The Story Of: Motörhead is one of the few bands in heavy metal history that exemplifies unadulterated, raw force. Under the direction of the renowned Lemmy Kilmister, the band created a fast-paced, loud and unrepentantly violent sound that merged elements of rock ‘n’ roll, punk and heavy metal. Motörhead became a symbol of rebellion, perseverance and unadulterated rock rage with songs like “Ace of Spades”, “Overkill” and “Bomber”. They also pioneered speed metal and thrash influences.
The Birth of a Legend: Lemmy Forms Motörhead (1975)
Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister was already well-known before he founded Motörhead. A drug-related arrest at the Canadian border in 1975 resulted in his termination as Hawkwind bassist. Lemmy recruited Larry Wallis on guitar and Lucas Fox on drums because he was adamant about starting his own band. He called the group Motörhead after the final song he composed for Hawkwind.
However, early band changes resulted in the formation of the iconic Motörhead three with “Fast” Eddie Clarke taking over on guitar and Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor joining on drums.
“Motörhead” (1977), the band’s self-titled debut album, was a harsh and unvarnished beginning. But their subsequent releases would really establish their tremendous reputation.
Breaking Speed Limits: Overkill, Bomber, and Ace of Spades
In 1979, Motörhead issued two back-to-back albums “Overkill” and “Bomber” which debuted their quick, aggressive style, propelled by Lemmy’s snarling bass, Clarke’s razor-sharp riffs and Taylor’s double-kick drumming! A new technique at the time.
Then followed 1980’s “Ace of Spades” – the album that made Motörhead legends. With its intense intensity and catchy riff, the title track rose to prominence as one of the best heavy metal songs ever. The record solidified Motörhead’s standing as one of the most disruptive and unyielding bands in rock history.
The band’s follow-up, “No Sleep ’til Hammersmith” (1981), a blistering live album, debuted at #1 on the UK charts. Proving that Motörhead was more than just a studio force – they were a relentless, unstoppable live act.
Lineup Changes and Continued Dominance (1982-1990s)
After “Fast” Eddie Clarke left in 1982, Motörhead brought in Brian “Robbo” Robertson (ex-Thin Lizzy) for “Another Perfect Day” (1983) which had a more melodic sound but was met with mixed reactions.
Pete Gill (later replaced by Philthy Taylor) on percussion and Würzel and Phil Campbell on guitars soon established a new, harsher lineup. The band proved they could still unleash raw power with this lineup by releasing albums like “Rock ‘n’ Roll” (1987) and “Orgasmatron” (1986).
Motörhead entered the 1990s stronger than ever with albums like “1916” featuring the emotional ballad “1916” and “Bastards” (1993) showing some of their heaviest material to date.
The Later Years: Motörhead Never Dies (2000s-2015)
Lemmy maintained Motörhead viability and success throughout the twenty-first century despite many lineup changes. With albums like “Inferno” (2004), “Kiss of Death” (2006) and “The Wörld is Yours” (2010), Lemmy, Phil Campbell (guitar) and Mikkey Dee (drums) became the band’s longest-running lineup.
Lemmy refused to slow down, even as his health deteriorated. “Bad Magic” (2015) was the band final album and Lemmy kept performing until the very end.
Lemmy’s Death and Motörhead’s Legacy
Lemmy Kilmister died on December 28th, 2015, at the age of 70. A few days after receiving a cancer diagnosis. Phil Campbell and Mikkey Dee both acknowledged that Motörhead would not be possible without Lemmy and his passing signalled the band’s demise.
But their legacy endures forever. In the genres of hard rock, punk, thrash metal and speed metal. Motörhead has influenced other bands, including Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax. They continue to play their songs loudly at biker rallies, festivals and bars all around the world. Capturing the essence of raw energy and defiance.
Essential Motörhead Albums:
🔥 Overkill (1979) – Double-kick drum attack and pure speed metal fury
🔥 Ace of Spades (1980) – The defining Motörhead album
🔥 No Sleep ’til Hammersmith (1981) – One of the greatest live albums ever
🔥 Orgasmatron (1986) – A darker, heavier Motörhead
🔥 Inferno (2004) – A modern-day classic
Motörhead wasn’t just a band! It was a way of life. Lemmy motto was simple: “Born to lose, live to win“. And that’s exactly what he and Motörhead did.
What’s your favorite Motörhead song? 🤘🔥
