Lemmy In The News

I found a couple of recent interviews featuring Lemmy that I though I'd post.

There is a recent Q & A with Lemmy (April 2009) in 'Spin Magazine' and one he did with an entertainment reporter at the Revolver awards.

You can click on the link to see it in it's entirety.

http://digital.spin.com/spin/200904/?pg=68

Lemmy is also featured in the February edition of this Italian edition of Easyriders Magazine.

I also found this snap of Lemmy on the cover of 'Guitar Club' (guess what.. it's the Italian issue as well).

And below is the TV interview taped at the Black Carpet Revolver Awards from April 7th in Los Angeles at Club Nokia.

Ace ♠

Motörizer Widgetizer

IMPORTANT: If you want to shut off the music - click on 'play album' and push pause.


This Motörizer widget has been out for a while but I thought it was pretty cool and wondered how many people had a chance to see this newer technology and promotional tool used by record companies. If you don't own the new CD 'Motörizer', you can preview all the songs using the widget.


Between you and me (and a few million on the web) I'm really likin' 'Teach you How to Sing the Blues' & 'English Rose' more and more. Give them a listen, but be ready for a new sound from the boys. It's not your typical Motörhead stuff. It reminds me of the album 'Another Perfect Day' and the tune they did for the movie 'Airheads' - 'Born to raise Hell'.

The tracklisting for "Motorizer" is as follows:

1. Runaround Man

2. Teach You How To Sing The Blues

3. When The Eagle Screams

4. Rock Out

5. One Short Life

6. Buried Alive

7. English Rose

8. Back On The Chain

9. Heroes

10. Time Is Right

11. The Thousand Names Of God

Form the videos to the blog and of course the music, I think this will be the way bands sell their CD's in the future. Hey it worked for me, I previewed the album and went out and bought it (Ya.. but who am I kiddin', I would've bought it anyway).


Maybe I'll run a web poll to see which songs from 'Motörizer' you like the best and how they rank.


Ace ♠

Put Lemmy in the R&R Hall of Fame

You knew this post was coming.

Ian Fraser 'Lemmy' Kilmister should be... no DESERVES to be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

If you've read any of my posts so far, you'll know how I, and many others feel about Lemmy's contribution to the world of music. I don't need to spout off any more about his tenure, influence and endearing image as a metal/punk/rock n' roll icon.

I have one question for the morons, let me rephrase that... the imbeciles who control the RRHOF. How many singers, songwriters, musicians have been in the business for thirty four years, continue to tour the world, put out album after album (and not just fill), live a lifestyle that is synonymous with what r&r is all about and do it at break-neck-speed and are still at it today?

Hmmmm, James Taylor? Steely Dan? Billy Joel? The Bee Gees? Ya, I think not. (Did I just type The Bee Gees... Ahhhh I did it again!) Oh.. but they are in the R&R Hall of Fame. That's right they're all considered rock & roll.

Here's a statement direct from the Hall's website.

"The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame honors the legendary performers, producers, songwriters, disc jockeys and others who have made rock and roll the force that it is in our culture".

Really.

So... will the inclusion of Black Sabbath and more recently, Metallica lead the way for Lemmy and Motorhead into the Hall? Don't hold your motorbreath.

Hey I'm not the only one who feels Lemmy has been dissed.

Danny R. Phillips - TheTripWire:

"Without Lemmy Kilmister and the boys, the genre of thrash (and Metallica) probably would never have existed. Their album, Ace of Spades, is a benchmark of lawn killing volume and speed".

Let's see... who else is already in the R&R Hall of Fame and really epitomizes what r&r is all about.

Inductees: Madonna, Leonard Cohen, R.E.M., Blondie, Jackson Brown, Paul Simon, Floyd Cramer and The Moonglows.

Wow! All rock & roll heavy weights (can you sense the sarcasm)!

Another statement from the idiots.

"The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is the nonprofit organization that exists to educate visitors, fans and scholars from around the world about the history and continuing significance of rock and roll music".

Give your frick'n head a shake!

Hell, if you did even half the shi# he's done in his life you'd be dead! Never mind doing it day-in, day-out for over thirty headbanging, hard livin', no sleep 'till Hammersmith years!

Here's the lyrics from the song 'We are the Road Crew'. This is what life is like for Lemmy and the boys 24-7, 365.

"I just love the life I lead, another beer is what I need, another gig my ears bleed".

I'll let Lemmy have the last word on the topic. This should hopefully clarify any preconceived notions you may have about him and/or the music he stands for.

If you've ever seen a Motorhead concert you know that when Lemmy introduces the band he always says the same line.

"We are Motorhead... and we play Rock & Roll"

Ace ♠

The 1983 Motörhead T-Shirt

I was chatting with a buddy of mine when he asked me about "The Shirt". For those who don't know, it's a Motörhead t-shirt of mine that I wore religiously to any and all events... even some weddings, funerals and my graduation (under a dress shirt of course).

I didn't really want to write a post about a freakn' t-shirt... but apparently it's garnered some-what of a mythical status over the years.

So, here she is.

The year was 1983 and it's was my final year of high school. I was 17 years old, and had travelled into the big city to buy some albums, when I saw this shirt for sale. I liked it because it didn't say England on the front (no offense) and there was nothing on the back. The best thing about it was the fact no one else had one like it, so I had to have it.

I've worn this t-shirt to every Motörhead concert I've attended ( as well as Iron Maiden, Venom, Slayer, Judas Priest, AC/DC, Accept) except one... and yes I do regret not wearing it. Here's the story behind why I didn't wear it.

The last time I saw Motörhead was April 22, 2005 (so they're due to make a visit here soon) it was the tale end of the 'Inferno' tour. I received a 'Stone Deaf Forever' shirt from my friend T.K. as a birthday gift that March and decided to break it in by wearing it to the show.

Of course my buddy Len (whom I profiled in the 'Gone but Not Forgotten' post) was bragging to our mates before I arrived that I had a shirt that was older than some of the people attending the show and had worn to every concert. As soon as I arrived the first thing he says is "did you wear the '83 shirt?" Right then I knew I screwed up. Never break with tradition... and yes the boys never let me forget it.

At the concert I saw a radio disc-jockey and she mentioned she liked my shirt and asked where I got it. I told here the story behind it and she asked if she could talk about it on the air. I thought, sure... that's cool!

I can't believe how it has withstood the test of time. Multiple washings and of course the wear and tear of every day life. The colour is still vibrant. The shirt itself has a small rip in the neck but otherwise is still in pretty good shape.

As you can see in this snap, the logo is now a little off kilter. The reason... too many nights (after way too many beers) of sleeping on the couch.

And here's proof. There's me (I'm camera shy) with Lemmy and Len. This was after a concert in 2000. That jean jacket was signed by Lemmy. Here it is below. You'll notice I've since cut the sleeves off.

Here is the shirt and jacket together. Ahhh, a match made in heaven.

I don't know if you've ever asked Lemmy for an autograph, but when I did... I asked him to draw a spade as well.

He said "What do you think I am.. a frick'n artist?" But he did draw the spade... so this signature is quite unique.

Low and behold... what did I find in the left chest pocket? The mini-flyer's that a local night club was handing out advertising the show. I forgot I even had it. Nothing all that special, just a 9-year old piece of paper, right. Wrong!

Ticket price: $65.00

Booze: $150.00(plus)

Taxi: $25.00

Seeing Motörhead with the boys,

Lemmy signing my jacket

and wearing the '83 shirt':

Priceless!

Ace ♠

Image Vs. Lifestyle

Black Label

I don't know if you've seen these new commercials from Harley-Davidson, but it seems as if the folks in the PR department are feeling the heat.

Not only is H-D hurting from a embattled world economy, job cuts & profits being down

(www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/43090407.html) but also from an ever diversified and splintered buying public who now have more choices and options when it comes to bikes than ever before.

This ad for Black Label, their new clothing line, screams pretender not contender! (I don't believe for a second any of the guys in this ad even have a motorcycle license, let alone ride a Harley).

If you haven't seen it, be my guest.

It looks as if the design team wanted to hitch-a-ride on the graphic-T band wagon using layered imagery, hoodies and thermals but didn't have the balls to go as far as Affliction and Miami Ink (as not to scare away the old timers on their geezer-glides).

And wow... military style distressed hats! Holy frick... how many years have they been on the market, and H-D finally decide to add them to their line up!

I know there are a lot more dentists, lawyers and academics riding (you can spot them a mile away) and guess what, they'll be the first ones to rush to their nearest Harley dealer to snag the new threads in their quest for acceptance into a culture and life-style you just can't fake... nor can it be bought off the shelf!

Of course the die-hard Harley guys who wear nothing but H-D gear to prove to everyone and themselves they're cool, will wait until next year to buy cause' thats when it'll goes on sale.

Live by It

This next ad does speak, at least on some level, to those who ride. However, in spite of the black and white film footage, the obligatory rock b/g music with heavy electric guitar riffs and it's blatantly obvious (and somewhat comical) attempt at diversity... the ad seems to be preaching to the converted. One would think you might want to go after a broader demographic to increase your market share. I mean once you own a Shovel, Knuckle or a Sporty... you ain't going back to a Honda 650 Nighthawk. "Know wut I'm sayin' Vern"?

Not that I have anything against any bike, I'm simply making a point about the focus of this spot.

Take a peek at this beaut:

Let me begin with one simple question, what's with the Boy Scouts pledge? And what kind of imagery comes to mind when the script hits: 'we believe in dust and tumble weeds'? Where in the frick are you riding? And how does that make me want to buy a bike? Not once did I hear a voice in the ad that sounded like any of the bikers I know. Guys who ride just don't speak that way. And if there is a chick in the group, someone always pipes up "Show us your ti#s"!

Next time, just show me the new and innovative ways Harley engineers have designed their bikes so they don't leak oil, cost a bundle to fix and a pretty penny to upgrade ($250 - $500 plus dollars for a sissy bar & backrest).

Forget retro and the Crossbones... why don't they just build a factory rigid bobber with a springer front end aka; Flyrite Choppers or Sucker Punch Sally... that I would buy!

Yes, this group of sales & ad consultants and execs. say they believe in 'sticking it to the man'... why don't they stick this feeble attempt where the sun doesn't shine.

I mean really... H-D doesn't need an 'Image spot'! Just tell someone you own a Harley and the reaction you get, says it all.

Ace ♠

"Lemmy: The Movie"

Post update:

Here is an email I received from the production company. Sadly, no word yet on a release date. I'll keep you posted.

Thanks for joining our list, your subscription was a success.
We'll keep you posted on the "LEMMY" film release and upcoming events.
If you have any questions about our emails or have any feedback of your own, hit us back.
The "LEMMY" Film Crew

Original Post

Get your earplugs, a case of Marlboro's and three bottles of Jack Daniels, because the life and career of Motorhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister is being celebrated in a new documentary titled "Lemmy: The Movie".

The movie is slated for release in the spring of 2009. Rumour has it, it was supposed to open in April or May. I subscribed to the production company's email list, so once they release the date I'll post it ASAP.

If you haven't seen the preview, take a look.
[Warning: Adult content - Lot's of F's]


Directed and produced by Greg Olliver and Wes Orshoski, the film was shot on HD video and super 16 mm. In other words... it should have a very gritty look and feel to it.

Here's what we can expect. The film's producers promise fans more access than ever before to Kilmister's life and includes interviews with current and former band members.

Also appearing in the film: Foo Fighters front man Dave Grohl, Velvet Revolver's Slash, the Clash's Mick Jones, Alice Cooper, Steve Vai and wrestling superstar Triple H.

In my opinion, this film is long overdue. I mean, when you think about it, Lemmy & Motorhead has truly defined heavy metal. For more than 40 years, Motorhead’s music has been hugely influential, laying the foundation for thrash, death & black metal and hardcore rockers.

How many times have you heard (and seen) Lars Ulrich of Metallica spew out his same sorry assed lines... "Man, if it weren't for Lemmy and Motorhead, there would be no Metallica". (I'm not sure, but I've got a feeling Lars may make another cameo)

It'll be like being in the seat next to Lemmy on the band's tour bus or being backstage at the theatre during a show... in essence a rare and behind the scenes chance to see Lemmy doing, what he does best... I can't frick'n wait.

When "Lemmy: The Movie" is released for sale on DVD, I can only imagine the drinking games that will no doubt, become a staple when me and my mates are watching it. For example, every time Lemmy 'flips the bird' or 'lights up a smoke'... we take a drink! Of course it'll have to be Jack & Coke. Yup, we'll be hammered by intermission!

Marvelous!

Ace ♠

What's in a Name

Rock Out or Motörizer

Like a fine wine, this trio gets better with age. Oh blow it out your as#... this is Motörhead we're talking about. The new album/CD "Motörizer" has been out for almost a year. It was released on August 26, 2008 under the label SPV and was produced by Motörhead & Cameron Webb.

After listening to the eleven mind-numbing tracks (transferred to my iPod as well, 'cause I can't get enough Motörhead), I will simply say that this disc is rock & roll the way it should be played!

With driving riffs and raw speed, "Rock Out" is 2:10 of speaker pounding, jaw rattling 'back to the basics' Motörhead. It, in my humble opinion, is the best track on the disc. "Runaround Man" gets my vote as a close second. And the more I listen the more I like 'English Rose' & 'Tech You How to Sing The Blues' (and I can't forget 'The Thousand Names of God')

Their 24th album/CD is the follow-up to 2006's "Kiss of Death". It was recorded at FOO FIGHTERS front man and former NIRVANA drummer, Dave Grohl's Studio in Los Angeles, California.

Why do I like it so much? Well it's simple, it sounds like Motörhead from days gone by... full speed ahead, right out of the gates. Mikkey Dee is pure! Like a twelve cylinder high performance Ferrari, speeding down the autobahn at breakneck speed. Phil Campbell seems to get better with every riff, with every strum of the strings. As for Lemmy, he's never sounded better and his lyrics are, as always, underrated but yet brilliant at times.

Which brings me to the reason I'm penning this post. What's with the name "Motörizer". I don't get it. I'm of the opinion this album/CD ranks right up there with some of their best. And those three of four album/CD's, were named after one of the tracks.

Example:

"Ace of Spades"

"Over Kill"



"Iron Fist"



"Bomber"

Need I say more.

Hey, don't get me wrong "Motörizer" sounds pretty cool. It congers up the image of some kind of mechanical Snaggletöoth beast, ready to pounce on it's unsuspecting prey. Instead the cover is a coat of arms, a shield and a sword... what the f*% is that?!?! If it's Lemmy's family crest, my sincerest and deepest apologies. I mean no offence.

I mean, if you're going to design a cover & title that speaks to the bands legion of loyal & devoted followers, I think "Rock Out" or even the 6th track "Burned Alive" would've been a better choice as a title.

At least Snaggletöoth was on the cover, albeit in one quarter of the shield.

Hey... that's just one mans opinion and to be honest, I don't think Lemmy give a rat's as# about a silly album cover and title. Just pour the man another Jack & Coke, let him play some one armed bandits and he's happy!

Ace ♠

Lower Legs Painted

As promised here are the snaps of the Motorheadster with her lower legs painted semi-gloss black.

In this close up you can see how close the blacks match.

'Frisco' all the way. That's a great shot.

I think I'll wash it before I take any more pics - she's disgusting!

Here's a good shot of the front end and the new gators. I love the way they look on this bike. On some of the Nightsters they look compressed, not so on the '98.

These two pics rate fairly high on my top five list.


However... I think this last picture is my favourite! This snap screams bobber... it's freak'n awesome!

(Next time I will stand just a little more to the left)

Ace ♠

Nice legs, Shame about the Face

Transformation Page #6

Painting the front lower legs

We had an unexpected spring snow storm and that put the brakes on my riding for the weekend. I decided if I'm not going to ride, I might as well wrench. The one project I didn't get to this winter... painting the lower front fork legs.

So... up on the lift she goes.

First, I removed the caliper. I put a piece of folded cardboard between the pads to keep them apart.

I wrapped a bungee around the caliper and hooked it between the trees so it won't hang from the brake line and it'll stay out of the way.

I removed the axle nut and the axle retaining pinch nut.

Didn't I just have this tire off?

Crap, the axle fell on the floor. I'll have to clean it (I was going to anyway - as well as the spacer) & add a grease skim coat before I put it back in.

Yup, this is the part that sucks, taping and sanding. By the way... I decided NOT to remove the legs from the bike and just wrap the sucker up with tarps.

Yeah, not the best way to go about it but save it, because I don't care! I just want to get 'em painted and get riding!

Hey, it's my old friends... Mr. green tape & the rattle cans.

The primer has been laid down, time to dry.

So far... so good.

A couple of dead soldiers, so it's back to the hardware store for more.

All right, time for the semi-gloss black.

More dry time (two more coats and some clear) and we're almost done.

Let's button this puppy back together (I didn't think you would need a reverse sequence of what I just did).

However, you should know I did take my time (my twelve year old daughter helped out) inserting the wheel between the fork legs, because I didn't want to scratch my new paint job.

Nice! Now she's just a little more sinister.

I'll add another post with more snaps of the bike and it's new legs, for now it's "Back to the Funny Farm"!

Ace ♠