Happy 65th B`Day, Lemmy !

[pnut166]

Couple days early (Dec 24th.). Would be cool if we had a big response to the thread, and Lemmy saw it. But I`m sure he`s too cool for TB. In fact, he`s probably too cool to own a computer at all lol. Some interesting facts from Wiki:

1. Started out as a guitarist in the early 60s, performing in several R&B outfits
2. Shared a flat with Noel Redding in London, and was a roadie for Hendrix
3. Joined Hawkwind in `71. Had never been a bassist; developed his sig style there
4. Fired from Hawkwind after a drug bust in Canada. Police had to release him after it was discovered it wasn`t coke he had on him, but speed. There was no law on the books at the time to charge him.
5. "Motorhead" was the title of the last song he wrote with Hawkwind before being fired.
6. Lemmy wrote several songs on Ozzy`s "No More Tears", including "Mama I`m Coming Home". He has stated that royalties from "Mama" made him more money than his entire career with Motorhead.
7. He is diabetic.
8. Lives in a two - room apartment two blocks from the Rainbow Bar in L.A., and frequently hangs out there.
9. Wiki quote : "His voice type is akin to 'Baritone', though because of his style being more expressive than technically driven, it is hard to classify him with any particular voice type." Lol.
10. In his "Airheads" cameo, he said that he edited his high-school newspaper. This is, in fact, true.
11. He plays harmonica
12. A documentary/rockumentary on Lemmy has been announced for release in 2011. Entitled simply "Lemmy", the film is some two years in the making. It will feature interviews with friends, peers, and admirers such as Dave Grohl, Slash, Ozzy Osbourne, Alice Cooper, Peter Hook of Joy Division/New Order, Dee Snider, Mick Jones of The Clash, Jim Heath of Reverend Horton Heat, Slim Jim Phantom of The Stray Cats, Mike Inez, pro skateboarder Geoff Rowley, pro wrestler Triple H, C.C. Deville of Poison, Fast Eddie Clarke, Johnny Knoxville, Jarvis Cocker, Marky Ramone, former Hawkwind bandmates Dave Brock and Stacia, and Steve Vai. The film is said to set the record straight on a number of rumours and myths regarding Lemmy. Due for release Jan 24, 2011.
13. Maxim magazine has Lemmy at number 8 on its top ten "Living Sex Legends" list, as they claim that he has slept with around 1,200 women.
14. Has been drinking a fifth of J. Daniels daily since age 30.
15. In November 2005, he was invited to the Welsh Assembly as a guest speaker by Tory Welsh assembly member William Graham. He was asked to express his views on the detrimental effects of drugs. However he shocked the Assembly Members and Welsh public when he called for the legalisation of heroin. He argued legalization would eliminate dealers, thus decreasing drug abuse.
16. He has used Rickenbacker 4001 and 4003 bass guitars almost exclusively since his Hawkwind days, although some of these instruments were modified with the installation of Gibson Thunderbird pickups in the neck position.
17. He uses hot-rodded Marshall JMP Superbass II amplifiers from the late 1960s/early 1970s. Each amp, with a nominal output of 100 watts, is used with a 4x12 speaker cab and a custom-made 4x15 cab. He uses two such stacks, one on each side of the drum riser. Uses no effects, simply dimes the amps.
18. Has appeared on numerous tribute collections, covering the likes of: Ozzy, Metallica, Elvis Presley, Ramones, Black Flag,ACDC, Queen, Iron Maiden, The Beatles, and Ben E. King. He has also appeared on record with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY !

[nicoli]

Wow, 65. I most recently saw Motorhead probably a year and half ago and he's still rocking as hard and as loud as ever. Hard to believe at that age. Actually, hard to believe he made it to that age. I caught one of his picks at a show in Ottawa around eight years ago, it travels around in my bass case and occasionally makes an appearance if I'm playing something that's worthy. Cool fact list.

[Supa Scoopa]

I've seen live vids of him using a MXR Microamp... but thats just a gain pedal.

[Chowowbus]

Lemmy did everyones mother...
That dude drinks a fifth a day and is diabetic? Wow 65, the gods smile down on Lemmy..happy b-day!

[hdracer]

The MAN, The Legend. The Kieth Richards of Bass!

[IMG] [/IMG]

[-Roman-]

He's Coming to Town on February 4th. I cant Wait.

[SoonerMatt]

HAPPY ING BIRTHDAY LEMMY!

[Randall]

I cannot wait to see that documentary. His book was a good read too. Happy Birthday Lemmy

[Lexicon]

"We want to be the band that if we moved in next door to you, your lawn would die."

Never been a Motorhead fan particularly, but I always loved that quote.

[Qvist]

Thunderbird pickups? I've always found the T-bird quite muddy, I'd have presumed Lemmy would've gone for something a little brighter... anyhoo' it works for him, since he has an awesome sound :-)

And happy birthday to him, I'm sure I will remember it on the day however!

[Kink Rimson]

Originally Posted by Qvist

Thunderbird pickups? I've always found the T-bird quite muddy, I'd have presumed Lemmy would've gone for something a little brighter... anyhoo' it works for him, since he has an awesome sound :-)

And happy birthday to him, I'm sure I will remember it on the day however!

Yeah, one thing I could never understand is why he tended to swap the neck pickups, but he only uses the middle one.

Oh well. Some things man is not meant to know. Happy birthday Lemmy, you true miracle of creation.

[factorplayer]

Originally Posted by pnut166

[*]Joined Hawkwind in `75. Had never been a bassist; developed his sig style there

Actually 75 was when he left Hawkwind. He started with them in 71 or 72 and was on 4 albums.

[Qvist]

Originally Posted by Kink Rimson

Yeah, one thing I could never understand is why he tended to swap the neck pickups, but he only uses the middle one.

That I didn't know, but it makes sense for his sound.. But switching the neck pickup when he doesn't use it, does not! Maybe he likes to play "normal" bass when nobody's watching?

[pnut166]

Originally Posted by factorplayer

Actually 75 was when he left Hawkwind. He started with them in 71 or 72 and was on 4 albums.

You are correct ! Fixed.

[Randall]

So I saw MOTORHEAD open for OZZY way back in 1981. And he is coming to Edmonton again for a show in February. Lemmy is

[Tsal]

Yay! Motorhead still is one of my favourite live acts.

[Geddyfleaharris]

Going to see Motorhead in February. Saw them on the Ace of Spades tour - 30 years ago. Can't wait.

Lemmy is just rock 'n' roll cool!

[nicoli]

Who is the opener on the current tour?

They're playing the Vogue in Vancouver which is a terrible venue, I may sit this one out.

[dug dog]

Couple buds went to see him in Toronto (last winter, I think). They had a great time, but said it was so loud that it sounded like crap.

[dug dog]

BTW, I really enjoyed reading the factoids in the first post. Had no idea that Lemmy wrote that Ozzy tune.

Looking forward to seeing the movie.