“Ace of Spades” is Motörhead fourth studio album released in October 1980. It is the band’s most commercially successful album, peaking at number four on the UK Albums Chart and reaching gold status in the UK by March 1981.
In 1979, Motörhead known for their classic albums “Overkill” and “Bomber” gained a loyal fan following through touring and television appearances. Their proto-thrash style appealed to punks and heavy metal fans. Geoff Barton coined the term “New Wave of British Heavy Metal” (NWOBHM) in 1979 classifying Motörhead as part of this genre. Which influenced the thrash metal movement with bands like Metallica and Megadeth.
The “Ace of Spades” album cover features a classic wild west motif, with cowboys dressed in desert attire. The cover initially intended to be sepia tone with gunfighters, but the band chose to have cowboys dressed in desert-style pictures taken during a photo session in Barnet. The cowboy outfits were inspired by Western protagonists, with Eddie based on Clint Eastwood’s character “The Man with No Name” and Phil’s costume inspired by Marlon Brando’s character Rio. The sky airbrushed in due to cloudy conditions.
Motorhead
Lemmy – vocals, bass, backing vocals on “Emergency”
“Fast” Eddie Clarke – lead guitar, lead vocals on “Emergency”
Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor – drums except on “Please Don’t Touch” & “Emergency”
Kim McAuliffe – rhythm guitar on “Please Don’t Touch”
Kelly Johnson – co-lead vocals & co-lead guitar on “Please Don’t Touch”
Enid Williams – bass on “Please Don’t Touch”
Denise Dufort – drums on “Please Don’t Touch” & “Emergency”
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