Lemmy of Motörhead, aka Ian Frazer Kilmister, is one of the great rock ’n’ roll characters of the last 40 years. A man who has stuck to his guns, lived a life and done it his way, he is a credit to us all. Chris Sullivan caught up with him and fired a few questions his way.
How did you get your name?
I think my name is a Welsh insult. I got it when I was in primary school in Wales but I really don’t know what it means.
How do you feel about being described as a legendary rock animal?
Oh all that shit.. Well I just do what I do. The secret of success is find out what you do best and do it. And what I do best is Motörhead.
'We used to go to Richmond Park and talk to the trees and the deer. You know it's time to stop when the tree wins the argument'
It is quite amazing that you’ve kept it up for so long.
Well… we do it very well. I am very happy with where we are at the moment. We are at the top of the second echelon. You don’t want to be top of the first echelon, as people will never leave you alone.
What influenced you to start?
I saw that the bands got all the girls. That’s fair enough an ambition. Drink yourself into a stupor, travel the world and get all the chicks – nothing wrong with that. Getting away from Colwyn Bay in mid-Wales was another good incentive.
But everybody likes Motörhead and you right across the board – why is that?
Because, I don’t give them any bullshit. I always figured that if you treat people decently they will treat you decent back. You get the occasional obstruction but that’s how life is. There is no better saying than: “Do unto others as you’d like to be treated yourself” and that’s how I live anyway. Well most of the time – there are some things you can’t resist. 
Spotmen Studios, Inc.
You were a roadie for Hendrix I believe. What was that like?
I roadied for Hendrix and The Nice but I couldn’t tell you what it was like man. I was on acid all the time – everybody was on it. It was a very different time then. We used to go to Richmond Park and we used to talk to the trees and the deer. You knew it was time to stop when the tree wins the argument.
...And Hawkwind?
Jesus …we used to do a lot of Acid in Hawkwind. We used to go on stage tripping. I gave it up in 1975 because of the re-runs – it was repeating itself – like most drugs when you do them too often.
Did it teach you anything?
The one useful thing about that was that it taught me to function no matter what condition I was fucking in. I could always deliver the gig. I got fired from Hawkwind for getting busted. So I started Motörhead. But, when we get a new guy in Motörhead I always tell them. ‘I don’t care what you do after the show, it's your time, but when the show is on you must deliver the show. I don’t care if you’re tripping or speeding whatever but you have to deliver the fucking show!’ And that is why we are different from everybody else these days.
What do you think of these tee-total bands?
Shite! They say: 'I’m not drinking so neither can you!’ But what the fuck is that? ‘What? If you want to stop, don’t tell me to fucking stop ‘cos I am not you. You go back stage at these gigs and there are 12 bottles of mineral water and some whole meal fucking bread. That’s not rock n’roll – fuck off! Rock n’roll is not being able to stand up but still being able to play your music.
www.imotorhead.com
You’ve always had a very definite style – how would you describe it?
I suppose I’d describe my style as mid-sixties cowboy basically. Kirk Douglas chic. I haven’t changed in years. A lot of people just go for the latest fashion and look really stupid because it doesn’t suit them because they haven’t got the body or the taste for it and they look like twats. It’s as if they have had a head transplant. I think everyone should find out what suits him or her and what he or she feel comfortable with and stick with it.
Do you collect anything?
I have a great collection of left boots as I always wear the right out first but never throw them away. I’ve got white ones, black ones – all left foot. Maybe one day when I lose a leg they’ll come in handy. Well that’s what I’m thinking anyway. I have a flat full of shit and most of it is hopeless to me.
Anything you’d like to get made for you?
The only thing I’m considering having made is a pair of false tits. I have always wondered about them. I’d have them on my back so the missus will have something to play with.
What do the women in your life like you to wear?
Well if they’re good women – nothing – naked is always fun. A light dusting with face powder maybe.
Motörhead are touring Europe throughout the summer and autumn.
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