Formed: 1975
From:
London,
United Kingdom
Last Known Status: Active
Background
Lemmy spent the sixties in a number of small-time bands including Opal Butterfly, Sam Gopal, and The Rockin' Vickers as well as working as a roadie for Jimi Hendrix in 1967 for about six months, and as a roadie for The Nice. In 1971 he joined archetypal space rock UK Underground outfit Hawkwind who were centred around the very in Ladbroke Grove. His distinctive style of bass playing, involving the use of chords rather than the single notes preferred by most players, was a fundamental part of the Hawkwind sound during his tenure. He also provided lead vocals on a number of songs including the band's biggest UK chart single, Silver Machine, which reached No.3 in 1972.
By 1975 Lemmy's forceful personality and propensity for ingesting copious quantities of amphetamines were leading to conflict with other members, and this culminated with his sacking after being arrested for drug possession while on tour with the band in Canada. Lemmy went on to form a new band with guitarist Larry Wallis and drummer Lucas Fox. Wallis's former bands included the Pink Fairies, Steve Took's Shagrat and UFO. Lemmy's connection with Took (formerly of T Rex) was not limited to Wallis, as they were personal friends and Took was the step-father to Lemmy's son Paul. This new band was originally called Bastard. However, after the band's manager pointed out this name would lose them TV and radio exposure, it was changed to Motörhead - the last song Lemmy wrote for Hawkwind.
After a short period both Wallis and Fox were replaced with guitarist "Fast" Eddie Clarke and drummer Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor, and with this line-up the band began to achieve success. The uncompromisingly intense nature of their sound appealed to both Lemmy's original metal/rock constituency as well as the new punk fans — intrigued, perhaps, by Lemmy's brief stint in The Damned — and Lemmy's guttural vocals were unique in the world of rock at that time. The band's success peaked between 1980 and 1981 with a number of UK chart hits, including the classic single Ace of Spades (still a crowd favourite today) and the No. 1 Live Album No Sleep 'til Hammersmith . Motörhead have since gone on to become one of the most influential bands on the heavy metal scene and, although Lemmy is the only constant in a changing line-up, are still performing and releasing records to this day. Despite Motorhead's many member changes over their 30 year history the current lineup of Lemmy, Phil Campbell and Mikkey Dee has remained constant since 1995.
Lemmy has also worked with a number of other musicians over his career, and occasionally guests with Hawkwind. He was brought in as a songwriter for Ozzy Osbourne's 1991 No More Tears album, providing lyrics for the tracks "Hellraiser," (which Motorhead later released) "Desire," "I Don't Want To Change The World," and the massive hit "Mama I'm Coming Home." Lemmy has noted in several magazine and television interviews that he made more money from the royalties of that one song than he had in his entire time with Motorhead.
He has made a number of appearances in film and television, including the 1990 science fiction film Hardware and the 1987 comedy Eat the Rich, for which Motörhead also recorded the soundtracks. In the 1994 comedy Airheads (in which he is credited as "Lemmy von Motorhead"), he shouts (truthfully) about being the editor of his high school newspaper. He has also appeared in several movies from the Troma studio. Having a predilection for self-deprecating parody, he once appeared in an advertisement for Kit Kat chocolate bars, miming a piece of chamber music on the violin, in an upper-class tea-room. Motörhead performed the entrance theme song "The Game" for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)'s Triple H, as well as "Line in the Sand" for his now defunct wrestling stable, Evolution. In 2006, they once again provided theme music for the WWE as they recorded the song King of Kings for Triple H on the Wreckless Intent CD.
Lemmy collects Nazi memorabilia, and has an Iron Cross encrusted on his bass, which has led to accusations of right-wing extremist tendencies; however, Lemmy considers himself to be an anarchist. According to Keith Emerson as written in his autobiography, two of Lemmy's Hitlerjugend knives were gifted to Keith Emerson himself during Lemmy's time spent as a roadie for The Nice. Emerson used these knives many times as "keyholders" during his famous wrestling sessions with the Hammond Organ during the shows with The Nice and Emerson, Lake & Palmer.
He published his autobiography, White Line Fever in November 2002.
Latest Motorhead News
Below is our complete Motorhead news coverage, including columns and articles pertaining to the band. Some articles listed may be indirectly related, such as side projects of the band members, etc.
Note: We began associating news directly with bands in late 2003. Therefore, earlier band news may not be listed on this page.
Displaying records 1 - 20 of 383 1 2 3 ... 19 20 Last
Metallica, Pantera Members Guest On Accept Cover
An all-star cast of metal musicians has come together to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Accept with a tribute album titled “Teutonic Titans 1976–2026.” The compilation is scheduled for release on September 4th and will feature reinterpretations of songs spanning Accept's five-decade career.
The first preview has now arrived in the form of a new version of “Fast As A Shark,” originally the opening track from the band's 1982 album “Restless and Wild.” This rendition features Accept guitarist Wolf Hoffmann and vocalist Mark Tornillo alongside an impressive guest lineup that includes Phil Anselmo, Kirk Hammett, Billy Sheehan, and Mikkey Dee.
Hoffmann commented on the collaboration:
“This song was so much fun! We even re-recorded the intro in a Bavarian oompah style… a friend of mine lives in Bavaria, and he was in contact with one of those traditional Bavarian woodwind outfits, and they recorded the traditional German folk song ‘Ein Heller und ein Batzen‘ for us, which was fantastic. We were lucky to get Phil Anselmo on vocals, Billy Sheehan on bass, and of course Kirk Hammett on guitar, which is amazing, and Mikkey Dee on drums, so that’s a pretty nice supergroup, isn’t it?”
Hammett also expressed his appreciation for the band’s influence, stating:
“A real honor to pay back the great inspiration Accept had for me!”
Breaking News
Former Motorhead Guitarist Phil Campbell Passes
Welsh guitarist Phil Campbell, best known as the longtime guitarist of Motorhead, as well as his work with Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons and Persian Risk, has passed away at the age of sixty four. A statement from The Bastard Sons reads as follows:
"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Philip Anthony Campbell, who passed away peacefully last night following a long and courageous battle in intensive care after a complex major operation.
"Phil was a devoted husband, a wonderful father, and a proud and loving grandfather, known affectionately as “Bampi.” He was deeply loved by all who knew him and will be missed immensely. His legacy, music and the memories he created with so many will live on forever.
"We kindly ask that our family’s privacy is respected during this incredibly difficult time."
Campbell began his career in the 1970s, forming Persian Risk at the end of the decade, who made several compilation appearances and released two 7" singles during his tenure. It was in 1984 that he made the career move that he would become most known for, joining icons Motorhead to make the band a four piece, with fellow guitar player Michael "Würzel" Burston. Würzel would leave in 1995 and the group continued with Campbell as the sole guitarist.
Following frontman Lemmy's passing, he formed a new band with his sons Todd, Tyla and Dane, eventually settling on the name Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons. They released a self-titled EP in 2016, followed by four studio albums. During this time, he also recorded his debut solo album, "Old Lions Still Roar," which was released in 2019.
Raven Debut Cover Of Metallica's "Metal Militia"
Raven have released their cover of Metallica’s classic track “Metal Militia,” now available for streaming. The British proto-thrash veterans were among Metallica’s earliest tourmates, having shared stages with them during a 1983 tour.
Their rendition appears on the upcoming tribute compilation “No Life ‘Til Leather – A Tribute To Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All”, which pays homage to Metallica’s groundbreaking debut album (not “Load,” as the band cheekily notes) and is set for release this Friday, November 14th, via Silver Lining Music.
Raven frontman and bassist John Gallagher spoke about their take on the song — which features his brother Mark Gallagher (guitars/vocals) handling lead vocal duties — stating: More...
Testament Premiere Metallica Cover Track
Testament have unleashed their take on Metallica‘s early thrash metal anthem “Seek & Destroy.” The Bay Area legends’ cover will appear on the upcoming tribute compilation “No Life ’Til Leather – A Tribute To Metallica’s Kill ’Em All,” which is set for release on November 14th through Silver Lining Music.
Frontman Chuck Billy reflected on revisiting the 1983 classic, stating:
“We had fun covering Metallica’s song ‘Seek And Destroy‘. Songs like this started a movement!”
You can find the full track-list for “No Life ’Til Leather – A Tribute To Metallica’s Kill ’Em All” below: More...
Metallica Premiere Remastered “Until It Sleeps”
Metallica‘s once-controversial album Load is the next to receive a deluxe reissue, with a release date set for June 13th. Originally issued in 1996, the 5x multi-platinum record marked a deliberate stylistic turn for the thrash legends, embracing blues-infused and alternative rock elements. This creative shift—along with the band’s then-new image featuring trimmed hair and a more polished aesthetic—sparked intense debate among longtime fans.
A newly remastered version of Metallica’s Load lead single, “Until It Sleeps,” is now available for streaming via YouTube and Spotify for you now below:
Metallica shared the following regarding this forthcoming expanded edition: More...
Forbes Ranks "The 38 Greatest Metal Bands"
In an unexpected move, Forbes recently compiled a list of heavy metal bands they believe have had the “most significant impact on the metal genre”, factoring in the genre's overall history. Known more for their focus on business and finance, Forbes’ entry into heavy metal ranking has sparked conversation, especially due to some controversial choices in the lineup.
If you're curious and have some time, you can check out their full explanations over at forbes.com. For a quick glance at their picks, here's the list: More...
Eyehategod Releases "Motorhead" Cover
New Orleans, Louisiana veterans Eyehategod has released a cover of the Hawkwind song "Motorhead," which of course was the inspiration behind the name of Lemmy's legendary band who recorded their own version. You can check it out below. The song comes from "Love Me Forever: A Tribute To Motorhead," a tribute album which is expected to be released this August and was put together by Psycho Traxx, the in house label of Psycho Las Vegas. Other artists who appear on the compilation include Phil Anselmo, High On Fire, Stoner and Exhorder to name a few. More...
See: Ozzy & Lemmy In New Animated Music Video
A new animated music video for Ozzy Osbourne‘s classic “Hellraiser” has premiered online streaming via YouRube for you below. It was produced by Mark Szumski and Gina Niespodziani and comes in celebration of the 30th anniversary of Ozzy‘s “No More Tears“ album. Late Motörhead singer/bassist Lemmy Kilmister co-wrote this particular track for that record.
Says Ozzy Osbourne: More...
Motorhead Launches Official Podcast
Rock N’Roll renegades Motörhead continue the 40th anniversary celebrations of the dirtiest, meanest, toughest album of them all, Ace Of Spades, with a new podcast mini-series called Motörcast, telling stories from the recording studio, on the road, behind the scenes and of Motörhead’s phenomenal growth in popularity following the release of this seminal album.
Told through interviews with a selection of guests who were in the midst of the Motör-machine during 1980 and 1981, the Motörcast series will reveal all the tales, warts and all! The teaser trailer for the Ace Of Spades Motörcast is available now on all podcast platforms here.
Episode one will go live next week, with subsequent episodes released every two weeks. Make sure you subscribe to the Motörcast series!
Motörhead Premiere New Music Video
Motörhead premiere a new video for the band's classic "(We Are) The Road Crew". The clip is a tribute to all the people who work behind the scenes for live shows and tours.
Explains the promo text: More...
Cro-Mags Premiere New Music Video
Cro-Mags premiere a new official music video for their latest track “From The Grave“, featuring ex-Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell. Band founder Flanagan is now gearing up to release “In The Beginning“, the first new full-length from the band in 20 years, which is due out on June 19th.
Comments Cro-Mags' Harley Flanagan: More...
Breaking News
Ex-Motörhead Guitarist “Fast” Eddie Clarke Dead
Former Motörhead guitarist "Fast" Eddie Clarke has died at the age of 67, it has been confirmed via Motörhead's Facebook page:
"We are devastated to pass on the news we only just heard ourselves earlier tonight – Edward Allan Clarke, or as we all know and love him Fast Eddie Clarke – passed away peacefully yesterday.“Ted Carroll, who formed Chiswick Records, made the sad announcement via his Facebook page, having heard from Doug Smith that Fast Eddie passed peacefully in hospital where he was being treated for pneumonia.
“Fast Eddie... keep roaring, rockin’ and rollin' up there as goddamit man, your Motörfamily would expect nothing less!
“RIP Fast Eddie Clarke – 5th October 1950 - 10th January 2018.”
Clarke was introduced to Lemmy by drummer Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor in the mid-70s and he joined Motörhead soon afterwards in 1976. He played on Motörhead’s self-titled 1977 debut album and also on 1979’s Overkill and Bomber, 1980’s Ace Of Spades and 1982’s Iron Fist.
Clarke left Motörhead while on tour in the US with the group following the release of Iron Fist. The guitarist reportedly was unhappy with how that effort turned out, and went on to form Fastway with ex-UFO bassist Pete Way.
Fastway released their self-titled debut album in 1983, and went on to release a further six studio releases - including the 2011 comeback album Dog Eat Dog.
Motorhead Releasing Covers Album
One thing Lemmy Kilmister, Phil Campbell, and Mikkey Dee liked to do throughout their years together in Motorhead was grab a favorite song by another artist and give it a good old fashioned Motörheading. To run them through the Motörizer, if you will.
In celebration of some of those finest moments, the band will release "Under Cöver," a collection which will include the previously unreleased version of David Bowie’s timeless classic “Heroes." Recorded during the "Bad Magic" sessions in 2015 by Cameron Webb, this was one of the last songs the band members recorded together.
“It’s such a great Bowie song, one of his best, and I could only see great things coming out of it from us, and so it proved to be,” says Phil Campbell, “and Lemmy ended up loving our version.”
“He was very, very proud of it,” says Mikkey Dee, “not only because it turned out so well but because it was fun! Which is what projects like this should be – fun!”
1. Breaking the Law (Produced by Cameron Webb) 2008
2. God Save the Queen (Produced by Bob Kulick and Bruce Bouillet) 2000
3. Heroes (Produced by Cameron Webb) 2015
4. Starstruck (Produced by Cameron Webb) 2014
5. Cat Scratch Fever (Produced by Peter Solley) 1992
6. Jumpin’ Jack Flash (Produced by Bob Kulick and Bruce Bouillet) 2001
7. Sympathy for the Devil (Produced by Cameron Webb) 2015
8. Hellraiser (Produced by Billy Sherwood) 1992
9. Rockaway Beach (Mixed by Cameron Webb) 2002
10.Shoot 'Em Down (Produced by Bob Kulick and Bruce Bouillet) 2001
11. Whiplash (Produced by Bruce Bouillet and Bob Kulick) 2005 More...
Motorhead Has Two IPAs Coming
Amplified Ale Works is pleased to announce a newest beer collaboration with none other than Motorhead.
The "Born to Lose" IPA is a boldly aggressive West Coast-style IPA, befitting of the band's loud, aggressive style. The 6.5% IPA is brewed with Cascade, Simcoe and Citra hops that provide an earthy, resinous aroma with notes of fresh citrus.
In an ode to Motorhead''s British roots, the beer was also brewed with Maris Otter, a premium British malt that brings a sweet balance to the beer's bold bitterness.
The limited edition beer will be sold directly from Amplified's two San Diego locations and will also be available for purchase online here for refrigerated shipping throughout California. The can features an original design of band members in a dystopian "Born to Lose" future from LA-based artist Jack Gregory. The follow up beer in the series, "Live to Win" IPA, will be released later this year. More...
Lemmy Mural Unveiled
Lemmy's Lounge, located in the outdoor patio at the world-famous Rainbow Bar and Grill on LA's Sunset Strip, just got a very big addition - a 20 foot high mural of the man himself.
Already situated in Lemmy's Lounge is a bronze statue immortalizing the Motörhead singer. The life-size sculpture - based on a famous Lemmy photograph by Robert John - features shades of black and metallic bronze throughout, with detailed lines and strategic crevices capturing Kilmister's familiar features, from his bristly whiskers to his infamous moles to his signature hat and boots.
In memory of rock's greatest front man, the patio where Lemmy spent most of his life when not on the road or in the studio was dedicated to him by naming this area Lemmy's Lounge, thanks to Rainbow owner Mikael Maglieri.
Roxy owner Nic Adler and Paul Tollett of Goldenvoice subsequently agreed to allow the painting of a celebratory mural commemorating the life of Lemmy and Motorhead on the side wall of the Roxy, opposite Lemmy's Lounge and statue.
Motörhead's management ran a contest seeking a muralist painter, and the winner was Jules Muck. Although it was not known at the time she was chosen, Jules was born in the same U.K. town as Lemmy, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. Like Lemmy, she's now adopted Los Angeles as her home. More...
Doro Posts Lemmy Tribute
A year ago Motorhead fronter and rock legend Lemmy Kilmister passed away and his death marked the end of an era of sex, drugs and rock'n'roll.
While fans all over the world raised their Jack and Coke glasses on December 28th to mark the anniversary of his passing, metal queen Doro came up with a special idea to celebrate the life and legacy of her colleague and very close friend.
In this new video to the song "It Still Hurts: that she recorded with Lemmy in 2012, you can find the clip footage and many pictures of several decades from both metal legends working together and sharing the spirit of heavy music.
Doro comments: "It's been exactly one year since the world of rock lost on of its greatest characters - and one of my best friends. Lemmy Kilmister. One year and we miss him so much.
"Therefore it was our great wish to release this video with a compilation of our greatest moments that we had together. Here it is. In memory of Lemmy, one of the greatest rock'n'roll heroes!
It still hurts! R.I.P., my dear friend - we love you." More...
Product Of Hate Posts Tribute To Lemmy
Yesterday was the one year anniversary since the passing of Lemmy, and Motorhead issued this tribute to the fallen icon:
"It was one year ago today that the world lost a legend - Motorhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister. As huge fans of both the man and his band, we were thrilled to have had a chance to meet him once during a visit to Los Angeles, and it happened at his honorary home, the Rainbow Bar And Grill.
"Lemmy died just four days past his 70th birthday, a true rocker 'till the end, and earlier this year we paid tribute with a special performance of 'Iron Fist' (with our guitarist, Cody, stepping up to the mic) as we celebrated the release of our Napalm Records debut, 'Buried in Violence.' Today, we throw up the horns and Drink 'em Up in honor of Lemmy!" More...
Metal Blade Inducted Into Heavy Metal History
As part of Metal Blade Records' 35th anniversary celebration in 2017, The Hall of Heavy Metal History will induct the label at an all-star ceremony, which takes place on Wednesday, January 18th at the Anaheim Expo Center in Anaheim, CA.
Hosted by television and radio legend Eddie Trunk, the awards show will also feature performances by the Dio Disciples (with Craig Goldy, Simon Wright, Scott Warren, Bjorn Englen, Tim 'Ripper' Owens, and Joe Retta), Ross "The Boss" (with iconic guitarist Ross 'The Boss' Friedman, Rhino, vocalist Marc Lopes, and Mike LePond), among others.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund. These are all the 2017 Hall of Heavy Metal History inductees:
--Ronnie James Dio, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio (with Wendy Dio accepting the induction)
--Metal Blade Records (with Brian Slagel accepting the induction)
--Scorpions (with drummer Mikkey Dee accepting the induction)
--Rainbow Bar and Grill (with Rainbow Bar and Grill owner Mikael Maglieri accepting the induction)
--Lemmy Kilmister, MotorHead (with Manager Todd Singerman accepting the induction)
--Ross "The Boss" Friedman, formerly of Manowar
--Rudy Sarzo, formerly of Ozzy Osbourne and Whitesnake
--Frankie Banali, of Quiet Riot (along with a special 33rd anniversary induction of Quiet Riot, as the first band to achieve the #1 heavy metal album status)
--Vinny Appice, formerly of Black Sabbath and Dio
--Don Airey of Deep Purple
--Andy Zildjian, President/CEO of Sabian Cymbals
--Randy Rhoads, Ozzy Osbourne (with the Rhoads family members accepting the induction) More...
Lemmy Statue Documentary Comes Online
Last August, artist Travis Moore unveiled his statue to honour the passing of late Motorhead frontman Lemmy at Hollywood’s Rainbow Bar And Grill – the singer and bassist’s favorite haunt.
A short video documentary titled "Live to Win" has been posted online, where Hirax''s Katon De Pena, Anne de Pena, Travis Moore, and Mikey Maglieri tell us how the statue came to be from the idea to it's conception.
The life-size bronze sculpture was commissioned after fans and friends contributed to a fundraising campaign following Lemmy’s death in December. The patio at the Rainbow was also recently dedicated as "Lemmy's Lounge."
Lemmy's Lounge Dedicated At Sunset Grill
Heavy rock legends Motorhead, in collaboration with West Hollywood's famous Rainbow Bar and Grill on the Sunset Strip, have agreed to dedicate their patio to Lemmy Kilmister and re-name it Lemmy's Lounge in memory of rock's greatest frontman.
It is a fitting gesture from the Rainbow, as when Lemmy wasn't touring or recording, the majority of his waking hours were spent on said-patio. There is already a life size bronze statue immortalizing Lemmy at The Rainbow, which attracts fans from all over the world, and Lemmy's Lounge will allow hardcore fans and casual patrons alike to sample the wares and atmosphere that Lemmy loved so much.
To celebrate Lemmy's Lounge, Roxy owner Nic Adler and Goldenvoice's Paul Tollett have kindly agreed to allow the painting of a celebratory mural commemorating the life of Lemmy and Motorhead on the side wall of the Roxy, opposite Lemmy's Lounge and statue.
Rhe band's management is seeking a local LA muralist painter that is interested in the opportunity to provide services to paint this immortal artwork in celebration of our fallen hero's life. Interested parties should fill the form here. The closing date for submissions is December 24th, 2016. More...