Make My Day: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Story of Fast Eddie Clarke
This is a comprehensive four-CD career retrospective and a 320-page book dedicated to the iconic Motörhead and Fastway guitarist. The book is written by veteran rock journalist Kris Needs in collaboration with Clarke’s widow Mariko Fujiwara and will be available on September 6th via BMG.
“Make My Day” celebrates Fast Eddie Clarke’s contribution to rock music. The accompanying book chronicles his life and career, from his early days of musical discovery to his success. The story kicks off with his transformative experience watching the Yardbirds at Eel Pie Island, progresses through his time with various bands, and highlights his significant collaborations, including recording two albums with Curtis Knight, a former associate of Jimi Hendrix.
The narrative continues through Clarke’s pivotal years with Motörhead (1976-1982), his formation of Fastway, and the release of his two solo albums. The book also offers personal insights from Mariko and Eddie’s closest friends, painting a detailed picture of Eddie’s life, from his upbringing in Twickenham to his chart-topping success with Motörhead, and his eventual happiness with Mariko and their beloved Maltese-Shihtzu, Cookie.
The four-CD box set spans over 40 years of Fast Eddie’s recording career. Curated with tracks requested by Mariko, the collection begins with “The Early Years,” featuring music from Zeus and Continuous Performance, as well as three tracks from the legendary Muggers, a band Clarke and Philthy ‘Animal’ Taylor played with in 1978 alongside ‘Speedy’ Keen and Billy Rath.
CD2: Motörhead Era
This disc captures Eddie’s standout performances with Motörhead’s classic lineup, including Lemmy and Philthy ‘Animal’ Taylor. It features hits like ‘Ace Of Spades,’ three previously unreleased Bomber album demos, and Eddie’s vocal performances on the Headgirl project with Girlschool and ‘Stone Dead Forever.’
CD3: Fastway
Covering the various phases of Fastway, the band Eddie formed with UFO bassist Pete Way after leaving Motörhead in 1982, this CD includes demos, remixes, and tracks from their eight albums, showcasing the band’s evolution.
CD4: The Solo Years
Focusing on Clarke’s two solo albums, “It Ain’t Over ‘Till It’s Over” and his final work “Make My Day: Back To The Blues,” this disc highlights his collaboration with Shakatak’s Bill Sharpe and captures the essence of Eddie’s solo artistry.
As the former editor of the UK music monthly Zigzag and one of Motörhead’s earliest press champions, Kris Needs offers an authoritative account of Eddie Clarke’s life and career. His close relationship with the band during its most successful period and his in-depth interviews with Eddie’s friends, bandmates, and collaborators provide a unique and comprehensive perspective, culminating in a touching love story.
‘Make My Day – The Rock ‘N’ Roll Story Of Fast Eddie Clarke’ track-listing:
CD ONE:
The Early Years
1. Intro – Fast Eddie Clarke
2. Cloud – Curtis Knight Zeus
3. The Confession –
Curtis Knight Zeus
4. People Places And Things – Curtis Knight Zeus
5. Takin’ It Easy – Continuous Performance
6. In The Morning –
Continuous Performance
7. White Lightning –
The Muggers
8. (Just A) Nightmare –
The Muggers
9. Summertime Blues –
The Muggers
CD TWO
Motörhead
1. Ace Of Spades
2. Step Down (Eddie vocals)
3. Lawman (Bomber demo)
4. Alligator (Bomber demo)
5. Dead Men Tell No Tales (Bomber demo)
6. Emergency (Eddie vocals)
7. Motörhead (Live)
8. Stone Dead Forever (Eddie vocals)
9. Iron Fist
10. Bomber
11. The Chase Is Better Than The Catch
12. The Hammer
13. Overkill
CD THREE:
Fastway
1. All I Need Is Your Love (Pete Way Demo)
2. Say What You Will
3. Feel Me, Touch Me (Pete Way Demo)
4. Easy Livin’ (Live, Loudpark 07)
5. Trick Or Treat
6. Heft
7. All Fired Up
8. Change Of Heart
9. Deliver Me (Remix)
10. Fade Out (Remix)
11. Leave The Light On (Remix)
12. Lovin’ Fool (Remix)
13. Sick As A Dog (Remix)
CD FOUR:
The Solo Years
1. Snakebite (New Version)
2. Laugh At The Devil (New Version)
3. All Over Bar The Shouting
4. No Satisfaction
5. Make My Day (feat Bill Sharpe)
6. Heavy Load (feat Bill Sharpe)
7. Walking Too Slow (feat
Bill Sharpe)
8. Ethereal Blue (feat Bill Sharpe)
9. Mountains To The Sea (feat
Bill Sharpe)
10. My New Life (feat Bill Sharpe)
11. Over And Out
12. 21st Century (Alternative Mix) – Black Electric
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine