Killed By Death

The recent passing of hard-rocking, hard-living Lemmy Kilminster, singer and bassist for Motörhead, has left a void in the world of rock'n'roll. Lemmy succumbed to an aggressive form of cancer just days after his diagnosis. Aged 70, he certainly lived the lifestyle right to the end, only cutting back a bit on the booze after experiencing some other health issues. In life, Lemmy admitted that without sex, drugs, and rock'n'roll, he'd go to his grave with regrets. And he wouldn't have that. So.... no remorse.

I discovered Motörhead as a teenager, watching Canadian music magazine TV program The New Music back in the late 70's and into the 80's. The concert footage was raw and visceral, the music and band's appearance both freaky and aggressive. Lemmy's brand of punk-ish heavy metal was also a forerunner to thrash. He wasn't afraid to cross and blend genres, always resulting in something wild and exciting. Lemmy has inspired and influenced generations of musicians and fans. His work ethic alone was enough to impress the kids, not to mention his peers. And when he wasn't hammering on his bass and howling on stage, he partied harder than most rockers. Lemmy was a curiosity in how he survived all of the substance use for so long. He never did the Ozzy or Aerosmith rehab thing, choosing instead to live life on his own terms.

The first Motörhead songs I ever heard - back in 1980 - were Ace of Spades and The Chase is Better Than the Catch. Oh, and another favourite was Love Me Like a Reptile... mostly for Lemmy's not-so-subtle sexual innuendo, delivered with high volume and humour. Take that, AC/DC!

Over the years, I've been quite content with my copy of the No Remorse compilation, a blistering package of a couple dozen of Motörhead's most popular tracks. Given my love of those aforementioned songs, I just had to add the Ace of Spades studio album to my collection, too. Rowdy, pummeling tracks like Shoot You In the Back, (We Are) The Road Crew, and Jailbait sure got the blood pumping. I eventually snagged Overkill, a great disc featuring classics Stay Clean, I'll Be Your Sister, and Metropolis. 

I loved the interview with Lemmy in the Metal: A Headbanger's Journey documentary. The old fella was so quick on the draw with witty and sly remarks, all punctuating his captivating stories about misadventures onstage and on the road. The 2010 doc entitled simply Lemmy was an even more expansive look at the life and times of the rock legend. What I love about the guy is his complete honesty. He lived and breathed rock'n'roll and was simply himself all the time... he did not adopt a stage persona or put on any phony act for anyone. The leather and long hair were exactly who he was. Loud and proud. 

Lemmy led a colourful and memorable life. From early work as roadie for Jimi Hendrix to augmenting the band Hawkwind with his bass stylings, then founding his very own band, Motörhead of course, where his career took off like a rocket. 

R.I.P., Lemmy. You shall be missed. 

And I'm sure sales of Motörhead's "Snaggletooth" shirts will go through the roof now.