The Roxy, 1977, and the rival band Lemmy Kilmister always related to the most
The article argues that Motörhead, despite being commonly labelled heavy metal, shared a closer musical and cultural affinity with punk. Lemmy Kilmister saw the band as a rock and roll group and believed its speed, directness and rejection of rock excess connected it strongly to punk audiences.
Lemmy said Motörhead had “a lot more in common” with The Damned than with Judas Priest, and recalled visiting London’s Roxy club to understand the punk scene. Although Motörhead’s long hair and leather clothing led some to classify it as metal, their fast, aggressive songs won punk fans; Lemmy particularly admired The Damned’s Captain Sensible.
- Lemmy considered Motörhead closer to The Damned than Judas Priest.
- Motörhead’s speed and aggression appealed strongly to punk audiences.
- Lemmy insisted the band played rock and roll.
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Motörhead was formed in Britain in the mid-1970s by bassist and singer Lemmy Kilmister. Its loud, fast sound drew on earlier rock and roll, but arrived as punk was emerging in London, creating uncertainty over which scene the band belonged to.
Punk was a stripped-back movement that rejected the elaborate style and long instrumental displays associated with much 1970s rock. The Roxy was one of London’s best-known early punk clubs, hosting groups including The Damned, whose singer Dave Vanian and guitarist Captain Sensible became prominent figures in the scene.
Heavy metal was another broad label used for hard, amplified rock bands, including Judas Priest. Motörhead’s appearance fitted some expectations of metal, but its speed and blunt approach helped it build an audience among punk listeners as well.