Born To Raise Decibels: Inside The Loudest Band Of All Time

The Loudest Band on Earth

Motörhead's reputation for ear-splitting volume is legendary. The band was once part of a fierce competition to be listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the loudest band, a category that was eventually removed due to health concerns.

"It will be so loud that if we move in next door to you, the lawn will die." - Lemmy Kilmister

In 1984, during a live performance at The Variety Theatre in Cleveland, Motörhead reached an ear-shattering 130 decibels, causing the venue's ceiling to crack (source). This broke the previous record set by The Who in 1976, earning them the title of "the loudest band on Earth" by Spin journalist Scott Cohen.

Notable Performances

• Le Bataclan, France (1982): During the Iron Fist tour, the band's volume was so intense that it cracked the frescoes. Concertgoers were advised to wear earplugs, and some held their ears in pain. The venue refused to host heavy metal and rock bands for a long time afterward.

The Need for Speed

Motörhead's influence extended beyond their volume. Their fast tempos and aggressive style were pivotal in shaping thrash metal. Lemmy Kilmister, the band's frontman, was hailed as a rock god by many, including Ozzy Osbourne of Black Sabbath (source).

Influences and Legacy

• Thrash Metal: Motörhead's music influenced numerous bands, including Metallica, KISS, and Judas Priest.
• Unique Style: Despite their thrash metal sound, Lemmy detested the label "heavy metal." He described Motörhead as a blend of metal and British punk, with elements of other genres. Lemmy once said, "We're a blues band, really, played at 1,000 miles an hour" (source).

Rock 'N' Roll Lifestyle

Lemmy Kilmister was known for his hard-living lifestyle. He was a heavy drinker, drug user, and notorious womanizer. Despite his wild ways, he was remembered as an original musician and a free-thinker.

Notable Anecdotes

• Medical Marvel: A doctor once told Lemmy that his blood was so addled with drugs that he couldn't be treated.
• Revenge on Hawkwind: Lemmy claimed to have slept with the wives and girlfriends of all Hawkwind band members after being sacked from the band.

End of the Road

Lemmy's final years were marked by health issues, including Type 2 diabetes and heart failure. Despite this, he continued his excessive lifestyle, switching from whiskey to vodka and orange juice and reducing his smoking. He passed away just two weeks after his 70th birthday from prostate cancer, heart failure, and diabetes.

Tributes and Legacy

Following Lemmy's death, numerous artists paid tribute, including Guns N' Roses, Metallica, Velvet Revolver, and Slash. Many left touching video messages, including Gene Simmons, Iggy Pop, and Billy Gibbons. Ozzy Osbourne fondly remembered Lemmy's funeral, noting the abundance of drinks available: "That's Lemmy alright!"

Conclusion

Motörhead achieved their mission: to play loud, live fast, and raise hell. Their legacy continues to inspire and influence the world of rock and metal. A graphic novel, "Motörhead: The Rise Of The Loudest Band In The World," was released on September 9, 2021, celebrating their enduring impact.

Interesting Stats

• Decibel Levels: Motörhead's 130 decibels performance is comparable to the noise level of a jet engine at takeoff.
• Album Sales: Motörhead sold over 15 million albums worldwide (source).
• Influence: A survey by Gibson Guitar Corporation ranked Lemmy as one of the top 10 greatest bassists of all time (source).

Motörhead's story is one of unparalleled volume, speed, and a rock 'n' roll lifestyle that continues to captivate fans around the world.