We Are Motorhead, We Are Rock n' Roll  by: Jeff Hightower

We Are Motorhead (We Are Rock-n-Roll) Joseph Conrad once said, “My task which I am trying to achieve is, by the power of the written word, to make you hear, to make you feel – it is before all, to make you see.” To me, this is the legacy of all bands. But for some bands, it is also to explode with the power of pure energy they derive from their fans. And with this power, none have ever exploded with the driving fury and shear volume of Motorhead. They have linked punk, hard rock, and various other driving sounds to bring into existence what we now know as Heavy Metal. People from all walks of life recognize them and know who they are. In order to understand Motorhead, you don’t need a history lesson about all the different members, management, albums, or labels that they’ve been through over the years. Frankly, we don’t have that kind of time. What you do need is a volume knob and a propensity for playing everything as loud and fast as you can. We all know it started with Hawkwind and everything from there forward is another piece of the metal puzzle from which they derive their legend. From “Ace of Spades” to “The Game” they have become a cornerstone of heavy metal music. And by no means do they take it lightly. In a word, it’s all about credibility. One of there long time friends, Darryl Harvey, the Music Coordinator for WWE says, “I’ve worked with them in the studio and on live events, and mentally they are great players and are great to work with. They’ve been doing it a long time and they know what to do to give it their stamp of approval and make it a memorable Motorhead experience for all.” Along the way they’ve achieved 3 Grammy nominations, were the first heavy metal band to play a late night talk show, became the inaugural guest on the Headbangers Ball, and even contributed a song to the Spongebob Squarepants movie. Lemmy also wrote “Don’t Let Daddy Kiss Me” for the “Children of the Night”, a non-profit organization for children who were force into prostitution on the streets. Pro-skater Geoff Rowley even has a number one selling Motorhead shoe out on the market. You see, they actually give a damn about their fans, and feel it’s their job to put on the loudest, hardest, and best shows possible every time they take the stage. Whether it’s on the stage or in person they try to give something to each and every fan who rages for that angst that stands along side heavy metal. Even if it is passing out in a strip club and having their eyebrows shaved by the band (ain’t that right D…). I sat and talked with their manger Todd Singerman from Singerman Entertainment about the band that he calls, “The Real Deal”. He understands that they are more than a band, they are a movement that is recognizable to anyone, anywhere they go. One common theme with Lemmy is his approachability. It doesn’t matter if you see him having a drink at the San Maritz, he’ll stop to talk with anyone. These guys are so in touch with their fans that they actually have fan mail delivered to the Rainbow when they have their own brass walk of fame mark in the floor. But at the end of the day, all Lemmy wants most to play his bass and make music. This is more evident than ever with “Kiss Of Death” their new album. So if you want to sum up Motorhead, the best way to put it is simply, as Lemmy would say at the beginning of a show, “We are Motorhead, We are Rock-n-Roll”. · Special thanks to Todd Singerman and Darryl Harvey for helping put this article together. You guys are “Aces” and it’s been a pleasure to work with you.

Lemmy - "We are Motorhead, We are Rock n' Roll."

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