Do you remember back in the day when you had to listen to physical copies of music? Carrying around heavy vinyl records that were not very portable eventually got overlooked by the newest fad: the cassette tape. Well, get ready to waltz back into your local record store to get your hands on Motorhead The Lost Tapes Series. Many years ago, it was fairly common for bands to record live shows night after night on cassette decks built into the booth. Well, Motorhead did just that, and they are being released in Volumes 1 through 5, ranging from 1984 to 2008. These limited-edition collectors’ items are not only available on cassette, but also on vinyl and box set CD collection released on February 23, 2024!

The first loud and heavy track in typical Motorhead fashion off Volume 1 taped in Sala Aqualung, Madrid, 1st June 1995 is none other than “Ace of Spades.” The blazing bass and loud screams from fans when Lemmy says “We are Motorhead, and we are rock n’ roll” lets listeners know that the listening experience of Lost Tapes they are about to indulge in is seriously something to remember and reminisce in. Despite these recordings taking place over 20 years ago, the sound quality is very keen. 

“Born to Raise Hell,” will undoubtedly make you want to up the irons! The sweeping guitar chords is something any old school rock n’ roll fan will find comfort in. Powerful backing vocals that showcase great musicianship, it will get your foot thumping. A penetrative guitar solo lets the crazy go crazy before Lemmy stops the music at 3:08 that catches the crowd by surprise, before the song continues full force with an outro guitar solo until the end of the tune. 

With sirens blaring, Volume 2 of The Lost Tapes begins with “Bomber” recorded at University of East Anglia, Norwich, 18th October 1998. The driving force of the double bass drum keeps this song pushing like a wall of sound. A tasty guitar solo begins at 1:43 that then leads in the vocals until 2:24 when a decrescendo takes for an overwhelming sound build up even feistier than before. 

Lemmy might be remembered by his kickass rock n’ roll lifestyle by many, but “Metropolis” recorded Live at KB Hallen, Malmö, 17th November 2000 for Volume 3 is a giant reminder of his handle on the bass. Opening with some hammer on riffs he leads into the tune gently, then the song officially kicks off around the one-minute mark. Guitar chugging with chords until the solo at 2:15 with a monumental fierceness of sound that will be sure to leave a mark on its listener. 

Forget the cheeky over the top “100 note per minute” guitar solos of the axe-slinger days, the Lemmy bass solo is surely “ass kickin” (in his own words). The distorted sound of the low frequency bass through the live sound system makes this solo even more intense. The blues spin on Lemmy’s vocals and bass is unforgettable.

Speaking of the days of hair spray, let’s take it back to 1984 of The Lost Tapes with Volume 4 recorded at Sport Halle, Heilbronn. “The Chase is Better Than the Catch” is vigorous with the syncopated percussive drive. The minor root played in the bass really sticks out to be that drive into the guitar solo. The screaming vibrato of the guitar solo is then traded off with a bass solo and guitar solo duo until the song subsides. 

Volume 5 of The Lost Tapes was recorded in none other than Donington, England for the Download Festival on June 13, 2008. This last tape is undoubtedly going out with a bag, as this volume is also releasing on double LP. This being said, I do not want to spoil Volume 5, but the triumphant sound of fans screaming “Lemmy” at the beginning of “Doctor Rock” is enough to touch the steel heart of any die-hard metal head. This is a must listen for any Motorhead fan!

This three-piece monstrous force known as Motorhead is undeniably leaving its mark with The Lost Tapes on cassette, vinyl and box set CD!

I’m Music Magazine Writer Angel Bohurjak