The stage set-up consisted of a wall of amps and an enormous snaggletooth that looked down on proceedings from above. It was indicative that this was going to be different to the average UEA gig. Lemmy strutted on stage purposefully and, with more than a touch of the Ozzy about him, said, "Good evening, mumble mumble, we're Motorhead" before starting a triplet of songs without so much as a breath in between. Turn up the noise It was after this that Lemmy made the controversial decision to turn it up. I'm not sure the residents of UEA would have agreed - apparently the first song, new track Killers, was audible all over campus with its rolling and violent riff.
 | | Lemmy on stage by Anthony Reed |
Following came a superb set, laced with golden oldies such as Metropolis and Killed By Death, all accompanied by the gruff voice of the ex-Jimi Hendrix roadie. When an established band like this play, there is always one moment that everyone is waiting for - one song that defines the band for those who don't know them well, and is equally cherished by those who do. Ace Of Spades For Motorhead it's the Ace Of Spades and when it inevitably cropped up in the encore, the reaction was enormous - although it has to be said that Lemmy's guitar was disappointingly not as sharp as the recorded track. Another encore track was an acoustic blues number with Lemmy on harmonica and vocals, and Phil and Mikkey on acoustic guitar. It showed that although Motorhead choose to play metal, they are equally capable of a bit of diversity - as long as it stays grungy. Lemmy, the man with gravel where his larynx should be, could not sing in any other band. Whether singing blues or screaming along with guitars so distorted so as to be barely recognisable, it just seems to fit. The gig was an experience. The chance to see a song like Ace Of Spades live is not an everyday occurrence and the atmosphere was great, but it has to be said that Motorhead recorded are better than Motorhead live. Motorhead played the UEA on Wednesday 16 November 2005. | 
