Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube
    Nostalgia Central
    • Home
    • Blog
      • Lists
      • Playlists
    • Television
      • TV by Decade
        • TV – 1950s
        • TV – 1960s
        • TV – 1970s
        • TV – 1980s
        • TV – 1990s
      • Comedy
      • Drama
      • Kids TV
      • Variety
      • News & Sport
      • Advertisements
    • Music
      • Music by Decade
        • Music – 1950s
        • Music – 1960s
        • Music – 1970s
        • Music – 1980s
        • Music – 1990s
      • Artists – A to K
        • Artists – A
        • Artists – B
        • Artists – C
        • Artists – D
        • Artists – E
        • Artists – F
        • Artists – G
        • Artists – H
        • Artists – I
        • Artists – J
        • Artists – K
      • Artists – L to Z
        • Artists – L
        • Artists – M
        • Artists – N
        • Artists – O
        • Artists – P
        • Artists – Q
        • Artists – R
        • Artists – S
        • Artists – T
        • Artists – U
        • Artists – V
        • Artists – W
        • Artists – X
        • Artists – Y
        • Artists – Z
      • Artists – 0 to 9
      • Genres
      • Music on Film & TV
      • One-Hit Wonders
      • Online Radio
    • Movies
      • Movies by Decade
        • Movies – 1950s
        • Movies – 1960s
        • Movies – 1970s
        • Movies – 1980s
        • Movies – 1990s
      • Movies – 0 to 9
      • Movies – A to K
        • Movies – A
        • Movies – B
        • Movies – C
        • Movies – D
        • Movies – E
        • Movies – F
        • Movies – G
        • Movies – H
        • Movies – I
        • Movies – J
        • Movies – K
      • Movies – L to Z
        • Movies – L
        • Movies – M
        • Movies – N
        • Movies – O
        • Movies – P
        • Movies – Q
        • Movies – R
        • Movies – S
        • Movies – T
        • Movies – U
        • Movies – V
        • Movies – W
        • Movies – X
        • Movies – Y
        • Movies – Z
    • Pop Culture
      • Fads
      • Toys & Games
      • Fashion
      • Decor
      • Food & Drink
      • People
      • Technology
      • Transport
    • Social History
      • 1950s Year by Year
      • 1960s Year by Year
      • 1970s Year by Year
      • 1980s Year by Year
      • 1990s Year by Year
      • Events
    Nostalgia Central
    Home»Music»Artists - L to Z»Artists - M
    Artists - M Music - 1980s 5 Mins Read

    Motörhead

    Share
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Reddit Email

    Born in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent on Christmas Eve, 1945, Ian Fraser Kilmister moved to North Wales at the age of 10 and attended Ysgol Syr Thomas Jones secondary school where his lifelong pact with rock ‘n’ roll began.

    Having paid his dues with R&B act The Motown Sect, Kilmister (now going by the name ‘Lemmy’) joined Blackpool-based outfit The Rockin’ Vickers (pictured below with Lemmy second from the left). Eventually moving to London he worked as a roadie for Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd and others before bluffing his way into Ladbroke Grove-based space rocking drug-monkeys Hawkwind.

    After being released from five days in a Canadian jail on drugs charges in 1975, Lemmy discovered the band had sacked him. He immediately announced plans for a new band, which he formed with drummer Lucas Fox and Pink Fairies guitarist Larry Wallis.

    Originally called ‘Bastard’, Lemmy boasted they would be “the dirtiest rock and roll band in the world,” adding; “if we moved in next door your lawn would die”. Motörhead made their debut at London’s Roundhouse on 20 July 1975, and nobody who saw them would argue against that description!

    Their loud and aggressive debut album was rejected by their record company as “unsaleable”, and Larry and Lucas were replaced by Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor and “Fast” Eddie Clarke to comprise the definitive Motörhead line-up.

    Motörhead’s music was in a class of its own; fast, heavy, riff-laden and incredibly loud – it has been described as “speed-marinated stinky biker-rock”.

    The group became the very essence of the unwashed, unshaven, unpleasant heavy rock band but finally broke through the Top 40 barrier in 1979 with Overkill – a success which caused other British metal acts to also start achieving respectable UK chart positions.

    Too fast for metal and too heavy for punk, Overkill influenced a generation of fans who failed to see any difference between the two genres and who were simply looking for the thrill of something hard, fast and nasty.

    1980 and 1981 were the group’s classic years. They had Top 10 hits with The Golden Years EP and Motörhead (Live), and their live album, No Sleep Till Hammersmith, entered the UK charts straight at #1. It was the first heavy metal album ever to do so.

    Recorded on-stage during their 1980 tour, the LP featured live versions of classic Motörhead tracks such as Ace Of Spades, Bomber and Overkill.

    With a galloping beat, assaultive riffs, and loads of distortion on pretty much everything, Ace of Spades is a lynchpin moment in the evolution of English hard rock into a faster, harder, more brutish beast, adored by punks and metalheads alike.

    The double-time, chunka-chunka percussion that kicks in at around 1:12 is a reverbed woodblock, a swinging flourish of detail amid the fury that was added at the suggestion of producer Vic Maile.

    “I’m glad we got famous for that rather than for some turkey,” Lemmy said. “But I sang ‘the eight of spades’ for two years and nobody noticed.”

    The music on the album is overwhelming, and delivered with hurricane-like power: bass with overdrive distortion that makes it sound like a lead guitar on drugs; mad thrilling riffs; piercing guitar solos, and a dense rhythm driven by a drum kit fitted with two bass drums (with the Ace of Spades displayed on both).

    The album cover bore a dedication to “all the people who have travelled with, drunk with, fought with, and screwed with us on the roads of England and Europe for five years”.

    Fast Eddie left the band in 1982, supposedly unhappy with the direction the band were taking – A decision finalised by Lemmy’s cover version of Stand By Your Man with singer Wendy O’Williams (of Plasmatics fame).

    Clarke went on to form Fastaway, while his replacement Brian Robertson (ex-Thin Lizzy) stayed until 1984 when two unknown guitarists stepped into the breach.

    Hindsight reveals that Robertson was perhaps too musicianly for the band and that during his tenure the qualities which had previously defined Motörhead all but disappeared. So enter Messrs Phil Campbell and Wurzel (born Michael Burston), aptly named after his scarecrow style haircut.

    Phil Taylor also joined Robertson in departing the Motörhead camp and Pete Gill (ex-Saxon) occupied the drum stool for three years before Motörhead’s prodigal son Taylor returned.

    By 2007 Lemmy was something of a national treasure, endorsing Kit Kats and insurance, but their 19th studio album, Motorizer – released in 2008 – showed that Motörhead had no intention of mellowing or growing old gracefully.

    The album was recorded at Dave Grohl’s studio with nu-metal man Cameron Webb (Limp Bizkit, Social Distortion) at the controls.

    Drummer Phil Taylor died in November 2015, following a period of illness.

    Lemmy passed away on 28 December 2015 in Los Angeles, two days after learning he had cancer. He was 70.

    Ian ‘Lemmy’ Kilmister 
    Vocals, bass
    Larry Wallis
    Guitar
    Lucas Fox
    Drums
    Phil ‘Philthy Animal’ Taylor 
    Drums
    ‘Fast’ Eddie Clarke
    Guitar
    Brian Robertson
    Guitar
    Phil Campbell 
    Guitar
    Michael ‘Wurzel’ Burston 
    Guitar
    Pete Gill 
    Drums
    Mikkey Dee 

    Drums

    Video

    Related Posts

    • Milk 'N' Cookies
      Milk 'N' Cookies
      This four-piece power pop band from Long Island, NY, formed in 1973 and released their self-titled debut album in 1976.…
    • Hippos, The
      Hippos, The
      Australian band The Hippos came together in Sydney in 1985. At the heart of the group was rock journeyman Leszek…
    • Minnie Riperton
      Minnie Riperton
      Minnie Riperton was born in Chicago on 8 November 1947 to Daniel and Thelma Riperton. The youngest of eight children,…
    • Dream Academy, The
      Dream Academy, The
      Gilbert Gabriel, Kate St. John and Nick Laird-Clowes were born in London in the late 1950s and were probably too…
    • Lenny Kravitz
      Lenny Kravitz
      Lenny Kravitz was born on 26 May 1964 in New York City. His family ties - his Jewish father was…
    • Girlschool
      Girlschool
      Formed in London in the late 70s, Girlschool were one of the first all-girl rock acts to make a mark…
    • Roy Harper
      Roy Harper
      Roy Harper was born in June 1941 in Rusholme, Manchester. His mother, Muriel, died three weeks after he was born…
    • Long Ryders, The
      Long Ryders, The
      Hailing from Los Angeles, The Long Ryders formed in November 1981 and based their sound on a blend of psychedelia,…

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Reddit Email
    Previous ArticleMud
    Next Article Mr Big (UK)

    Comments are closed.

    Follow us
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    You May Also Like
    • a.k.a. Pablo
      1 9 8 4 (USA) 5 x 30 minute episodes Short-lived ABC comedy from […]
    • Law and Harry McGraw, The
      1 9 8 7 – 1 9 8 8 (USA) 16 x 60 minute episodes The […]
    • Protectors, The
      1 9 7 2 – 1 9 7 4 (UK) 52 x 30 minute episodes Former Man […]
    • Heavy Metal Kids, The
      Former child actor Gary Holton formed The Heavy Metal Kids in […]
    • Ned Kelly (1970)
      One of the unfortunate temptations of hiring a rock star to […]
    • Billy Bunter Of Greyfriars School
      1 9 5 2 – 1 9 6 1 (UK) 120 x 30 minute episodes At a time […]
    Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

    OUR LATEST FACEBOOK POSTS

    edition.cnn.com/2023/01/30/entertainment/cindy-williams-dead/index.html

    More sad news 😢
    ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    'Laverne & Shirley' star Cindy Williams dead at 75 | CNN

    edition.cnn.com

    Cindy Williams, the dynamic actress known best for playing the bubbly Shirley Feeney on the beloved sitcom "Laverne & Shirley," has died, according to a statement from her family, provided to CNN by a...
    1 day ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 1
    • Shares: 0
    • Comments: 0

    Comment on Facebook

    www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-64442824 ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    Television frontman Tom Verlaine dies at 73

    www.bbc.co.uk

    His band rose to fame in the 1970s New York punk scene, scoring UK hits including Marquee Moon.
    3 days ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 0
    • Shares: 0
    • Comments: 0

    Comment on Facebook

    www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-64418847 ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    Mr Blobby costume sells for more than £62,000 on eBay

    www.bbc.co.uk

    The character, made famous by BBC show Noel's House Party, had been in storage since the 1990s.
    4 days ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 0
    • Shares: 0
    • Comments: 0

    Comment on Facebook

    Put some beefiness into your mid-week menu with these recipe ideas published in a Birds Eye advertisement from the Radio Times on 30 September 1965.

    Put some "beefiness into your mid-week menu" with these recipe ideas published in a Birds Eye advertisement from the "Radio Times" on 30 September 1965. ... See MoreSee Less

    1 week ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 3
    • Shares: 0
    • Comments: 1

    Comment on Facebook

    They were awful. An overpowering savoury flavour that lingered in your mouth for hours. Heaven knows what unmentionable parts of a bull went into making them 😳

    More sad news 😪

    ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    US rock legend David Crosby dies aged 81

    www.bbc.co.uk

    Crosby, who co-founded both the Byrds and Crosby, Stills and Nash, had been ill for some time.
    2 weeks ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 0
    • Shares: 1
    • Comments: 0

    Comment on Facebook

    This is what they promised us when I was a kid. What happened? 

All I have is 700 channels of rubbish on the TV in High Def, TikTok, Facebook and a phone I can take photographs with . . .

    This is what they promised us when I was a kid. What happened?

    All I have is 700 channels of rubbish on the TV in High Def, TikTok, Facebook and a phone I can take photographs with . . .
    ... See MoreSee Less

    2 weeks ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 54
    • Shares: 22
    • Comments: 7

    Comment on Facebook

    I thought we would have moving pavements by now when I was a kid 😂

    Totally agree!!!

    The new Tesla, 4.6 next century.

    We got transvestite story hour instead

    We appear to be going backwards

    There's actually a very good David Graeber essay on this very topic: thebaffler.com/salvos/of-flying-cars-and-the-declining-rate-of-profit

    The Jetsons strike again.

    View more comments

    Renowned Australian singer Renee Geyer is dead at 69 following complications from hip surgery. Such a fabulous voice. RIP😢

https://nostalgiacentral.com/music/artists-l-to-z/artists-r/renee-geyer/

    Renowned Australian singer Renee Geyer is dead at 69 following complications from hip surgery. Such a fabulous voice. RIP😢

    nostalgiacentral.com/music/artists-l-to-z/artists-r/renee-geyer/
    ... See MoreSee Less

    2 weeks ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 0
    • Shares: 0
    • Comments: 1

    Comment on Facebook

    That is so sad to hear 😥 rest in peace 🙏 🕊 xx

    Gina Lollobrigida: Italian screen star dies at 95
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-64292026

    Gina Lollobrigida: Italian screen star dies at 95
    www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-64292026
    ... See MoreSee Less

    2 weeks ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 4
    • Shares: 0
    • Comments: 1

    Comment on Facebook

    😍😍😍😍

    Vale Jeff Beck. Dead at 78. 😢

    ... See MoreSee Less

    Link thumbnail

    Jeff Beck: British guitar legend dies aged 78

    www.bbc.co.uk

    One of rock's most influential guitarists, he was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice.
    3 weeks ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 1
    • Shares: 0
    • Comments: 0

    Comment on Facebook

    Hi everyone. Were in the process of moving www.nostalgiacentral.com to new dedicated servers to better cope with the volumes of traffic. Please ignore any SSL security errors you may receive when visiting the site over the next 24 hours while the move completes.

    Hi everyone. We're in the process of moving www.nostalgiacentral.com to new dedicated servers to better cope with the volumes of traffic. Please ignore any SSL security errors you may receive when visiting the site over the next 24 hours while the move completes. ... See MoreSee Less

    3 weeks ago
    View on Facebook
    · Share
    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
    View Comments
    • Likes: 5
    • Shares: 0
    • Comments: 2

    Comment on Facebook

    Ironically, this post has jumped off the page at me. You'll probably get most traffic today because everyone will want to see what they might be missing!

    Martin Platt

    Load more
    Please note


    Nostalgia Central covers the period 1950 to 1999 and contains some words and references which reflect the attitudes of those times and which may be considered culturally sensitive, offensive or inappropriate today.
    Popular Tags
    1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1975 1976 Action Figures Amicus Arcade games Australia Beach movies Beatles Blaxploitation Board games Britpop Canada Crime Disney Doo-Wop Elvis Presley Girl groups Glam Goth Hammer Heavy Metal Irwin Allen Labels Merseybeat Mod revival Motown New Romantic New Wave NWOBHM Oi! One-hit wonders Power Pop Pub rock Punk Radio Scotland Ska Soul music Sport Surf music
    Search Nostalgia Central
    Copyright © 1998, 2023 Nostalgia Central
    • About Nostalgia Central
    • Contact
    • FAQ

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.