Questions
Who founded Motorhead and when?
Motorhead formed in London in 1975, founded by bassist and vocalist Lemmy Kilmister along with guitarist Larry Wallis and drummer Lucas Fox.
Where did the band name Motorhead come from?
The name came from the final song Lemmy had written for his previous band, Hawkwind, before he was dismissed from that group.
Why did Lemmy leave Hawkwind?
Lemmy was dismissed from Hawkwind in May 1975, reportedly following a drug possession arrest in Canada.
Who was in the classic Motorhead lineup?
The definitive trio from 1976 to 1982 was Lemmy Kilmister, guitarist "Fast" Eddie Clarke, and drummer Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor.
What was the band’s most successful album?
Ace of Spades, released in 1980, reached number 4 on the UK chart, their highest album chart position ever.
What is Motorhead’s most famous song?
"Ace of Spades" is considered the band’s definitive anthem. The single reached number 15 on the UK chart in 1980.
Did Motorhead ever have a number one record?
Yes. Their 1981 live album No Sleep ’til Hammersmith reached number 1 on the UK chart.
Did Motorhead ever win a Grammy?
Yes. The band won its first Grammy in 2005 for a cover of Metallica’s song "Whiplash."
What is the Snaggletooth logo?
Snaggletooth, also called the War-Pig, is the band’s iconic mascot. It was crafted by Alchemy England in 1977 and appeared on merchandise like their famous belt buckles.
How loud was Motorhead supposed to be?
They were famous for extreme volume. Lemmy joked that their aim was to be so loud that if they moved in next door, your lawn would die.
What was the Bomber lighting rig?
Their stage show featured a spectacular aircraft bomber-shaped lighting rig, a signature prop that returned for their 25th anniversary concert in 2000.
Did Motorhead ever team up with another band on a record?
Yes. In February 1981 they released the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre EP, a collaboration with Girlschool that reached number 5 on the UK Singles Chart.
How many albums did Motorhead sell?
The band sold more than 25 million albums worldwide over a career spanning 40 years, including 24 studio albums.
What was Lemmy’s real name and when did he die?
His full name was Ian Fraser Kilmister (December 24, 1945 to December 28, 2015). He reportedly died from cardiac arrhythmia, congestive heart failure, and prostate cancer.
What happened to Motorhead after Lemmy died?
The band disbanded immediately after Lemmy’s death on December 28, 2015. By 2018, all three members of the best-known lineup had died, with Taylor and Clarke both passing that year.
