Lemmy Kilmister, the iconic frontman of Motörhead, was a captivating figure, distinct from the plethora of rockstars of his generation. Renowned as the progenitor of the speed-metal genre, he was not only larger than life but also perpetually outspoken, weaving a tapestry of extraordinary experiences.
From his early days as Jimi Hendrix’s roadie to his unconventional hobby of collecting Nazi memorabilia, Lemmy’s life was a kaleidoscope of intriguing anecdotes. Unfathomable to pigeonhole, he remained a source of surprise until the very end, offering insights on topics ranging from music to politics.
Though well-versed in the history of World War II, Lemmy’s true expertise lay in the realm of music. His gruff Staffordshire accent, coupled with sips of his beloved whiskey, made his accounts, though not always agreeable, unfailingly fascinating.
Fearless in expressing his opinions, Lemmy spared no words in criticizing bands like Radiohead, Coldplay, and dismissing 1990s metal as “fucking hopeless.” Despite his classification as a metal legend, Motörhead existed at the crossroads of metal and punk, revealing unexpected commonalities between the two genres.
Lemmy, ever generous with his insights, even divulged his favorite punk bands throughout his career. The list included:
1. Ramones:
With their distinctive appearance and chainsaw guitar, the Ramones swiftly conquered the world after their 1976 debut. Lemmy, a fan, paid tribute to them with the song ‘R.A.M.O.N.E.S’ on Motörhead’s 1916 album. In an interview, he praised the Ramones for sweeping aside the ’70s Rick Wakeman era, calling them geniuses.
2. Sex Pistols:
Lemmy’s affinity for the Sex Pistols stemmed from their musical homage to 1950s rock ‘n’ roll, a genre he cherished. Living with Sid Vicious for a time, he even attempted to teach the notorious second bassist to play, albeit unsuccessfully. He expressed admiration for the movies about the Sex Pistols and their portrayal of the first tour.
3. The Damned:
Lemmy found common ground with The Damned, appreciating their departure from typical punk into a more artistic and gothic realm. He discussed Motörhead’s appeal to punks and felt a kinship with The Damned rather than traditional metal bands like Judas Priest.
4. The Professionals:
Despite his reservations about Sid Vicious in the Sex Pistols, Lemmy praised The Professionals, a spin-off featuring guitarist Steve Jones and drummer Paul Cook. Expressing admiration for the band, he commended their prowess and recounted attending their performances.
In Lemmy’s world, punk wasn’t just a genre; it was a dynamic landscape where the Ramones, Sex Pistols, The Damned, and The Professionals held distinct places in his heart.