In Memory of Lemmy
The world lost a rock legend this week, and we at Made Music Studio were talking about the impact of Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead on music, creativity and how we will remember his style, his intensity and his music. Some of the Made Music Studio staff shared words of remembrance in honor of Lemmy.
“As most of you know, the rock world lost a legend to cancer on Monday. Lemmy Kilmister from Motörhead was 70 years old and the hardest badass rocker I’ve ever seen. They played hard, fast and loud with a wall of Marshalls behind them and Lemmy with his hat, in his quintessential rock stance with his head up growling into the microphone. I saw him for the first time perform live on the ’80s British TV show, The Young Ones, which aired on MTV back in the day. I knew he was a badass but to see him perform was a whole new experience and I wanted more. I needed to experience it in person. I needed to feel my ears bleed, my heart race and my body vibrate. The last time was in 2009 in NYC at Roseland, which is also no longer around (seems to be a trend). They did not disappoint. It was just as good as the first time. It’s the end of an era. Rest in peace, Lemmy.”
– Kim Paster, SVP, Operations
“Listening to Motörhead triggers a very distinct adrenaline rush that I don’t get from other rock or metal music – especially any rock music that’s been produced within the last 10 to 15 years. The best way to describe the feeling is to imagine riding shotgun in an old beat-up car with a reckless (possibly inebriated) driver. You’re going too fast and taking each corner with a death wish – yet you deep down know that you’re not going to crash – this wild driver, this old car, they’ve been driving this road for decades and haven’t crashed yet. So fuck it – live a little and trust Lemmy to get you to wherever the ride takes you.
There was a looseness to their playing. Recording to a “click” wasn’t important, nor were flashy tricks in virtuosity or slick record production. What you got was pure, raw rock and roll. We’ve lost these types of records. These were made before the volume wars, making recordings “appear” as loud as possible. “Ace of Spades” makes you want to turn your stereo up as loud as it goes. Try it sometime and see what happens. The loss of Lemmy means something to the history of Rock and Roll. As we try to perfect, package and sell “true authenticity”, remember that sometimes real authenticity comes with raw edges and a sense of reckless abandon.”
– Danni Venne, SVP/Group Creative Director, Lead Producer
