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Revision as of 09:43, 27 July 2004
Motörhead are a canonical speed metal band. Their name derives from a slang term for an amphetamine user.
Founded by ex-Hawkwind bassist Lemmy Kilmister in 1975, they specialize in songs that are extremely loud to the unaccustomed listener. The title of one of their live albums, Everything Louder Than Everyone Else, reflects this assertion. Their lyrics generally cover topics such as war, abuse of power, substance abuse and "life on the road". An "us against the world" mentality is evident in many of their songs.
While the band are typically classified as heavy metal or speed metal, Lemmy has refused such labels, preferring to describe Motörhead's style as "rock and roll." Their sound tends to be "half metal, half punk, and half rock 'n roll" - purposefully adding up to three-halves of a band!
History
After being sacked from Hawkwind in 1975, supposedly for "doing the wrong drugs", Lemmy decided to form a new band, originally to be called "Bastard". Realising that this would preclude them from commercial acceptance, he eventually settled on "Motörhead", after a song he had written for Hawkwind. Lemmy's stated aim was for the outfit to be "the dirtiest rock 'n' roll band in the world".
The first line-up of the band featured Larry Wallace (ex-Pink Fairies) on guitar and Lucas Fox on drums. They recorded sessions at Rockfield Studios in Monmouth, during which Fox left to be replaced by "Philthy" Phil Taylor. The sessions did not see the light of day until they were opportunistically released in 1979 once the band was becoming popular. Deciding that two guitarists were required, the band recruited "Fast" Eddie Clarke, but Wallace left during the auditions and so the idea was shelved. The team of Lemmy, Clarke and Taylor is today regarded as the "classic" Motörhead line-up, although initial reactions were unfavourable: they memorably won a poll for "Worst Band in the World" in one music magazine.
The band's first official album release was the eponymous Motörhead, released in 1977. 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 the worlds of both rock and punk. Follow-up albums Overkill and Bomber cemented their reputation as one of Britain's foremost heavy metal groups.
In the early 1980s they experienced UK Top 40 chart hits with singles such as "Ace of Spades", the "St.Valentine's Day Massacre E.P." (their collaboration with 'apprentices' Girlschool) and "Iron Fist". "Ace of Spades" is considered by many to be the definitive Motörhead anthem. The albums Ace of Spades and the live No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith from this era are also considered to be among their best work and were their most commercially successful.
In 1982, Motörhead recorded a cover of Tammy Wynette's Stand By Your Man with Wendy O. Williams of the Plasmatics. Clarke felt that this compromised the band's principles and resigned to be replaced by Brian Robertson, formerly with Thin Lizzy. Robertson only lasted for one album (1983's Another Perfect Day) having caused friction in the band due to his refusal to play their most popular tunes. The group then returned to the concept of dual guitars and hired Wurzel and Phil Campbell to fill these roles. Mainstream success has dwindled since then but the band still have a large and loyal fanbase and continue to record and tour extensively. Many artistes of the modern era cite Motörhead as an important influence.
The umlaut over the ö in their name is a record-cover art conceit, possibly derived from the similar "heavy metal umlaut" in the name of the Blue Öyster Cult. However, the band's name is not pronounced as the German usage; instead, Lemmy pronounces it (SAMPA) "m@Ut@hEd.
Personnel through history
- Lemmy Kilmister (bass, vocals) 1975–present
- Larry Wallace (guitar) 1975
- Lucas Fox (drums) 1975
- Phil Taylor (drums) 1975–1984, 1987–1992
- Eddie Clarke (guitar) 1976–1982
- Brian Robertson (guitar) 1983
- Wurzel (guitar) 1984–1995
- Phil Campbell (guitar) 1984–present
- Pete Gill (drums) 1984–1987
- Mikkey Dee (drums) 1992–present
Discography
Albums
(In order of UK release date)
- Motörhead (1977)
- Overkill (1979
- Bomber (1979)
- On Parole (1979; unofficial release from sessions recorded in 1975)
- Ace Of Spades (1980; reached No.4 in UK album charts)
- No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith (1981; live; reached No.1 in UK album charts)
- Iron Fist (1982)
- Another Perfect Day (1983)
- No Remorse (1984; compilation)
- Orgasmatron (1986)
- Rock 'n' Roll (1987)
- No Sleep at All (1988; live)
- 1916 (1991)
- March or Die (1992)
- Bastards (1993)
- Sacrifice (1994)
- Overnight Sensation (1996)
- Snake Bite Love (1998)
- Everything Louder Than Everyone Else (1999; live)
- We Are Motorhead (2000)
- The Best Of (2000; compilation)
- The Chase Is Better Than The Catch (2000; compilation)
- Over The Top - The Rarities (2000; compilation)
- All The Aces (2001; compilation)
- Hammered (2002)
- Live At Brixton Academy The Complete Concert (2003; live)
- Inferno (June 22, 2004)