Unleashing the Thunder: Motörhead’s “The Lost Tapes” 8CD Box Set
In the realm of rock and roll, few names carry the weight and raw energy of Motörhead. Known for their unapologetic sound and Lemmy Kilmister’s iconic presence, the band has left an indelible mark on the music world. This 8CD box set is an aural adventure of live performances, encapsulating the band’s legendary status and the electrifying essence of their live shows.
“The Lost Tapes” is an expansive collection that spans various eras of Motörhead’s storied career. With recordings from live performances in Madrid during the “Sacrifice” tour, Norwich for the “We Speak Witch Tongue” tour, Malmö for the “We Are Motörhead” tour, a special Christmas metal meeting in Hohn in 1984, and their unforgettable appearance at the Donington Download Festival in 2008, this box set is a monumental tribute to the band’s live prowess. Each concert is meticulously packaged in a gatefold sleeve, with some albums spanning two CDs to accommodate the band’s extensive sets.
The box itself is a sturdy collection piece, adorned with the names of the gigs on the back, inviting fans to a historical journey through Motörhead’s live legacy. A special highlight is the inclusion of “Silver Machine” on the live in Madrid recordings, a track that Lemmy gives a uniquely Motörhead spin, transforming it into a high-energy anthem that stands shoulder to shoulder with the band’s original work.
One of the critical points Aston emphasizes is the quality of these recordings. Far from being mere bootlegs, these are recordings directly from the mixing desk, capturing the raw, unfiltered sound of Motörhead live in action. While some recordings boast higher fidelity than others, none fall into the category of subpar bootleg quality. The Norwich recordings, for example, quickly adapt to the listener’s ear, immersing them in the pure adrenaline and chaos of a Motörhead concert.
The “Live at Donington” from 2008 is a standout, showcasing the band’s ability to dominate a festival stage with their ferocious energy and timeless hits like “Dr. Rock,” “Going to Brazil,” and the quintessential “Stay Clean” highlighting Lemmy’s unique charm and the cohesive power of Phil Campbell on guitar and Mikkey Dee on drums, making it hard to believe that just three musicians could create such a colossal sound.
For longtime Motörhead enthusiasts, “The Lost Tapes” offers a nostalgic trip down memory lane, providing a fresh perspective on familiar tracks and uncovering live gems that have not been widely circulated. Meanwhile, newcomers to the band’s music could indeed find this collection an intriguing entry point, especially through standout performances like those in Madrid and Donington, showcasing the band at their raw, unadulterated best.
Motörhead were unique, their music, a blend of rock, punk, and metal, defies easy categorisation, yet its impact is unmistakable. “The Lost Tapes” serves as a testament to the band’s enduring appeal, proving that even in the vast landscape of rock music today, there truly is nothing like Motörhead.
As Lemmy said, “We are Motorhead, we play Rock n Roll!
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
