Behold the King: An interview with the legendary Lemmy Kilmister  by: Jeff Hightower (with guest interviewer "Roo Boy" King)

The words “icon” and “legend” get thrown around a lot. Way more than they should. But in the case of Motorhead front-man, Lemmy Kilmister, there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that he has earned titles such as these, and so much more. But when the day is over, to him, it’s still about the music. At 60+ years of age he has held true to who he is and played music as only he knows it. And somewhere along the way people realized that this guy wasn’t someone to mess with. Even now, he’ll sit and have a beer with you, but when it comes to music, be prepared to learn a lesson or two. Not only is he the king of metal, he has a very knowledgeable and street-smart mind that has so much to pass on to the future generations of rock-n-roll. So get ready and belly-up-to the bar, Ambient Level Music is proud to present the one and only king of kings in metal music Lemmy Kilmister. HM - How did "The Head Cat" come together? LK - We were doing a tribute to Elvis for Johnny Ramone, and we were just fooling around, playing the old stuff, and it sounded good and that was it. HM - What is the biggest challenge of being one of the few legitimate icons in music history? LK - People don't listen to the stuff we're doing now, at least in America; unfortunately being an "Icon" is like being a "legend" (i.e. you're fucking dead!) HM - What was it like working with Jim Johnston to record Triple H's theme "The Game" and hearing it every single week on world wide television for WWE? LK - Well, I have to admit, I didn't think it was the best song we ever did, but it's ok and it got our name out to a new audience etc, so on the whole, good show! HM - Motorhead will never die, but how long do you think "Lemmy" will still be out there putting out his signature brand of rock-n-roll? LK - I'll be up there 'til I can't anymore for whatever reason. You deserve me. HM - If you had to put it into words, what does "Lemmy" define real rock-n-roll to be? LK - Real rock-n-roll is different for every person. Your generation (and mine) has its own people, and then, if you're into it a lot. You listen back and grab some stuff from before your generation-Look at Slim Jim! HM - With the use of a harpsichord on one of tracks from "Fools Paradise", what instruments would you consider off-limits and which ones would you like to experiment with in the future? LK - No Instrument is off-limits, strictly speaking. Except possibly the awful school recorder! But, I mean, The Troggs had, on the original 'Wild Thing' an Ocarina Solo! For all you Motor-maniacs, remember the new album is due out late summer and the tour with Priest & Heaven & Hell starts in August. Headline dates in Sept. (limited markets). And roll over to www.imotorhead.com to see what the boys are up too and get information on their box set “Stone Deaf Forever”. Big props to my boys T-bone Singerman and Dixon Matthews for their help in putting this interview together. One again, you guys are rock-n-roll.

Click here to visit motorhead.com

Congratulations to Hooch for winning the inaugural ALM Rock-n-Roll mystery.   He correctly put all the clues together to figure out Lemmy as the newest guest in the Hornet's Nest. Also, congrats. to the Runner's Up: Venisha Lofer Words & Rara Avis

Back to the nest...