Follow Your Favorite Band Today!
Be the first one to follow Motorhead!
Top Motorhead Community Posts
Loading posts...
Sponsor content
Band Timeline
1975
Formation of Motörhead
Motörhead was formed in London in 1975 by bassist and lead vocalist Ian 'Lemmy' Kilmister after his departure from Hawkwind. The initial lineup included guitarist Larry Wallis and drummer Lucas Fox. Lemmy aimed to create a loud, fast, and aggressive rock band, blending rock and roll with the raw energy of punk. The band’s name was inspired by Lemmy's final composition for Hawkwind, and their early sound was described as fast and vicious, setting the foundation for their future influence on heavy metal and punk scenes.
1977
First Album Release – Motörhead
Motörhead released their self-titled debut album in 1977. The band’s classic lineup solidified during this period with Lemmy on bass and vocals, 'Fast' Eddie Clarke on guitar, and Phil 'Philthy Animal' Taylor on drums. Their debut album, initially released through Chiswick Records, reached number 43 on the UK Albums Chart and established Motörhead as a unique force combining heavy metal and punk energy, which would pave the way for the new wave of British heavy metal in the coming years.
1979
Breakthrough with Overkill and Bomber Albums
The release of Overkill and Bomber in 1979 marked Motörhead's rise in popularity. Both albums reached the UK Top 40, with Bomber even peaking higher on the charts. These works showcased the band's trademark aggressive sound and speed, featuring hits like 'Overkill' and 'Bomber' which received substantial airplay. The success of these albums consolidated their reputation as pioneers of speed and thrash metal, influencing numerous bands in those genres.
1980
Ace of Spades and Mainstream Success
In 1980, Motörhead released what is now considered their signature album, Ace of Spades. This album reached number 4 on the UK Albums Chart and featured the iconic title track 'Ace of Spades,' a song centered around the theme of gambling. The album's success propelled Motörhead into mainstream rock consciousness and became a defining moment for the band, blending heavy metal with their raw, punk-inspired ethos, and influencing the direction of metal music in the early 1980s.
1981
No Sleep 'til Hammersmith and Peak Live Performance
Motörhead achieved significant commercial success with their first live album, No Sleep 'til Hammersmith, released in 1981. The live recording captured the band at their energetic and powerful best, reaching number 1 on the UK Albums Chart. Supported by the hits from their earlier albums and relentless touring, this period cemented Motörhead's status as a formidable live act and rock band, known for their high-octane performances and unyielding sound.
1982
Lineup Change: Departure of Eddie Clarke
In 1982, guitarist 'Fast' Eddie Clarke left Motörhead. Clarke’s departure marked the end of the classic Motörhead lineup that had created their most iconic sound. His replacement was former Thin Lizzy guitarist Brian Robertson, bringing a new dynamic and style to the band. This lineup change was significant in shifting the band's sound and approach, reflected in subsequent album releases and performances throughout the mid-1980s.
1984
Expansion to a Four-Piece Lineup
In 1984, Motörhead underwent further lineup changes, expanding from a trio to a four-member band. Brian Robertson was replaced by two guitarists: Phil Campbell and Michael 'Würzel' Burston. Drummer Phil 'Philthy Animal' Taylor was also replaced by Pete Gill but later returned. This expanded lineup released several albums, including Orgasmatron, showcasing a heavier and more layered guitar sound while maintaining their aggressive rock and metal blend.
1992
Return to Trio and Stability with Mikkey Dee
After more lineup changes in the late 1980s and early 1990s, including Taylor’s departure, Mikkey Dee joined as the drummer in 1992. Würzel left the band in the 1990s, bringing Motörhead back to its original power trio format with Lemmy, Phil Campbell, and Mikkey Dee. This lineup provided stability and consistency for over two decades, enabling the band to continue producing albums, touring extensively, and maintaining their influential status in rock and metal music.
2015
Lemmy’s Death and Band Disbandment
On December 28, 2015, Ian 'Lemmy' Kilmister passed away due to cardiac arrhythmia and congestive heart failure following a prostate cancer diagnosis. Lemmy was the founding member, primary songwriter, and driving force behind Motörhead. His death marked the end of the band, with remaining members Phil Campbell and Mikkey Dee confirming Motörhead's disbandment the day after his passing. By this time, Motörhead had sold over 25 million albums worldwide and left an indelible legacy in rock and heavy metal music history.
Albums
Motörhead
8 tracks
1977
Overkill
10 tracks
1979
Bomber
15 tracks
1979
On Parole
9 tracks
1979
Ace of Spades
12 tracks
1980
Iron Fist
12 tracks
1982
Another Perfect Day
10 tracks
1983
Orgasmatron
9 tracks
1986
Rock ’n’ Roll
10 tracks
1987
1916
11 tracks
1991
March ör Die
11 tracks
1992
Bastards
12 tracks
1993
Sacrifice
11 tracks
1995
Overnight Sensation
11 tracks
1996
Snake Bite Love
11 tracks
1998
We Are Motörhead
10 tracks
2000
Hammered
11 tracks
2002
Inferno
12 tracks
2004
Kiss of Death
12 tracks
2006
Motörizer
11 tracks
2008
The Wörld Is Yours
10 tracks
2010
Aftershock
14 tracks
2013
Bad Magic
13 tracks
2015
Sponsor content
Members
History
Name
Begin
End
Occupation
Pete Gill
1984
1987
Drums (drum set)
Brian Robertson
1982
1983
Guitar
Würzel
1984
1995
Guitar
Larry Wallis
1975
1976
Guitar
Lucas Fox
1975
1975
Drums (drum set)
Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor
1975
1984
Drums (drum set)
Phil Campbell
1984
2015
Guitar
Lemmy Kilmister
1975
2015
Lead vocals
Bass guitar
Mikkey Dee
1992
2015
Drums (drum set)
Eddie Clarke
1976
1982
Guitar
Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor
1987
1992
Drums (drum set)
Story of Motorhead
Motörhead, the seminal English rock band, roared into existence in London in 1975, forged from the raw energy of bassist/vocalist Lemmy Kilmister, guitarist Larry Wallis, and drummer Lucas Fox. While the lineup shifted over the years, Lemmy remained the bands constant force and primary songwriter. Motörhead are widely considered pioneers of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, revitalizing the genre in the late 70s and early `80s.
Though various guitarists and drummers contributed, the classic Motörhead sound is inextricably linked to "Fast" Eddie Clarke on guitar and Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor on drums, who featured prominently on many of their best-selling albums and singles. From 1995 until their dissolution in 2015, the lineup stabilized with Lemmy, guitarist Phil Campbell, and drummer Mikkey Dee.
Over their four-decade career, Motörhead unleashed a sonic onslaught: 23 studio albums, 10 live recordings, 12 compilations, and 5 EPs. Typically a power trio, they achieved massive success in the early 1980s, charting numerous singles in the UK Top 40. Albums like Overkill, Bomber (both 1979), and Ace of Spades (1980), solidified their legendary status, culminating in the iconic live album *No Sleep til Hammersmith* (1981). Their influence remains undeniable, evidenced by their #26 ranking on VH1s 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock and worldwide album sales exceeding 25 million by 2025 (projected).
Sponsor content
Learn more about Motorhead
