Lemmy Kilmister of Motorhead discusses his impending solo record, his first.
Nearly four decades after founding the thunderous hard-rock band Motorhead, bass-playing vocalist Lemmy Kilmister is still one of the most unforgettable faces in rock ’n’ roll. The gravel-voiced 66-year-old and L.A. resident recently appeared on the 10th season premiere of VH1 Classic’s “That Metal Show” and is about to step out with his first solo record.
You’ve worked with VH1 on various shows. Do you ever watch yourself on-screen afterward?
I usually watch them once, just to make sure I didn’t make too much of a fool out of myself.
You’ve mentioned that you’re a big fan of the strip club Cheetahs. Have you been there since they’ve started booking bands?
I haven’t been there much lately, but I know that’s a mistake. How desperate is that? I want to go there to see some strippers, not some dude with a guitar.
At this stage in your career with Motorhead, why release a solo record?
People kept asking me for one, and I have a lot of songs I couldn’t really do with Motorhead. I’ve been working on the thing for about seven years because I can only do it during the time I’m not with Motorhead. There’s not much of that.
Who have been some of your favorite collaborators on it?
Dave Grohl and Joan Jett were a couple great ones. I should have the album finished in a couple of months. No set release date yet.
You also have a rockabilly side project called Head Cat. Has that style of music always been a part of your life?
Yeah, it’s pretty much what I started out playing as a kid.
Any specific memories from your recent gig on Gigantour with Megadeath and Lacuna Coil?
Our L.A. show was probably the best show we’ve ever played out here. It must’ve been, because I had to miss the next four shows because of laryngitis. I just lost my voice.
Has that ever happened before?
Once or twice, I think.
Since you’re at home in L.A., where do like to hang out?
The Rainbow Bar is pretty much my local bar; it’s right up the street from me. I tend to chase women usually. I catch ’em now and again too.