Every musician dreams of crafting that one song, the anthem that resonates with millions, echoing in stadiums and living on through generations. For Motörhead, that song was undeniably ‘Ace of Spades.’ Fronted by the iconic Lemmy Kilmister, Motörhead unleashed a raw, powerful sound that captivated the rock and metal world. However, despite the roaring success of ‘Ace of Spades’, Lemmy harbored surprisingly complex feelings towards the track that became synonymous with his band.
Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead performing live, iconic frontman known for Ace of Spades song
From his early days as a roadie for Jimi Hendrix to his pivotal role in Hawkwind, Lemmy lived and breathed rock and roll. His vision for Motörhead was to create music that was untamed and ferocious, inspired by the rebellious energy of his heroes like Little Richard. He poured his heart and soul into every Motörhead album, crafting a vast discography of hard-hitting rock anthems. Yet, it was ‘Ace of Spades’, released in 1980 as part of the album of the same name, that catapulted them to mainstream recognition and, ironically, became a source of frustration for Lemmy.
‘Ace of Spades’ is undeniably a masterpiece of speed-fueled rock and roll. Lemmy’s signature raspy vocals combined with the song’s relentless pace, Phil Taylor’s thunderous drumming, and Eddie Clarke’s blistering guitar riffs created a sonic explosion. The track, with its gambling metaphor lyrics and unforgettable opening riff, became an instant classic. It’s the song that most people associate with Motörhead, a staple at every gig, and a track that continues to ignite crowds worldwide. Its impact on rock and metal is undeniable, influencing countless bands and solidifying Motörhead’s place in music history.
However, the very song that brought Motörhead to such heights became, in Lemmy’s own words, something he was “sick to death of.” Despite acknowledging the song’s power and its importance to fans, Lemmy expressed his weariness in his autobiography, White Line Fever. He lamented the fact that many fans seemed to attend Motörhead concerts solely to hear ‘Ace of Spades’, overlooking the band’s extensive catalog of post-1980 material. He felt pigeonholed, stating, “We didn’t become fossilised after that record, you know. We’ve had quite a few good releases since then.” While he understood the fans’ desire to hear their signature hit and dutifully played it every night, his personal feelings towards the song were far from celebratory. “For myself,” Lemmy admitted, “I’ve had enough of that song.”
Despite Lemmy’s complicated relationship with ‘Ace of Spades’, the song’s legacy and Motörhead’s overall influence extend far beyond just one track. While casual listeners might only know ‘Ace of Spades’, the music world, especially the metal scene, recognized Motörhead for their consistent output of high-quality, uncompromising rock and roll. Bands like Metallica openly revered Motörhead, covering tracks like ‘Overkill’ and collaborating with Lemmy himself. Even artists outside of rock, like Ice-T, have cited the impact of ‘Ace of Spades’ lyrics, demonstrating the song’s cultural reach.
Motörhead’s discography is rich with diverse and powerful songs, from concept albums like 1916 to blues-infused tracks like ‘Whorehouse Blues’ and even ballads penned by Lemmy for other artists, such as Ozzy Osbourne’s ‘Mama I’m Coming Home’. Lemmy’s songwriting prowess was not limited to just one style or one hit. His frustration with ‘Ace of Spades’ being the defining song stemmed from his broader artistic vision and the depth of Motörhead’s musical contributions. In the end, while ‘Ace of Spades’ remains an iconic anthem, Lemmy’s legacy is that of a prolific and versatile songwriter who gave the world much more than just one legendary song.
