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When this year's American tour was cancelled because of a foot injury sustained by frontman Lemmy Kilmister there was worrying anticipation as to whether 2004's extensive UK tour would go ahead.
As it goes, Mr Kilmister is now perfectly fine (there's little
doubt Jack Daniels was as effective a medicine as any prescription
drugs), and tonight Motörhead gave everything they'd got: the
results were truly awesome.
Support act Sepultura delivered a typically loud,
aggressive and sweat drenched set. With them on the bill and that the Academy is part of Liverpool University it was no shock that the majority of the audience was barely out of adolescence.
Motörhead have added new album Inferno to their already lengthy CV, which has led to a welcome and overdue shuffle set lists after a few years of similar material. However, much of the show was still filled with old gems while only a few new but potentially classic numbers were churned out.
The first surprise of the night was set opener Doctor
Rock, from the annoyingly underrated Orgasmatron album. Shoot
You In The Back is just as fast and heavy as it was in its younger
Ace Of Spades days. Love Me Like A Reptile and Over The Top have
been given a good dusting and they sound absolutely terrific, it's
hard to think that many of the songs played this evening are 20 or
more years old.
The heavy blues of No Class and the fury of Stay Clean gave the
audience the chance to headbang their way to the pharmacy
for aspirins. Going To Brazil and R.A.M.O.N.E.S., Lemmy's
appropriately snappy tribute song to the NYC punk band, were suitably
fast and powerful; while just as effective were the excellent Killers
and In The Name Of Tragedy, both from Inferno.
Other surprises included the obscure b-side Just 'Cos You Got The
Power and Dancing On My Grave from the Another Perfect Day
album.
Mikkey Dee's overlong drum solo during Sacrifice is still
frustratingly present - although it is a good time to go to the toilet
to drain overpriced lager from the system - while Motörhead's
guitarist of 20 years, Phil Campbell adds a heavier shade of
blues to Killed By Death. But a disappointing omission from the show was Bomber, a song that's just as fast and catchy as their trademark anthem Ace of Spades.
Main set over Motörhead delivered the night's biggest surprise at the start of their encore. Lemmy, armed with a cigarette and a harmonica, was joined by Mikkey and Phil on acoustic guitars to play Whorehouse Blues from their current release.
It's just not what you expect from the loudest band in the world,
but credit to them for at least attempting something new if
a little out of place. Iron Maiden tried the same thing
on 2003/4's Dance Of Death world tour. Something
the air, perhaps, or simply old age?
Motörhead showed no signs of stopping as they speeded their way
through an hour and 40 minute set; there are very few bands that
possess the vigour this trio have. By (predictably) finishing with the
magnificent Overkill they ensured an exhilarating end to a fantastic night.
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