“Lemmy comes over right before the first verse, and he’s right in my face. He’s rubbing his warts on my face!”:The night all of Metallica dressed up as Lemmy to play his 50th birthday gig
In December 1995, Metallica secretly performed as “The Lemmys” at the Whisky A Go Go in Los Angeles, supporting Motörhead at Lemmy’s 50th-birthday celebration. The surprise appearance honoured Lemmy and recognised Motörhead’s major influence on Metallica, whose members interrupted work on their album Load to take part.
The show took place on 14 December, ten days before Lemmy’s actual birthday on Christmas Eve, following his survival into middle age despite years of heavy drinking and drug use. Lars Ulrich had supported Motörhead since 1981, even befriending Lemmy after famously passing out drunk in his hotel room; Lemmy later said Metallica were uniquely willing to give back to the band that had inspired them.
- Metallica secretly played Motörhead songs as “The Lemmys”.
- The tribute celebrated Lemmy’s 50th birthday in Los Angeles.
- Lars Ulrich had championed Motörhead since 1981.