This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Lancevortex (talk | contribs) at 23:29, 13 March 2004 (added personnel, discography, bit more history, an external link and headings). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Revision as of 23:29, 13 March 2004 by Lancevortex (talk | contribs) (added personnel, discography, bit more history, an external link and headings)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)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 fact.
History
In the early 1980s they experienced UK Top 40 chart hits with singles such as Ace of Spades, Please Don't Touch (their collaboration with 'apprentices' Girlschool) and Iron Fist. Ace of Spades is considered by many to be the definitive Motörhead anthem, and this period featured the "classic" line-up of Lemmy with guitarist "Fast" Eddie Clarke and "Philthy" Phil Taylor on drums. Mainstream success has dwindled since then but the band still have a large and loyal fanbase and continue to record and tour extensively.
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. Spoof band Spinal Tap parodied the idea by putting the umlaut over the letter 'n' (which most browsers are unable to display correctly).
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 (1984)
- 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)