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Music Box • Music

Motörhead

Motörhead was an English rock band formed in London in 1975 by bassist and vocalist Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

Motörhead was an English rock band formed in London in 1975 by Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister. Known for its loud, fast sound, the band is widely associated with hard rock and heavy metal.

History

Motörhead formed in London in 1975 with Lemmy Kilmister, Larry Wallis, and Lucas Fox. After several lineup changes, the band’s best-known late-era formation was Lemmy, Phil Campbell, and Mikkey Dee. Lemmy was the only constant member throughout the band’s 40-year run.

Musical style and commercial peak

The band was known for a raw, high-volume sound that blended hard rock, punk energy, and heavy metal. Lemmy frequently rejected the metal label and referred to the band as rock and roll. Motörhead reached its greatest mainstream success in the early 1980s, with Ace of Spades and the live album No Sleep 'til Hammersmith among its most notable releases.

Legacy

Motörhead influenced later heavy metal, speed metal, and related styles. The band is often cited as a key act in the development of the new wave of British heavy metal. Internationally, including in Canada, Motörhead developed a strong following among rock and metal audiences.

In short

  • Formed in 1975 by Lemmy Kilmister after leaving Hawkwind.
  • Known for loud, fast, straightforward rock and roll.
  • Most successful period early 1980s with Ace of Spades.
  • Ended after Lemmy's death in 2015.
Canadian angle

Motörhead influenced heavy metal and hard rock scenes internationally, including in Canada, where the band developed a strong following among rock and metal audiences.

Quick questions

Who founded Motörhead?
Motörhead was founded by Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister in 1975.
What kind of music did Motörhead play?
The band played a loud, fast style usually classified as hard rock or heavy metal, though Lemmy described it as rock and roll.
What was Motörhead’s most famous album?
Ace of Spades is generally regarded as Motörhead’s best-known album.

Sources

  1. Last.fmhttps://www.last.fm/music/Mot%C3%B6rhead/+wiki
    Supports: Formation in London in 1975; founding lineup; Kilmister as primary songwriter and constant member; association with NWOBHM.
  2. Wikidatahttps://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q208409
    Supports: Canonical entity identification and general band metadata.
  3. Give Me Metalhttps://www.givememetal.com/heavymetaltrees/motorhead-family-tree
    Supports: Classic lineup and legacy as an influential heavy rock/metal band.
  4. WatchMojohttps://www.watchmojo.com/articles/the-history-of-motorhead
    Supports: Formation after Lemmy left Hawkwind and the band’s loud, fast style.
  5. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Mot%C3%B6rhead_band_members
    Supports: Later lineup, years active, and dissolution after Lemmy's death.