Personalities | Motörhead | Eighties | Rock

(Vocal/instrumental group, 1975–present)

The seemingly indestructible Lemmy Kilmister (vocals, bass) was a former member of Hawkwind, and a vicar’s son. Motörhead are named after a Hawkwind song he penned. The line-up settled in the late 1970s with ‘Fast’ Eddie Clarke (guitar) and Phil ‘Filthy Animal’ Taylor (drums). The title track of 1980’s Ace Of Spades was a UK hit, and became the blueprint for the band’s sound for the next quarter of a century: ear-shatteringly loud guitar, chordal bass and Kilmister’s gruff vocals shouted over the top. Their gigs are legendary, often featuring a life-size replica of a German bomber. The live experience was captured on a UK No. 1 from 1981 No Sleep ‘Til Hammersmith (book-ended in 1988 by No Sleep At All). Personnel changes in bass and drum departments did not much alter their sound, which was highly influential on the thrash and nu metal scenes.

Styles & Forms | Eighties | Rock
Personalities | My Bloody Valentine | Eighties | Rock

Source: The Definitive Illustrated Encyclopedia of Rock, general editor Michael Heatley

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