Motorhead - NIA, Birmingham - November 6 2014 (Live Review)
Tuesday, 11 November 2014
Written by Jon Stickler
Despite frontman Lemmy Kilmister's recent health struggles, it was business as usual for Motörhead when their juggernaut rolled up at Birmingham’s NIA.
Considering the 68-year-old rock legend was reportedly at death's door a short time ago, Lemmy appeared his usual cool, steadfast and indomitable self. Strutting on stage, perhaps a few pounds lighter, the iconic bassist, top and tailed by trademark cowboy hat and boots, barked out the band's familiar calling card: “We are Motörhead, and we play rock ‘n’ roll.”
Firing straight into a stock setlist, Shoot You In The Back, Stay Clean and Damage Case kicked off the second of the band's three scheduled UK arena shows.
Despite a drop in the number of dates on the tour, the trio showed no signs of slowing the pace as they roared, growled and sneered their way through the unrelenting Over The Top and The Chase Is Better Than The Catch, from 'Ace Of Spades', Rock It, from 'Another Perfect Day' and Suicide from 'Inferno'.
The obligatory slower numbers were thrown in too as Metropolis, a live staple, and Lost Woman Blues, from ‘Aftershock', were executed with some jaw-dropping blues guitar from guitarist Phil Campbell. Mikkey Dee, in contrast to the wailing solos, then thundered his way into the spotlight for a drumming masterclass midway through Doctor Rock.
Following a small technical headache, the set wound up in typical fashion with the political Just 'Cos You Got The Power, Going To Brazil, Killed By Death and, of course, Ace Of Spades, which featured a surprise appearance from former guitarist Fast Eddie Clarke. Motörhead then signed off the only way they know how, as Overkill rumbled across the arena.
The lights duly went up but there was one final surprise in store for the the evening, namely the appearance of the band’s former drummer, ‘Philthy’ Phil Taylor. It was a truly jubilant moment for the band’s massed fans as the five members past and present shared the stage for a final bow. They are Motörhead, and they play rock ‘n' roll.
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