Lemmy Kilmister 49% Motherfucker, 51% Son of a Bitch, 100% Genuine

Like most, I learned of the death of Lemmy via facebook. It was a post from Classic Rock announcing what had transpired only less than a half an hour prior to, what I'm imagining to be a hastily written article "hot off the presses."
And, like most I was shocked.
At first.
But as the moments moved forward, I'd began to realize that somewhere in the back of my mind (and quite often, the front) I'd known that I'd be reading this story sometime in the near future.
There's always been this popular epigram that after the extinction of mankind, be it by nuclear war (the popular outcome of this particular proverb) or any other type of mess, that the only survivors would be cockroaches, and Lemmy.
And I suppose after witnessing the almost life-long chemical intake of a man who only slowed for a brief moment, right at the very end, it was easy to believe.
My thoughts turned right away to the last time I'd seen Motorhead perform, in Minneapolis. This was the first time of my life long dedication to loud abrasive music that I'd actually felt pain in my ears from the noise that band was making in front of me. My eyes squinted, my head retracted to the side, and for the fist time, I had to take a moment and "go get some air."
But right after that embarrassing memory (I say embarrassing because if it's too loud, you're too old right? Somebody tell Lem!) my thoughts turned to all the time I got to spend with Lemmy and Co.
Ask any one who's ever met Lemmy, (except a select few of which I'm sure you've heard stories) and they will all tell you the same thing, Lemmy is "one of the nicest, genuine people I've ever met."
And it's true. He always took the time for his fans. If only because what he'd said a thousand times was true, that without them, Motorhead would be nothing.
I was fortunate enough to befriend Lemmy to a degree where he'd call me whenever in town, and we'd go out to clubs before and after their show. And he'd even taken to talking with me over the phone somewhat regularly while having time off from runnin' 'round the world.
I'd gotten to know folks from the crew, Yogi (monitors), Hobbsy (sound), Vito (drums), Tim "the Butcher" (bass), Tom and Gomez (guitars) and of course Phil and Mikki. But another from the crew was a bit closer, Tony.
Tony was the LD (Lighting Tech.) & electrician for the band for a number of years. Lem had takin' to calling him "sparky" after an incident where Tony got jolted at the top of a very high ladder, and had ended up unconscious, hanging by the wires that had just almost knocked him dead.
Like myself, Tony was a record collector and he'd visit Minneapolis regularly for me to take him to the local record fairs.
It was Tony who, one night, after Mikki's tech had "fucked off" and left the bus while in Canada, suggested to Freddie (Tour Manager at the time) "well, Mike plays the drums..." and collectively all heads, including Lemmy's turned to me as if to say, "is that right?" And so it's because of Tony that I'd ended up with a very brief, very temporary stint as Mikki's tech.
Now, getting to know you're idol (in this case, Lemmy), and knowing that I was among a band that I'd worshiped since the age of eleven is one big fucking deal as it is. But finding yourself getting paid, money, to be on stage right behind the drummer for the entire show is an all out wet dream come true. (not because I fancy Mikki, you understand)
Knowing Lemmy is one part, but so is knowing his age. And every year with the release of a new album, a world tour, and all the "Lemmy business", that his "job" consisted of, every once in a while you'd silently think to yourself, "how long can this man go? Maybe that cockroach thing is true!"
The autobiography, the film, the man, the myth, the legend, after all was only human. (hard to believe, I know!)
Ah.. but getting lost in nostalgia is not what I'd sat down to write about.
Time wore on, as it always does when we're not looking. Knowing Lem was approaching 70 years, and witnessing a decline in his overall health, I knew that day was drawing nearer. I guess I began thinking about this after I'd heard a rampant rumor, some eight or ten years ago that he'd lost a leg due to amputation. After hearing this I promptly called him at home and he'd described to me what he said was no more than "a poison toe." just an infection, I assume brought on by diabetes. I'll stop there because it's not my place to discuss his private health issues.
And this was something I really thought about. I couldn't think of Motorhead without contemplating how much longer he was going to last.
There was never any question in my mind that he'd retire, stop touring, writing, playing or any of that shit. He'd even recently spoke of needing a "stick" to walk with. Although he said he'd only use it off stage, he went on to state that if need be, he'd use the stick on stage as well. There was never one doubt that this man, this purest specimen of Rock and Roll incarnate, would allow anything to slow him or stop him from bringing his message as loudly and as strong as ever.
And that is exactly what he fucking did.
The news broke, the initial shock was interrupted by a familiar feeling that I'd been expecting this day to arrive.
One by one, as I watched the news feed on facebook as well as twitter fill with, at first, the reaction. The "Oh No's", the "Sad Day's", the "How could this happen's", all the while I was thinking to myself that it wasn't all that shocking. I suppose just because I'd been watching closer than most. Aware of the drawing conclusion at some point.
Then a friend had posted the preliminary official word from imotorhead.com with the statement:

"There is no easy way to say this…our mighty, noble friend Lemmy passed away today after a short battle with an extremely aggressive cancer. He had learnt of the disease on December 26th, and was at home, sitting in front of his favorite video game from The Rainbow which had recently made its way down the street, with his family.

We cannot begin to express our shock and sadness, there aren’t words.

We will say more in the coming days, but for now, please…play Motörhead loud, play Hawkwind loud, play Lemmy’s music LOUD.
Have a drink or few.

Share stories.

Celebrate the LIFE this lovely, wonderful man celebrated so vibrantly himself.

HE WOULD WANT EXACTLY THAT.

Ian ‘Lemmy’ Kilmister

1945 -2015

Born to lose, lived to win."

 I got up from my seat and began to follow directions. I grabbed a three and a half foot tall stack of CD's, headed for the stereo, and began slinging Motorhead tunes back to back as if I were on the air.
Then I noticed my computer screen. I took my seat and began to scroll down my news feed and as post after post after post flew passed me, I'd noticed that it was non-stop praise, tribute, Motorhead, Hawkwind, as far down as I could go. I knew this was gonna be big news, but holy fuck! I looked as if the entire world had stopped, and all eyes, hearts, and clenched fists, whether Iron or not, were focused on this man.
I had absolutely no control over the roar of laughter that shot from me as I thought to myself "Fuckin' A Lem, you fucking did it! Right to the very end! You NEVER let the bastards grind ya down!"
I was consumed with a reflection that I had not planned, nor was I prepared for.
It was crystal clear to me. Here is a man who lived his entire life on HIS TERMS, Master of his own destiny. Bowing only to the few who led him in the direction he'd chosen early on.
Lemmy, 49% Motherfucker, 51% Son of a Bitch, BUT 100% REAL. 100% Genuine. 100% Honest. 100% Gentleman. 100% No Bullshit, and 101% Rock And Fucking Roll.
Here is a man who led by example. Perhaps one of the very last. We are ALL lucky to have known him. We were witness to what a person can be by staying true to heart, of sound mind, with strength from within. With integrity. Right up to the fucking end. No prisoners.

It has been stated that if Motorhead moved in next door to your house, your lawn would die. And that may be. But the seeds that Lemmy and Company have planted in my heart are growing ever stronger by the minute. Seeds he planted in all of our hearts, sprouting giant banners that read "Who the fuck are they to tell you you can't?!

"They're just a bunch of clowns, don't let 'em grind ya down."

Thanks for the lesson Lemmy.
You're still the Gov'ner.

your friend and comrade,
"Moth" Mike

Headstone - "Still Looking" 1974

From Rockesteria: "Headstone consisted of three Fiynn brothers and a friend Torn Applegate who recorded this, their sole album at the Rome Recording studios in Ohio in 1974." Interestingly, the Rome Studios, which still exist today, was run by Jack Casey and provided studio time to mostly Christian bands at the time, although there is no evidence that Headstone were a Christian assemblage. Ohio was full of rock bands in the early 70's many of whom released their own material and the albums have withstood the test of time. This album is good old fashioned hard rock of the B.O.C., Steppenwolf, ZZ Top variety mixed with some catchy pop rock numbers. This album is full of fuzz and extended guitar solos and most of the tracks are well constructed with tempo changes and a strong Hammond driving the whole thing. Vocals sound a bit AOR and with proper production would have been at home on FM radio along the lines of maybe Styx. (Although the bands sound nothing alike). There are some sealed original copies floating around in collectors circles, almost as if someone stumbled upon an unopened shipment. Bidding starts around $230.00.

Phantom - "Phantom's Devine Comedy" Vol.1 & "The Lost Album" 1973&74

Phantom, a psychedelic rock band from Detroit, Michigan, USA, active in the early to mid-1970's, previously known as the Walpurgis. They released one album, Phantom's Divine Comedy Vol.1 in 1974. The musical instrumentation, mystic lyrical themes, and the vocalist's penchant for "Jim Morrison-esque" style vocals led some believers that this was the new effort from the deceased Doors' bandleader. The speculation was further fueled by the members using simple pseudonyms on the albums credits. To this day, there is great confusion and misinformation about the names of the band members themselves. From Allmusic: "How do you rate an album like this? On originality, it gets one. But as a hint at what a new Dorrs album would sound like it gets 9 out of 9." It is rather striking the similarities between the two, only on the second offering here, the "Lost Album", the vocals take on a bit more of a gruff Tom Waits sort of tinge. Mixed with Morrison, of course.

Take it with a pinch, and it's kinda fun.  

Iggy Pop, Phantom, and Robbie Kreiger

Elmira - Lady of the Mountain 1973-76

From "Rockin Hood" blog: "Danish no-fi prog-hard rock sounds with blues and folk inspirations. Organ and guitar led real people music. Elmira never made it big, or even recorded an album while they existed. 'Lady of the Mountain' is recorded in 1972-76 and shows a stoned and long haired blast"
 Definitely a winner, with plenty of room for long instrumental madness. Some elements of Deep Purple, but nowhere near a copy of. A lot more hard rock than prog. Definitely performed by people with a genuine love for the sounds. Alternating between hard rock with firey guitar, and organ rich instrumental jams. A bit lacking in the sound quality department, but still way worth it. This album only came to light in 2000. Heavy rock with an attitude.

Medusa (Mexico) - 1973

I have to appologise. This is yet another band that I can't find any info on in English. Therefore I can't really give you any background on them. I can tell you that it positively rips! This is from that mid-70's wave of heavy rock coming out of Mexico that gets drastically overlooked. I believe these recordings are from 1973, however I'm not even sure of how many releases they have, and what songs are from what. So here's a playlist of everything I could find on youtube from them. Any and all info would be appreciated and welcome. They look as if they're still performing as well. Here's their facebook page Enjoy!

Medusa (US) - First Step Beyond 1975

From The Numero Group: "You must physically hold this album, kneel at it's altar, we will fail to describe it. Medusa's First Step Beyond might have forever shifted the perception of Chicago Rock history had it managed to make the leap from tape to it's never-realized vinyl pressing. Instead, the conflagration of Sabbath, Hawkwind, and Amon Duul II remained petrified in the Corycian Caverns - otherwise known as the drummers basement. Self produced on four-track in 1975, this lone transmission from Medusa's repertoire appeared on the mysterious Pepperhead label, whose proprietor disappeared after a "bad trip' and was never seen again. Forged in ceremonial mock-velvet, custom embossed in Gorgon-gold and blood-red, and art directed in accordance with the bands elaborate stage props and artwork, we have positioned this unreleased opus to finally reach it's destination, the turn tables of pot smoking leather clad teenagers young and old."
So, in other words, an unreleased gem from '75 finally seeing the light of day. I love it when this happens!

Nahuatl - 1974

Nahuatl (pronounced Na wa tel) was part of the Mexican progressive rock scene that had it's peak in the in the early 70's, and it's golden days in the 70's & 80's. Nahuatl was formed in 1972, and disbanded in 1977. Thet recorded two albums, Nahuatl  in 1974, and Nahuatl Vol.2 in 1975. For a progressive band, they had some moments of pure doom metal. It appears as though the put out 2 albums with Enrique Guzman as well. I wish I could write more about them, however the only real info I can find of the band is in Spanish. So, just in case you can read espanol, here's what looks to be a detailed history. You can check it out HERE

Strider - Exposed 1973

Strider released two albums in 1973 and '74 respectively. 1973's "Exposed" is a lost gem of an album and deserves attention. They played an excellent brand of Hard Rock/Blues in line with Status Quo, Deep Purple, Humble Pie, and Free. Their legacy post-Strider far out lived their brief carreer as a band. The record hit the shops in the prolific period of February, 1973, It mirrored much of what was changing about blues based rock. Humble Pie was moving into the mainstream with "Smokin'", Foghat just released their debut with the Willie Dixon penned "I Just Wanna Make Love to You" getting serious airplay on the FM dial, and Zeppelin was still burning from the "Zoso" release. Most notable was what the Rolling Stones left with "Exile on Mainstreet" permeating every record for the next two years.
Strider took their best club show and committed it to 40 minutes of vinyl. They were a tight R&B band with a biting guitar sound.
Where other bands were dousing their audience with American standard Blues/Rock, Strider was blasting R&B tunes. Of the seven songs of their debut, two of them were R&B classics. Jackie Wilsons "Higher and Higher", and the Temptations "Get Ready." The later becoming a stoned out jam with some searing guitar melee closing down the second side.Ian Kewley (vocals, keyboards) wrote on the liner notes, "I think we should have started with the second album, then we'd have been better prepared for this one" But peole loved the grit of the first one and it landed them openeing tour slots with the Faces, and Rory Galagher. "Flying" was definitely the bands signature song.
However, with the release of their second L.P., The band had reached their plateau. Rod Stewart  was to grab up their guitar player before embarking on a solo career in the U.S., other members would start The Babys w/Jon Waite, and go on to play with Roger Daltry and John Entwistle.

Moby Dick - s/t 1973

Formed in 1968, Moby Dick was primarily influenced by English hard rock, particularly Led Zeppelin, they were the first Italian band that managed to record an album at Olympic Studios in London in 1973. However, with no recording contract, the album wasn't released until the Akarma issue in 2001. They also had recorded a three song demo at RCA, that only exists on acetate. They are included in this release as a bonus E.P. that accompany's the album.  Though they were very good musicians, they could never reach an original style. They had a good live career in their five years together, but ended up sounding like a Zeppelin clone when they recorded.
The three E.P. tracks are sung in Italian sound a bit more original and closer to the time early 70's  Italian rock style.  But it was their choice to record in English that made the group refuse to record a demo for EMI, who wanted them to sing in Italian. They disbanded not long after the London recordings. And that's about all I know about them.

Farm s/t 1971

This album is an air-guitarists wet dream! Serious twin leads the likes of which are found in Judas Priest or Iron Maiden. This is also a VERY obscure and rare record. Pressed independently on a small label out of Illinois, which is also where this band comes from. Recorded in Southern Illinois, the entire album is comprised of only 5 songs. 2 on side A, and 3 on side B. It's got a bit of a southern rock influence ala early Allman Brothers/Lynyrd Skynyrd although the stand out is the guitar. It's been reissued on Akarma, some folks have had rough experiences with some of their re-issues, even suggesting certain releases to be "needle drops" and therefore lacking in sound quality. Others are just fine. Try to listen to it before you buy, (you'll get hooked!) to seif the quality is there. Otherwise, you can always hold out for an original. Just open your wallet nice and big, and don't hold your breath.
Definitely a must have for any hard blues rock collector.

Bakery - "Rockmass For Love" 1971 / "Momento" 1972

Bakery were an Australian progressive/hard rock band formed in Perth 1970. Bakery's debut album Rock Mass For Love was issued August of 1971 on Astor records which, according to Australian rock music historian Ian McFarlane, had been recorded during a mass at St. George's Cathedral in March of '71, and was not indicative of the band's psychedelic hard rock. The Group released two singles "Bloodsucker" (Feb. 1971), and "No dying in the Dark" (July). "No Dying in the Dark was a top 10 hit on the Perth singles chart. The bands influences were Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, and Led Zeppelin.

In Aug. 1972 they released their second album Momento . Following some extensive lineup changes in 1973 the band was on the touring circuit along Australia's East coast. In April of that year, "Living With a Memory" recorded live at the Sunbury Pop Festival appeared on the triple live album The Great Australian Pop Festival, Sunbury 1973 on Mushroom records. They disbanded in early 1975.
The second album, Momento IMHO is way better than the first, and heavy, which the 1st album is not. So I only included their 2nd L.P.

Daemon / Bullet / Hard Stuff

Daemon / Bullet / Hard Stuff

Hard Stuff were an English rock band which included John Du Cann and Paul Hammond, formerly of Atomic Rooster. Also in the lineup: Harry "AL" Shaw, formerly of Curiosity Shoppe and latterly Export., and John Gustafson formerly of Quartermass. 

Du Cann and Hammond had left Atomic Rooster due to disagreements with  Vincent Crane over the increasingly bluesy, soulful direction he wanted to take the band. Consequently., compared to Atomic Rooster's more progressive leanings, Hard Stuff were based more heavily on aggressive guitar.

Originally, Du Cann, Hammond, and Shaw had formed a band provisionally called Daemon, with the intention of recording and touring under the name of Atomic Rooster. Gustafson was invited to join them on that basis, but, after learning that Crane retained the rights to Atomic Rooster name. the quartet agreed to continue anyway, but under the name Bullet instead.

After recording about half an album's worth of material, Shaw was dismissed from the lineup and never replaced the vocalist, his vocals being recorded over and vocals for the rest of the songs by Du Cann and Gustafson. Both of whom served as lead vocalist for their prior bands. Prior to release of   the album they were prompted to change their name again, this time to Hard Stuff, due to a legal disputed with an American band named Bullet.

Hard stuff toured across Europe Particularly Germany and Italy, often as support for Deep Purple or Uriah Heep.  Their success was curtailed by a car crash in which Du Cann and Hammond were seriously injured. Although their second album went ahead, the band wee soon to fold. Harry "Al" Shaw emerged in the 1980's in a N.W.O.B.H.M.B. band called Export

B.F. Trike - s/t 1971

B.F. Trike formed when three members of late 60's psych band Hickory Wind decamped to Nashville in 1971 and started an album for RCA. Eschewing the psychedelic sound of their previous band the trio turned up the fuzz guitar and produced ten tracks of great heavy rock. The tapes were then shelved for eighteen years (!!!) until Rockadelic issued them in 1989 in a limited edition vinyl (100 made) and CD. The vinyl is now long gone and commands astronomical sums at auction, so your best bet is to go with the CD. The question, therefor, is it worth it? Well, in this case it might well be, as the songs are catchy, well played and sung, they have great fuzz tone solos, the rhythm section is restrained where it needs to be as well as up front on the heavy rockers. The whole album hangs together extremely well. Why RCA refused to issue this at the time we'll never know. But be thankful we can at least hear it. (Rockasteria)

Jenghiz Khan - Well Cut 1971

Formed in 1970, Jenghiz Kahn were short lived, but their album "Well Cut" has been in demand among collectors. This contained the archetypal heavy progressive rock of the times, sometimes similar to Uriah Heep or May Blitz. The band was formed in the southern part of Begium in 1970, out of the ashes of The Tim Brean Group and Les Partisans. "Well Cut" was released quite quickly and sounded very heavy but full of dynamics. Some longer songs gave the band an adventurous feel, and unveiled possible influences from Iron Butterfly and Vanilla Fudge. The bass was up front in the mix, making it still sound fresh. Their relatively short history, they gained a good live reputation, so they played a lot of gigs and festivals.

They shared bills with Black Sabbath, Yes, Wallace Collection, Stray, Genesis, & The Tremolos. Some new material was written in '71, but the group would drift apart due to the lack of improvement abroad. "Well Done" turned out to be their only solitary release.

Andrew - Woops 1973

I'm really starting to dig this Icelandic stuff. Heavy psych rock from '73 with wild acid guitar and English lyrics. The original L.P. released in Iceland sells for about $600, so you may want to seek out the repress from Austria. Even though it's only an edition of 500 copies. It's got some great zoney stoner moments, the second track in, "Himalaya" is worth the price of admission itself. It ranges from weird funk-psych jams to outer space rock. Pretty hard to find, but worth it! (the repress sells for $20 to $50)

Brother T and Family - Drillin' of the Rock 1970

Brother T. & Family are all of the original members of Lucifer's Friend, with the exception of John Lawton. Straight forward heavy blues rock, with a bizarre ballad that sounds like a spot on Elvis Presley impersonation. Procal Harem type organs, some really decent lead guitar riffs. The Gear Fab catalog classifies the songs as "bizarre", so I'm not far off on my take on it. Released on the German Retsjam label in 1970. Another strange variation of Lucifer's Friend (one of the many.) Because it was released in Germany, it carries with it the Krautrock stamp of approval. A lot of reviews out there, but not a lot of info.

Brownstone s/t 1973

An extremely rare release on the Playboy Label (yes, the same Playboy as the Hugh Hefner rag) Female vocals on a fairly straight forward hard rock backdrop. Their sole album was released in 1973. Even though there's little variation, the formula works well. Distorted guitars, organ, all the elements of an early 70's rock band. There's really not a lot of info on this one, and only 1 pic.

Ranmadou - 1971 - Summer

Formed in Japan in early 1971 by guitarist Eiryu Kou who would later join the legendary Blues Creation after the end of this band. Ranmadou had a very short career, yet the band managed to record two albums. They were around until 1972, when they folded. Their first: 1971 - Summer, was recorded live in 1971, but never saw release until 1989 on CD. In 1972 they released a self titled album, of which only three track are present in this live recording. These live recordings bring powerful, dirty, and typical blues rock of the time, and like most Japanese bands of the era, it's definitely a notch above your typical blues rock. They also have some psychedelic moments among intense guitar riff and solos. Vocals sung sometimes in English, sometimes in Japanese. Highly recommended for not only fans of 70's blues rock, but anyone into the Japanese scene of the time.

Short Cross - Arising 1972

Active from 1970 to 1972. Instead of me trying to write some brilliant (or NOT so brilliant) piece about Short Cross, I'm going to post a link to Rockesteria where you can read a first hand account of the bands history and their formation from Velpo Robertson., a member of the band.