inferno | 2004 | Steamhammer | ||
| Kiss of Death | 2006 | Steamhammer | ||
| Motörizer | 2008 | Steamhammer | ||
| The Wörld Is Yours | 2010/2011 | Future PLC/Motörhead Music |
Filmography
- 1988: Eat the Rich: soundtrack includes "Nothing up My Sleeve", "Built for Speed", "Orgasmatron", "Doctor Rock", "On the Road", "Eat the Rich" and "Bess" – New Line Home Entertainment. Halfway through shooting, the idea of gradually replacing the members of the ballroom band with Motörhead was hit upon. At first there are no Motörhead personnel, then Phil Campbell appears, followed by Würzel and Phil Taylor. The scene involving Lemmy riding a motorcycle is played by a female stunt double as Lemmy was on tour with Motörhead in America at the time the scene had to be shot.
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