Terminal Show from Lemmy and Co
There have been lots of Motorhead shirts on display all weekend and tonight they all descend on the Snickers Tent. Clashing with System Of A Down on the main stage is unfortunate but they needn't worry as the Motorhead faithful are here in force. By the time the band appear the tent is packed out and as the last band to appear on this stage Motorhead are about to make sure they finish proceedings with a bang.
After taking a few seconds to take in the crowd, Lemmy announces 'We are Motorhead and we play rock and roll!' before they launch straight into 'Doctor Rock'. Instantly the assembled faithful are banging their heads and due to the close proximity it's impossible not to get a face full of long hair at some point! The sound is excellent and although Lemmy later appeals to the sound man to turn it up (without success) it is probably at just the right level, as it makes the whole band clearly audible and showcases to any first timers just how good Motorhead are.
Having warmed his vocal chords up earlier during a guest spot with MC5 Lemmy is in fine form as they tear through 'Stay Clean' and the excellent 'Love Me Like A Reptile'. Anyone that thought Motorhead's best work was back in the 80's must surely have had that opinion changed when they played 'Killers' from the last album (Inferno). An excellent song that does more than maintain Motorhead's reputation for fast thumping songs. Perhaps mindful of the venue, they throw plenty of old songs into the set tonight and it's great to hear 'Over The Top' which Lemmy dedicates to himself!
Motorhead make a hell of a noise for a three piece. Mikkey Dee is a great drummer and throughout the set he climbs above his drums to incite the crowd to sing louder, shout louder and do everything possible louder! During 'In the name of Tragedy' his double bass work in the chorus is particularly impressive. Phil Campbell after 21 years, is now a well-established part of the Motorhead legend and his squealing, wah wah fuelled solos are wild and effective as ever. It's a little surprising to hear two songs from 'Another Perfect Day' (which saw Motorhead go vaguely musical) but when they happen to be 'Dancing On Your Grave' and 'I Got Mine' nobody's complaining.
The only downer of the set is the over long and a bit boring 'Just Cos You've Got The Power'. I get the impression they only play it so they can have a rest and it's soon forgotten when followed by 'Going To Brazil', which is played at mind blowing pace. Lemmy never fails to impress and from the crowd reaction tonight he's right up there in the list of legends on display this weekend. With no time for an encore they simply play the encore songs at the end of the set and there are no prizes for guessing what they were. The whole tent literally erupts into a frenzy as Lemmy hammers out the intro bars to 'Ace Of Spades', it's a great version and is one of those songs that you never get tired of hearing, live it has an awesome power and energy and naturally receives the greatest cheer of the evening. Last song is the phenomenal 'Overkill' that gives each band member the chance to show just what they can do. The extended ending is nothing short of outstanding with the lights flashing in time to Mikkey's frantic drumming as Lemmy and Phil bring the whole thing to an earth shattering crescendo. Finishing with his familiar machine gunning of the crowd they dump the instruments and (after taking a bow) leave the stage with feedback howling through the tent. Fantastic.