Motörhead - 09 Dec 2007 - Hovet

Motörhead's self-titled debut was released amid the ruckus of punk rock in 1977 - and outdid the movement with its ultra-extreme defiance and anthems of rude rock rebellion. With Lemmy Kilmister at the helm belting out a dirtier, more distorted chorus of "sex, drugs and rock and roll", Motörhead became the poster band for outlaws and drifters alike.

Today, Motörhead's fan base still embodies the outlaw segment of society - those who are and those who wish they could be. In Stockholm especially, Motörhead shows must have the most per capita biker attendance than any other rock show (aka those who are), alongside members of mainstream society looking to unleash their rebellious side, if just for one night (aka those who with they could be).

Exemplifying this seeming contradiction in the audience were the fans surrounding me - glam rockers with big hair, short skirts and heavy make up to the left; timid, mediocre nine-to-five types in front (one of which couldn't help but stare up the aforementioned glammer's skirt all night long).

However incompatible the fans, Motörhead brought them together - always full of energy - with the gig at Hovet being no exception. In true Motörhead style, they cut to the chase with grit and guts - not bothering with the fuss of guitar solos and other niceties. Exclaiming "We are Motörhead and we play rock and roll!" (the only distinguishable sentence uttered by Lemmy all night), they opened with "Jailbait", closed with "Ace of Spades" and "Overkill", and even managed to squeeze in an acoustic bluesy number, harmonica and all. Motörhead usually amplifies their shows with the "Motörhead Bomber", a giant aluminum plane hovering overhead, but for some reason it wasn't present that night. Not that it mattered - the intensity of the fans was kept high by the band's perseverance and dedication to rock and roll.

All-in-all, it was a solid night of distorted rock and roll, with a pleasantly diverse crowd - one that I'm happy to see come together harmoniously under the dissonance of Motörhead.

\m/
-parastoo-