2025 BMG Recordings

“The punks loved us. The only reason we weren’t in that lot was because we had long hair, so obviously we must be heavy metal. That was the thinking. But a lot of kids heard us without seeing a picture, so they thought we were a punk band.” ——Lemmy Kilmister

I recently acquired a new vinyl record titled “Killed By Deaf: A Punk tribute To Motörhead,” released by BMG Recordings. Few bands achieve legendary status in the punk and metal scenes simultaneously, and I can only commend two: Suicidal Tendencies and, of course, Motörhead. Lemmy Kilmister is revered to as a deity in both genres, making it fitting for some of today’s leading punk bands, along with a few iconic punk groups, to pay tribute to his enduring legacy and the music of Motörhead.

This album features a collection of iconic tracks by Motörhead that fans have come to cherish, including “Iron Fist,” “Bomber,” and their most famous song, “Ace of Spades.” The latter opens the vinyl with a performance by Pennywise, instantly setting an energetic tone. With a bottle of Jack Daniels in hand and a comfortable chair, listeners are sure to enjoy the experience.

Tribute albums may not appeal to everyone, but I find them quite enjoyable. While appreciating a classic song from a legendary band is rewarding, hearing a fresh interpretation by another artist can enhance the listening pleasure and highlight the brilliance of the original work. A prime example is Fear’s cover of “The Chase Is Better Than The Catch” from Motörhead’s famous album from 1980, Ace Of Spades. Lee Ving, the lead singer and the last original member of Fear, delivers an outstanding performance. His vocal style bears a resemblance to Lemmy’s, yet he infuses it with his unique flair.

A notable inclusion on this album is the Anti-Nowhere League, an English band established in 1979, which delivers a cover of “Born To Raise Hell from Motörhead’s eleventh studio album, Bastards from 1993. Similar to the band Fear, the only remaining original member of Anti-Nowhere League is their lead vocalist, Animal (Nick Culmer). My admiration for this band is unwavering. Animal’s voice possesses a gritty quality, often sounding almost hoarse, yet his unique style of vocal delivery alternating between talking and screaming fits the song perfectly. The introduction, where Animal proclaims “Born To Raise Hell” in his distinctive English accent, elevates the track to another level.

My favorite track on the album, surprisingly, is not a Motörhead song. “Neat Neat Neat,” released in 1977 by The Damned on their debut album, Damned Damned Damned, captured my heart when I discovered it a decade later. Interestingly, Lemmy briefly joined The Damned in 1979, recording an EP and performing a few shows with them. This lesser-known fact highlights his influence, as Captain Sensible, the band’s guitarist, credited Lemmy with saving The Damned, stating “that without his encouragement, the band might not have continued”. While it’s difficult to choose a favorite version, I find myself leaning towards this particular recording on the tribute album.

This album is truly exceptional, and I wholeheartedly recommend it. I have listened to it numerous times, and while the songs are familiar, the unique interpretations by various artists bring a refreshing perspective that enhances the overall experience. If I could suggest one improvement, it would be to replace some of the newer punk bands with classic groups like Bad Religion, TSOL, Circle Jerks, and The Adolescents, which would add a richer historical context to the collection.

4.0 Out Of 5.0