Although the three classic Motorhead members of Lemmy, Eddie and Philthy have all sadly now passed, they made enough of a revolutionary racket to ensure that it would take a lot more than death to silence the cosmic mayhem they began to create at the tail-end of the 1970s. It seems incredible that 2019 marks a full 40 years since the legendary trail blazers released their incendiary Overkill and Bomber albums: two full-length records that would change the shape of rock and metal music thereafter. And to think that Ace of Spades was still yet to be released.

So much has been said about Motorhead that it hardly seems necessary to go over too much old ground here. Their impact and influence are indisputable. Their uncompromising reputation infamous. They truly were the epitome of rock and roll rebellion. Lemmy once said that “[w]hen Motörhead leaves, there will be a hole there that just can’t be filled. That’s fine with me; it means I’ve achieved what I set out to do – which was to make an unforgettable rock ‘n ’roll band.”

Unforgettable they certainly are. And the passing of Lemmy has done little to halt not only the re-releases of records, but also all manner of junk products officially associated with the band. It’s hard to imagine a Motorhead lawnmower getting official approval if Lemmy was still here, but who knows. Amongst all the releases of dildos, alcohol and whatever else, we now have welcome re-issues of Overkill and Bomber all wrapped up in a deluxe boxset.

Aside from two classic albums, pressed here on 180g vinyl created from the original master tapes, the set also includes two double-live albums of previously unheard concert material from the 1979 tours. A 40-page period-accurate ‘music magazine’ featuring unseen photos and fresh interviews regarding the era. The Rest Of ‘79 vinyl, featuring B-sides, outtakes and rare tracks. No Class 7” single with gatefold art. The Bomber tour programme. Overkill sheet music book, and a ‘79 badge set.

All of this glory comes wrapped in a kind of small leather jacket box, if you like that kind of thing, and if you think it’s at all necessary. And how much will all of this set you back? Well, around a very un-Motorhead price of 150 quid. And if that isn’t enough for you, there are various other bundles and extra merch you can spend your money on.

There is no doubt that the Overkill and Bomber albums sound as fierce and fantastic as they always have done. They truly are astounding records from a significant era of rock and roll music, and illustrate the true birth of one of Britain’s most recognisable rock bands. And the addition of photos, live albums and extra song packages are also welcome. But unless you’re a completest with a well-paid job and a penchant for novelty packaging, it’s hard to imagine you’ll be dipping into your pockets for this one. But by the time you read this email, Motorhead might be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame that Lemmy notoriously hated. So, who knows.

Author: Craggy Colyde

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