You're absolutely right, he's just a unique bassist. How about this one? His bass is on the right channel. Check it out:👇 🎧 🎼🎵🎶 (☕) ruclips.net/video/2zgg4KI_SRA/видео.html
I'm sorry metal pilgrim. I enjoy your Channel. But if you're not an accomplished musician, your opinion may be based on passion instead of knowledge. I mean no offense
@@cdgee6399 Luciano Pavarotti was a 'better' singer than Stevie Wonder if you use theory to compare them. Except that he wasn't if you just use your ears. They were pretty much equal because I like listening to both so you know what I mean.
@@garylizard I definitely agree that Personal Taste is of utmost importance to each individual. But that does not change the technical skill or knowledge of Lemmy's playing. What I'm trying to point out is if the video was titled Lemmy's unique sound, it would be different. But his actual playing is sloppy and simple
I've never considered him technically amazing, not bad or anything. But stylistically nobody comes close. The sound, the originality. Lemmy played exactly how he wanted to. Pure legend.
There was more "attitude" in Lemmy's bass playing than technical skill...he knew it too. I remember when someone asked him to describe his playing style, and he didn't miss a beat and said, "Haphazzard." The dude knew what sounded cool, and he stuck with it successfully for many decades. His playing was unique to him...I never heard anyone else that sounded quite like him on the bass.
Technical skill in “most” players makes them boring. Passion and attitude are what move people. Passion, attitude, and technical skill are what make the top bass players countable on one hand 🙃
@@masonhamlin8239 I really couldn't say that. But I would say it depends on the style of music and the environment, meaning the band you're play with and the sound you want to attain. There's a place for everything, but everything doesn't belong in the same place.
@@masonhamlin8239 It’s a good example of the adage “being predictable makes you invisible.” Highly proficient players still have to do something musically interesting to even be noticed. I’m thinking of Steve Harris on the Powerslave album, not my favourite album song wise all the way through but holy cow… Those nimble, jumping bass lines.. They bring the track to life.
Lemmy was originally a guitarist playing rhythm, and took up the bass while working as a member of Hawkwinds roadcrew when their bassist did a runner. He played it like it was a six string rhythm guitar and his unique sound was born.
I was gonna say check out "Sam Gopal - Escalator" (1969) for Lemmy on lead guitar. Dave Brock (Hawkwind) asked if he could play bass and the legend was born! Also, check out "Captain Lockheed and The Starfighters" for some exceptional Lemmy sound.
@@ianmatthews3041 No technically not. He was hanging about with them though and since he had experience he used to muck in. He also auditioned as a guitarist, but he wasn't really very good. While Hawkwind were getting ready for a gig in Notting Hill their bass guitarist failed to show up (although his kit was in the van), and Michael Davies persuaded Lemmy to play bass for them. Luckily he turned out a better bass player than guitarist, and that playing style of his was born.
Most likely because he played Chords...not many bassists do, but Lemmy was far from a "normal" bassist. And he was a guitarist initially.. One thing is for sure, he is sorely missed, nothing will ever replace him
What's interesting about Lemmy's tone is that he rarely used distortion. He just cranked his gain up to the max, and honestly, I respect the shit outta of that. Edit: I kinda mispoke when I said "traditional distortion." By that, I'm referring to the built-in distortion most guitar amps have, and the distortion of say a big muff or any guitar oriented pedal for that matter. What I was getting at was that Lemmy was literally so loud in the old days that his amp couldn't handle it.
@@letmehearthatguitarsqueal Damn right. I had an Ampeg Portaflex many years ago, all tube of course. At low gain it was an awesome sounding but typical bass amp. Crank it up and it was pure and awesome distortion. Compared to Lemmy I honestly don't think he cranked his to anywhere near 11. Most people that never played a tube amp don't realize what mayhem they are capable of.
Another underrated bass player is Geezer Butler, especially live. His fingers move like spiders along the fret board. He's ferocious and unrelenting while playing and always has been since 1968. I also want to give props to Burke Shelley from Budgie. He was a BEAST on bass all through the 70's and majorly influenced Geddy Lee's playing (and singing). Another man that deserves more recognition is Gene Simmons from Kiss. He's another underrated player and singer. You should make a video on his playing as well.
Amen. I agree about Gene Simmons too. He is a very good bass player. Unappreciated probably because Stanley is an average rhythm guitar player at best. Peter Criss is a boring drummer. And Ace Freley types are a dime a dozen.
No one underrated Geezer. He's a God among bass players. Cliff Burton took his entire style from Geezer. And yeah, Gene Simmons was better than most would like to admit because he's such a repulsive goblin. Everyone in Kiss (other than Ace) was pretty low talent, but Simmons had a few decent moments in the early years.
Guys! Originally the video included a comment about Lemmy sometimes using his fingers to play, and not only playing with pick. That comment is made based on the statement in the 90's bootleg book... which I did not triple check, and which was rightfully corrected by @Space Emo Cosplay and others in the comments. That short part towards the end has been removed, thanks for correction, and my apologies for including something unchecked ;)
He was a rhythm guitarist in hawkwind first then one concert the bass player didn’t show up so they gave Lemmy a newbie at the time to take the stage with the bass and sing the lead on Silver Machine
If we could bring back only one person from the other side I'd have Lemmy back in a heartbeat. In fact I'd love have all the band members we've lost back Philty , Eddie and Wurzel.
Lemmy was primarily a singer/songwriter, and though his bass lines could be quite intricate, they were meant to suit the songs, and not the need to be some virtuoso. I think what he was shooting for was to be the Chuck Berry of bass.
Lemmy is a legend of many traits. Of instruments, of voice of song, even voice of reason. He believed all music was for all, and if people gave you trouble for it, F them. Lemmy also enjoyed videogames as many of us, including Crimson Skies like many of us Sky Pirates. As he finally laid to rest with age, he was given place in videos and remembered for most of these legendary statuses. And we also recognize him for his rebel in the sky spirit and other enjoyments powered by electronics and combustion engine alike. We salute you, Lemmy. Those of us of the Aeropunk Sky Pirates Coalition, and so many more.🏴☠
It wasn't gain, it was the natural overdrive from his Marshall Super Bass amps that he achieved by simply driving those amps hard at max volume. I remember reading somewhere that his tech said Lemmy probably went through more tubes on his amp than any other guitarist/bassist to have ever toured.
@@klmullins65 by “high end” do you mean, more upscale, or that it produces higher frequencies? Either way it is not/does not, when compared to a Fender P or J bass.
That was a good summation. Lemmy's tone was the sound of Motorhead. Lemmy's tone+ drums + lead guitar = Motorhead's sound. It's easy once you nail the bass tone.
I met him in 1980 on the bomber tour with the original Motorhead line up, he was so gracious and down to earth and even made súre I got drink....I was only 18 👍
@@Neontrifle My first Motorhead gig was on the Bomber tour. Leicester DeMontfort Hall, November '79. I was 16. I did eventually meet Lemmy 2 or 3 times, but not until 1982. Your description is exactly how he was with me and my mates. He was an absolute gent. 😎
Man, count yourself lucky. I remember thinking about flying to LA and going to the Rainbow just to see if I could meet him, but it just never happened unfortunately. At least I got to see him play live once decades ago.
@@eyellgeteven9928 I saw Motorhead about a dozen times between 79 and 84. I got into other things along the way, but Lemmy was and will always be a personal hero.
@@eyellgeteven9928: I read about a couple who did just that, and walked into The Rainbow - and Lemmy was there. They said Hi, and he said, "Hey, you're from Blighty!" A long night ensued. :)
He did play the bass though, his way for sure, often with bar chords (2-strings played at the same time), made the songs louder with those distorted base bar chords played through a 1976 Marshall Super Bass amp, even some guitarists have used that amp and still today:) Sorry for the lesson, I'm a teacher as profession and a big fan of Motorhead!!!!!!!!!!!
Lemmy was playing rhythm guitar on bass. This appears to be the downfall of cover bands I play with that do a Motorhead cover; the bass players play too clinical and clean and too much like a "bassist" for a Motorhead song
I saw Motorhead at the Paradise Theater in Boston in 1981. It was without a doubt the loudest and one of the best shows ever. After the show Lemmy was hanging out shaking hands, signing autographs and posing for pictures. One of the greatest no doubt.
I saw the same tour in the UK. It was three songs in before my hearing adjusted and could make out the songs. Another factoid my history teacher was in the same class in school as Lemmy and gave him his nickname because he was always cadging money off the other kids
Lemmy was not only the true Metal God, along with Rob Halford, of course, but he was an amazing bass player. His bass lines are completely remarkable. Two of my favorite bass players in the genre heavy metal, is Cliff Burton and of course Lemmy. Both are truly missed, but I specially miss Lemmy! R.I.P. and thank you Lemmy for your great music, Metal maestro!
No Lemmy no Cliff Burton thats for sure, not saying they had the same style, but it the first hadnt been there then Cliff wouldn't have played the way he did. Also metallica in general. Lemmy with motorhead is the glue between punk and heavy metal. Trash Metal wouldnt have existed if it weren't for motorhead and their sound/olaying style.
@@viniv20 I would actually say, they had similar style, in some way. But you´re right, no Lemmy, no Cliff. I always feel great listen to Lemmys amazing bass lines, No sleep til Hammersmith, Lemmy is The Man!
He & 'Jack Daniels'...... Mr D passed away back around 1910/11. Would give up my Left Nut ( & that's my Fave) to be able to listen in to these two legends 'chat' in the After-world, even if it was only for two minutes.
I was gonna say that sounds a lot like Cliff Burton, and then I realized "Wait... Cliff was emulating Lemmy." But damn I have NEVER heard shredding like that on a BASS. My fingers get raw after a bit on regular 11/48 strings. I can't imagine the strength you need for bass.
@@SigTheSauceMan as a lead guitarist for 30 years who recently took up bass, I can tell you that bass strings are overall much kinder to the fingers. Guitar strings cut into the fingers, bass strings fall differently on the fingertips, and being so much wider they don't cut in, of course. Takes a while to build up the new calluses, especially on the plucking hand, and you have to approach bending differently if you're trying to go all shreddy on it... But that's something I really haven't bothered with, other than goofing around a little.
I’m loving the sound of Lemmy’s basslines so much I want to buy a Rickenbacker… And I’m a guitar player! His feel is totally punk, but he’s strong and solid… He uses diadic fifths and inverted fifths in a really classic metal guitarish way. ❤️ He’s kind of cooler than Steve Harris who obviously can play circles around him.
Lemmy was one of many brilliant bass players that emerged from the 70s. People like John Paul Jones, Geddy Lee, Steve Harris, Roger Glover, John Entwistle, Geezer, John Deacon, Paul McCartney etc. These guys actually new how to play bass. They didn't just sit on the root and play four beats to the bar. The fact so many of these bands only had a single guitarist shows just how amazing the bass players were to keep the sound full and rich during solos.
Ill add cliff Williams. People over look him because he’s in AC/DC. But when you go through his work you quickly notice that it was cliff who made the chords a sus or major or minor. While Angus and Malcolm did the 1st, 5th, 7th or octave.
@@Giveme1goodreason Yes! Cliffy is an amazing machine of a bass player too. And you're right - he does get over shadowed by Angus and Malcolm. But that doesn't take away from him being a great bassist.
The classic motor head line up of lemmy Eddie and Phil only needed 1 guitar player because lemmy was such an amazing bass player. No one will ever get that good again. A metal god. RIP LEMMY 🤘
Hardly! While Entwistle did use a pick early on, he was later all fingers with a characteristic heavy attack which is more of a slapping style giving rise to bass harmonics. Geddy lee has a similar heavy attack and he too dug in, while the slapping and playing close to the neck (though tonically different) is seen in Steve Harris' playing. Thunderfingers, of course used a high gain, high treble while Lemmy used fuzz pedals. The only commonality I see is the heavy use of pentatonic and blues scales by both...
not easy to play the bass like Lemmy, a normal bass player could make a mess playing so fast power chords, Lemmy sort of enraged his bass and tamed it... that's why his sound was so unique and the rest of the band followed him
We know that Lemmy was a guitarist, he roadied for Hendrix and tuned a semitone down. Hawkwind needed a bassplayer, so he just played the same thing an octave down. Some of his finest work is on Space Ritual. He could and often did hold an entire song down on the bass, just like John Entwhistle. You just have to study and play some of his songs to understand what a musical genius he actually was. Even though his voice was rough as a rhino's rectum he always sang in tune (more or less)
@@topsecret1837 Going from On Parole(Or even his time in Sam Gopal) to Iron Fist you can really start to hear the gravel in his voice develop. There's not many vocalists out there that not only have that natural kind of rugged voice but can also hit some really high, loud tones like he did in Orgasmatron & Rock 'N' Roll. Guy was practically screaming his soul out in a couple songs
OMG. I just now realize how light years ahead of his time he was. He was doing Royal Blood before Royal Blood members were born, Shredding, power chords, and full tilt tempo, and while singing at the same time. A real Legend. God Bless You Lenny.
@@metalnz7685 Forgive me Sir. I only meant that Lemmy was indeed in a league of his own way before these youngsters were on this planet. No comparison. Lemmy is a Bass God, a driving force rarely seen.
First of, let me disclaim: I LOVE Motörhead and Lemmy is the coolest cat ever in rock and roll. Now, that said, his bassplaying is more means to and end than impressive isolated. Perfect for what he did but thats about as far as his bassplaying skills did reach. I would say the one thing he did on a level that could (and also was to) be exported into other projects are his lyrics.
I can listen to my fave tunes with Lemmy, Leo Lyons, Berry Oakley, Carl Radle, every frickin' day! When they were in the pocket, they were IN THE POCKET!
If you want a clear example of how good a bassist Lemmy actually was, look up his work with Hawkwind, especially the song "Lord of Light" from the Space Ritual live album. In that song, and Space Ritual as a whole, you can hear Lemmy's bass loud and clear with very little if any distortion and his riffs are just mind bending.
He was really bass/rhythm guitar. Especially as a 3 piece. He was really filling both roles. But I miss Motörhead. Been in love with them since 1980 when I first heard them at 15.
More importantly than anything - he stamped his own signature on the instrument - not many can claim to have done that! And remember - he was singing at the same time too - well in concert!
@@MetalPilgrim true, though that is really the thing with those classics to be honest...Maiden, Priest, Gamma Ray, Helloween..such good vibes, such energy...hands down the greatest live experiences ever
He often described himself as a rhythm guitar player who happened to be on bass...which makes total sense. No - he's no Entwistle, Squire or Lee, but then he was never trying to be; he's the perfect bassist for the machine that was Motörhead, and absolutely one of the most unique and instantly identifiable musicians in hard rock history. If you don't own a copy of 'No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith', then you don't like rock'n'roll. Period.
His voice and his bass comes from the same abyss of fucking badassery. Never will we see an enigma like him again. \m/ Raise a glass, light a cig, to Lemmy!
You are right, listening to this i was thinking Lemme could have brought out an album of himself playing bass to his music and nothing else. Don't forget his song Boogie Man from the Rock n Roll album, his bass riffs in their are bloody great.
@@tc1817 If lemmy produced an album of himself playing nothing but his bass, no drums, vocals, guitar, only the bass playing to his songs i would certainly enjoy listening to it.
@@shaundouglas2057 If you'd rather listen to an album of that, or go see it live, fine. I'd rather hear a band. And my question is: What does "playing bass to his music and nothing else" mean? How does he play bass to music?
Lemmy was definitely one of a kind. I saw Motorhead in 2003 in San Diego. They were opening for Dio and Iron Maiden. Just before 8:00 p.m, Lemmy walks out on stage. The house lights are still on. There's about 50 people scattered around the venue. Lemmy looks at his watch. Looks out at the people slowly coming in and finding their seats. Looks up and sees the house lights still on. Looks at his watch and sees its 8:00 p.m. walks up to the microphone and says, "We are Motorhead, and we're going to clean your clock." He starts playing this Earth shaking massive bass riff. The rest of the band joins in and we're off. Four songs in, the house lights finally come down. Lemmy's still rocking. He doesn't care. Show time is Go time. The Best Concert I Ever Saw. Motorhead. Ronnie James Dio. Iron F*cking Maiden!!!!!! 🤘🇬🇧🤘🇺🇸🤘🇬🇧👍👍👍
Yeah Lemmy had that rig. Half bass & half guitar amps. That fuzz bass tone. He ripped thru! Very distinctive. Would not work everywhere but in Motorhead it worked 👍
There's actually more explanation to the title in the comments than the video itself. Yeah, he played that rhythm guitar chords on bass with killer tone and that's all it took to sound kickass. Thanks for listening to my TED talk.
Lemmy was a true Metal God! He is without a doubt one of if not the best bass players in rock and roll history! He didn't just play in the background, his bass was right up front, in your face! He damn near made a lead guitarist un necessary!
i really liked his bass lines when he was in hawkwind. i even sort of copied the style of several lines that were more of a roaming melody. and ya, he was killer up to the end, but i like the hawkwind stuff the best
I have good mems of seeing Mōtorhead open for Ozzy his first time around (Blizzard) and then a few years later at was a pretty much neighborhood bar. And, they used the same gear as with Oz Ears rang for three days.
in the late 70's Motorhead were in competition with Saxon as to who was the loudest band in the world and this led to your ears ringing for about 3 days after a concert.
Saw them in 1980 on the Ace Up Your Sleeve tour, took 4 days for my ears to stop crackling. The crowd were chanting "louder, louder" Lemmy just said "you what, I can't fucking hear you"
It was insane more so at this bar it was Shadows, on Brookpark Rd. Two choices : Bud or JD. Had to use hand signs. You had to Scream at the top of your lungs to a person standing close
Listening to Royal Blood always reminds me of Lemmy. They use technology and slicker bass playing to make a rock song while Lemmy uses pure raw power to make wall of sound. I can't play bass but always enjoy any song that has a good bass line.
I started my musical career as a bass player. Peter Hook from Joy Division. Simon Gallup from The Cure. Geezer Butler from Sabbath. John Entwhistle from The Who. My fave bass player is Billy Sheehan. Mr Big where such a good band.
Missed one ..Orgone accumulator from the Space ritual live album. Do yourself a favor, Lemmy drives that one and it's a tour de force of his if ever there was one.
I've heard through the grapevine, that Lemmy, Cliff Burton, Ian Hill, and possibly a passenger train full of the greatest electric bass players give a lot of credit to listening to the late, great "Jaco" Pastorius (December 1, 1951 - September 21, 1987)
personified rock and roll itself, best singer and best bass player. he knew exactly what rock and roll was and didnt give a shit about what anybody else said.
I would love to hear some of his bass lines from Another Perfect Day, as I think Brian Robertson's presence pushed both Lemmy and Philthy to play at their absolute best. What is also beyond argument is that Lemmy had the best LOOKING bass I've ever seen with his signature Rickenbacker 4004LK. That bass is an absolute work of art and yet in his hands could strip the chrome off a '59 Buick.
Nice job mate, the bass in isolation is great, you can really appreciate his aggressive style. If he was still with us I bet he'd say he was heavily influenced by The Ox, John Entwistle.
![Twenty One Pilots - “The Line” (from Arcane Season 2) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/E2Rj2gQAyPA/mqdefault.jpg)
*YES! Lemmy is one of the greatest rock & metal musicians of all time! Fight me if you can!*
You're absolutely right, he's just a unique bassist. How about this one? His bass is on the right channel. Check it out:👇
🎧 🎼🎵🎶 (☕)
ruclips.net/video/2zgg4KI_SRA/видео.html
I'm sorry metal pilgrim. I enjoy your Channel. But if you're not an accomplished musician, your opinion may be based on passion instead of knowledge. I mean no offense
@@cdgee6399 Luciano Pavarotti was a 'better' singer than Stevie Wonder if you use theory to compare them. Except that he wasn't if you just use your ears. They were pretty much equal because I like listening to both so you know what I mean.
@@garylizard I definitely agree that Personal Taste is of utmost importance to each individual. But that does not change the technical skill or knowledge of Lemmy's playing. What I'm trying to point out is if the video was titled Lemmy's unique sound, it would be different. But his actual playing is sloppy and simple
Can't argue against that.
I've never considered him technically amazing, not bad or anything. But stylistically nobody comes close. The sound, the originality. Lemmy played exactly how he wanted to. Pure legend.
There was more "attitude" in Lemmy's bass playing than technical skill...he knew it too. I remember when someone asked him to describe his playing style, and he didn't miss a beat and said, "Haphazzard." The dude knew what sounded cool, and he stuck with it successfully for many decades. His playing was unique to him...I never heard anyone else that sounded quite like him on the bass.
Technical skill in “most” players makes them boring. Passion and attitude are what move people.
Passion, attitude, and technical skill are what make the top bass players countable on one hand 🙃
@@masonhamlin8239 I really couldn't say that. But I would say it depends on the style of music and the environment, meaning the band you're play with and the sound you want to attain. There's a place for everything, but everything doesn't belong in the same place.
@@masonhamlin8239 It’s a good example of the adage “being predictable makes you invisible.”
Highly proficient players still have to do something musically interesting to even be noticed. I’m thinking of Steve Harris on the Powerslave album, not my favourite album song wise all the way through but holy cow… Those nimble, jumping bass lines.. They bring the track to life.
@@masonhamlin8239 err Davie 504!
Lemmy was originally a guitarist playing rhythm, and took up the bass while working as a member of Hawkwinds roadcrew when their bassist did a runner. He played it like it was a six string rhythm guitar and his unique sound was born.
"... his unique sound was born" along with the best incarnation of Hawkwind.
@@LeeGee Bang on there mate. Hawkwind pretty much crumbled without that bass track in the background.
I was gonna say check out "Sam Gopal - Escalator" (1969) for Lemmy on lead guitar. Dave Brock (Hawkwind) asked if he could play bass and the legend was born! Also, check out "Captain Lockheed and The Starfighters" for some exceptional Lemmy sound.
Lemmy was never Roadie for Hawkwind!
@@ianmatthews3041 No technically not. He was hanging about with them though and since he had experience he used to muck in. He also auditioned as a guitarist, but he wasn't really very good. While Hawkwind were getting ready for a gig in Notting Hill their bass guitarist failed to show up (although his kit was in the van), and Michael Davies persuaded Lemmy to play bass for them. Luckily he turned out a better bass player than guitarist, and that playing style of his was born.
A fine example of there being no wrong way to play an instrument if it works. And it definitely worked for Lemmy.
Well said, I think so many people miss this point.
He made it sound massive, with all them drones and chord things going on. Unique.
Most likely because he played Chords...not many bassists do, but Lemmy was far from a "normal" bassist. And he was a guitarist initially.. One thing is for sure, he is sorely missed, nothing will ever replace him
Noticed that he plays the bass like a guitar. Cool!
What's interesting about Lemmy's tone is that he rarely used distortion. He just cranked his gain up to the max, and honestly, I respect the shit outta of that.
Edit: I kinda mispoke when I said "traditional distortion." By that, I'm referring to the built-in distortion most guitar amps have, and the distortion of say a big muff or any guitar oriented pedal for that matter. What I was getting at was that Lemmy was literally so loud in the old days that his amp couldn't handle it.
Gain cranked, overdriven tubes is distortion. The original distortion that is emulated by pedals and solid state amps
@@letmehearthatguitarsqueal Damn right. I had an Ampeg Portaflex many years ago, all tube of course.
At low gain it was an awesome sounding but typical bass amp. Crank it up and it was pure and awesome distortion.
Compared to Lemmy I honestly don't think he cranked his to anywhere near 11.
Most people that never played a tube amp don't realize what mayhem they are capable of.
Gain cranked up creates the so-called amp distortion...
@@balrogDCLXVI err, yep, we’ve already covered that! 😂💀
@@wtfdidijustwatch5053 I wanted to emphasize it ;)
Another underrated bass player is Geezer Butler, especially live. His fingers move like spiders along the fret board. He's ferocious and unrelenting while playing and always has been since 1968. I also want to give props to Burke Shelley from Budgie. He was a BEAST on bass all through the 70's and majorly influenced Geddy Lee's playing (and singing). Another man that deserves more recognition is Gene Simmons from Kiss. He's another underrated player and singer. You should make a video on his playing as well.
Wouldn't say that anyone underrates Geezer, he is practically metal royalty and universally recognized for his bass playing ever since NIB.
@@soopahsoopah He's certainly at the top of my list, neck and neck with Cliff Burton.
Amen. I agree about Gene Simmons too. He is a very good bass player. Unappreciated probably because Stanley is an average rhythm guitar player at best. Peter Criss is a boring drummer. And Ace Freley types are a dime a dozen.
No one underrated Geezer. He's a God among bass players. Cliff Burton took his entire style from Geezer. And yeah, Gene Simmons was better than most would like to admit because he's such a repulsive goblin. Everyone in Kiss (other than Ace) was pretty low talent, but Simmons had a few decent moments in the early years.
B U D G I E
Amazing lyrics
Amazing bass
Amazing voice
Amazing band
Amazing geezer.
I've heard him say that he was a "deep guitarist" in his playing style. Saw them live in Bristol. The bass would strip the flesh from your bones.
Colston Hall Robert? What year? Can you say anything about the show?
Guys! Originally the video included a comment about Lemmy sometimes using his fingers to play, and not only playing with pick. That comment is made based on the statement in the 90's bootleg book... which I did not triple check, and which was rightfully corrected by @Space Emo Cosplay and others in the comments. That short part towards the end has been removed, thanks for correction, and my apologies for including something unchecked ;)
The thing is, it seemed as Lemmy didn't need to study bass to play it, he just went on stage and did it, and that's awesome.
Word
He played guitar though
He was a rhythm guitarist in hawkwind first then one concert the bass player didn’t show up so they gave Lemmy a newbie at the time to take the stage with the bass and sing the lead on Silver Machine
The bass needed to study Lemmy to keep up.
There are only a handful of bass players who have a truly musical, unique, and utterly impossible to copy sound. Lemmy is one of them.
I'm sorry what ?
I think him and Peter Steele will always be underrated bassists/vocalists.
all those jesus portraits in our grandmas houses are missing the two warts
😂👌🏻
🏆👏
Legendary
Lol best comment
Pew...LMFAO!!!
I've seen Lemmy play live several times, no one can match his unique tone and style.
I'm pissed off he died, Motorhead last few albums were really going in an amazing direction n were just getting better n better
So true...how many older bands can we say that about..
My hero! My main inspiration that made me pick a bass and play! I miss you every day! Thanks for this GREAT video, can't wait for a part two! :)
If we could bring back only one person from the other side I'd have Lemmy back in a heartbeat. In fact I'd love have all the band members we've lost back Philty , Eddie and Wurzel.
Well he started as a guitarist so crossed that over to bass, with a heavy rock 3 piece he wanted to fill up the sound & did a great job of it!
Lemmy was primarily a singer/songwriter, and though his bass lines could be quite intricate, they were meant to suit the songs, and not the need to be some virtuoso. I think what he was shooting for was to be the Chuck Berry of bass.
Steve Jones was like chuck berry on speed, Lemmy is Chuck Berry on speed with a bass
Lemmy is a legend of many traits. Of instruments, of voice of song, even voice of reason. He believed all music was for all, and if people gave you trouble for it, F them. Lemmy also enjoyed videogames as many of us, including Crimson Skies like many of us Sky Pirates. As he finally laid to rest with age, he was given place in videos and remembered for most of these legendary statuses. And we also recognize him for his rebel in the sky spirit and other enjoyments powered by electronics and combustion engine alike.
We salute you, Lemmy. Those of us of the Aeropunk Sky Pirates Coalition, and so many more.🏴☠
He played a lot of bass power chords with a lot of gain,,my band plays some Motorhead and thats how I get his sound.
He also played using guitar amps most of the time, because he liked their sound on his bass more.
thats how you try to get his sound.
It wasn't gain, it was the natural overdrive from his Marshall Super Bass amps that he achieved by simply driving those amps hard at max volume. I remember reading somewhere that his tech said Lemmy probably went through more tubes on his amp than any other guitarist/bassist to have ever toured.
@@anemoia2661 plus the Rickenbacker bass is more of a "high end" bass, especially compared to something like a Fender Precision, or Jazz Bass
@@klmullins65 by “high end” do you mean, more upscale, or that it produces higher frequencies? Either way it is not/does not, when compared to a Fender P or J bass.
That was a good summation. Lemmy's tone was the sound of Motorhead. Lemmy's tone+ drums + lead guitar = Motorhead's sound. It's easy once you nail the bass tone.
TONE?... SMH
@@runifuceeme406 color
I remember meeting Lemmy for the first time... The day before I thought I'll be speechless when I see him... and I actually was🤦♂️
I met him in 1980 on the bomber tour with the original Motorhead line up, he was so gracious and down to earth and even made súre I got drink....I was only 18 👍
@@Neontrifle My first Motorhead gig was on the Bomber tour. Leicester DeMontfort Hall, November '79. I was 16. I did eventually meet Lemmy 2 or 3 times, but not until 1982. Your description is exactly how he was with me and my mates. He was an absolute gent. 😎
Man, count yourself lucky. I remember thinking about flying to LA and going to the Rainbow just to see if I could meet him, but it just never happened unfortunately. At least I got to see him play live once decades ago.
@@eyellgeteven9928 I saw Motorhead about a dozen times between 79 and 84.
I got into other things along the way, but Lemmy was and will always be a personal hero.
@@eyellgeteven9928: I read about a couple who did just that, and walked into The Rainbow - and Lemmy was there. They said Hi, and he said, "Hey, you're from Blighty!" A long night ensued. :)
He did play the bass though, his way for sure, often with bar chords (2-strings played at the same time), made the songs louder with those distorted base bar chords played through a 1976 Marshall Super Bass amp, even some guitarists have used that amp and still today:) Sorry for the lesson, I'm a teacher as profession and a big fan of Motorhead!!!!!!!!!!!
Lemmy was playing rhythm guitar on bass. This appears to be the downfall of cover bands I play with that do a Motorhead cover; the bass players play too clinical and clean and too much like a "bassist" for a Motorhead song
100%, the fat guy with the weird hat bass player types, with piano tone or nods to Jaco finger style, need not apply for a Motörhead tribute.
@@regortex3364 Getting a little too specific there bud
I saw Motorhead at the Paradise Theater in Boston in 1981. It was without a doubt the loudest and one of the best shows ever. After the show Lemmy was hanging out shaking hands, signing autographs and posing for pictures. One of the greatest no doubt.
I saw the same tour in the UK. It was three songs in before my hearing adjusted and could make out the songs. Another factoid my history teacher was in the same class in school as Lemmy and gave him his nickname because he was always cadging money off the other kids
@@richardmathews6236 Cool...As in "Lemme borrow some change..."
Interesting.
The one word for Lemmy's bass is - unique!
He’s my mentor, and inspiration and I play the bass just like him.
Lemmy was definitely a badass bass player with a unique sound and thunderous roar miss you Lemmy RIP
On Ya Pedro !!!!!!!!
GREAT WORDS Bro !!!!!!!!!!!
We all miss him.
Lemmy was not only the true Metal God, along with Rob Halford, of course, but he was an amazing bass player. His bass lines are completely remarkable. Two of my favorite bass players in the genre heavy metal, is Cliff Burton and of course Lemmy. Both are truly missed, but I specially miss Lemmy! R.I.P. and thank you Lemmy for your great music, Metal maestro!
No Lemmy no
Cliff Burton thats for sure, not saying they had the same style, but it the first hadnt been there then Cliff wouldn't have played the way he did. Also metallica in general. Lemmy with motorhead is the glue between punk and heavy metal. Trash Metal wouldnt have existed if it weren't for motorhead and their sound/olaying style.
@@viniv20 I would actually say, they had similar style, in some way. But you´re right, no Lemmy, no Cliff. I always feel great listen to Lemmys amazing bass lines, No sleep til Hammersmith, Lemmy is The Man!
I love that you can hear the alcohol in the looseness, but it just makes it more Motorhead. :)
Definitely
He & 'Jack Daniels'......
Mr D passed away back around 1910/11.
Would give up my Left Nut ( & that's my Fave) to be able to listen in to these two legends 'chat'
in the After-world, even if it was only for two minutes.
Before Lemmy, NOBODY ever thought to play the bass like a GUITAR.
I was gonna say that sounds a lot like Cliff Burton, and then I realized "Wait... Cliff was emulating Lemmy." But damn I have NEVER heard shredding like that on a BASS. My fingers get raw after a bit on regular 11/48 strings. I can't imagine the strength you need for bass.
@@SigTheSauceMan get some Rotosound strings, those are much softer. You can break your fingers playing on strings like Dunlop or DR.
@@SigTheSauceMan as a lead guitarist for 30 years who recently took up bass, I can tell you that bass strings are overall much kinder to the fingers. Guitar strings cut into the fingers, bass strings fall differently on the fingertips, and being so much wider they don't cut in, of course.
Takes a while to build up the new calluses, especially on the plucking hand, and you have to approach bending differently if you're trying to go all shreddy on it... But that's something I really haven't bothered with, other than goofing around a little.
You can certainly hear his influence on bands like Venom, Voivod and Vulcano.
I’m loving the sound of Lemmy’s basslines so much I want to buy a Rickenbacker… And I’m a guitar player!
His feel is totally punk, but he’s strong and solid… He uses diadic fifths and inverted fifths in a really classic metal guitarish way. ❤️ He’s kind of cooler than Steve Harris who obviously can play circles around him.
Duelist and brawler are how I would describe Steve and Lemmy, respectively.
Lemmy had this unique amazing sound (turned up to 11, ha ha) and a unique style of playing .. with a plek ... i miss him
The bass line way back in Hawkwind's Lords of light introduced my neighbours to Lemmy!
Lemmy was one of many brilliant bass players that emerged from the 70s. People like John Paul Jones, Geddy Lee, Steve Harris, Roger Glover, John Entwistle, Geezer, John Deacon, Paul McCartney etc. These guys actually new how to play bass. They didn't just sit on the root and play four beats to the bar. The fact so many of these bands only had a single guitarist shows just how amazing the bass players were to keep the sound full and rich during solos.
Ill add cliff Williams. People over look him because he’s in AC/DC. But when you go through his work you quickly notice that it was cliff who made the chords a sus or major or minor. While Angus and Malcolm did the 1st, 5th, 7th or octave.
@@Giveme1goodreason Yes! Cliffy is an amazing machine of a bass player too. And you're right - he does get over shadowed by Angus and Malcolm. But that doesn't take away from him being a great bassist.
All from the UK except Geddy Lee, I believe. Amazing the contribution to R&R music that came from England.
Lemmy and Joey Demaio, two great bassists.
The classic motor head line up of lemmy Eddie and Phil only needed 1 guitar player because lemmy was such an amazing bass player. No one will ever get that good again. A metal god. RIP LEMMY 🤘
Amazing! Yes he used his bass as a guitar. Very much similar to John Entwisle from The Who
I see those two almost as opposites. strummer vs. fast finger. I think of the solos in my generation as what J.E. did best. Lots of clean notes.
I really don't see that
Hardly! While Entwistle did use a pick early on, he was later all fingers with a characteristic heavy attack which is more of a slapping style giving rise to bass harmonics. Geddy lee has a similar heavy attack and he too dug in, while the slapping and playing close to the neck (though tonically different) is seen in Steve Harris' playing. Thunderfingers, of course used a high gain, high treble while Lemmy used fuzz pedals. The only commonality I see is the heavy use of pentatonic and blues scales by both...
@@SKarthikeyan75 Lemmy did not use fuzz...Marshall super bass cranked...hello
@@billcox87 I stand corrected, did not realize it was all amp distortion. Maybe its the midrange/high heavy Ricky which makes it sound so fuzzy.
not easy to play the bass like Lemmy, a normal bass player could make a mess playing so fast power chords, Lemmy sort of enraged his bass and tamed it... that's why his sound was so unique and the rest of the band followed him
We know that Lemmy was a guitarist, he roadied for Hendrix and tuned a semitone down. Hawkwind needed a bassplayer, so he just played the same thing an octave down. Some of his finest work is on Space Ritual. He could and often did hold an entire song down on the bass, just like John Entwhistle. You just have to study and play some of his songs to understand what a musical genius he actually was. Even though his voice was rough as a rhino's rectum he always sang in tune (more or less)
His voice in hawkwind was surprisingly clean though. I guess the drugs distorted it into the abrasive style.
@@topsecret1837 Going from On Parole(Or even his time in Sam Gopal) to Iron Fist you can really start to hear the gravel in his voice develop. There's not many vocalists out there that not only have that natural kind of rugged voice but can also hit some really high, loud tones like he did in Orgasmatron & Rock 'N' Roll. Guy was practically screaming his soul out in a couple songs
OMG. I just now realize how light years ahead of his time he was. He was doing Royal Blood before Royal Blood members were born, Shredding, power chords, and full tilt tempo, and while singing at the same time. A real Legend. God Bless You Lenny.
Dude
Dont compare royal blood to lemmy or Motörhead
Just don’t
@@metalnz7685 Forgive me Sir. I only meant that Lemmy was indeed in a league of his own way before these youngsters were on this planet. No comparison. Lemmy is a Bass God, a driving force rarely seen.
@@johnskerlec9663 His name is Lemmy not Lenny
Royal blood wouldn't be fit to carry lemmys bass.
First of, let me disclaim: I LOVE Motörhead and Lemmy is the coolest cat ever in rock and roll.
Now, that said, his bassplaying is more means to and end than impressive isolated. Perfect for what he did but thats about as far as his bassplaying skills did reach. I would say the one thing he did on a level that could (and also was to) be exported into other projects are his lyrics.
LEMMY was one of kind ...there will never be another one like him again!! His bass playing was amazing!! 👏 ❤ A true legend !! 🤘❤ !!
I always say, Lemmy was half of Motorhead, his bass and vocals just the make the songs amazing.
its Amazing how melodic his bass lines were
I love watch his sound checks he's like hear everyone else's bass tone hears my bass tone sounds like a heavy distorted guitar
Lemmy is rock n'roll
I can listen to my fave tunes with Lemmy, Leo Lyons, Berry Oakley, Carl Radle, every frickin' day!
When they were in the pocket, they were IN THE POCKET!
Lemmy was the real deal.
If you want a clear example of how good a bassist Lemmy actually was, look up his work with Hawkwind, especially the song "Lord of Light" from the Space Ritual live album. In that song, and Space Ritual as a whole, you can hear Lemmy's bass loud and clear with very little if any distortion and his riffs are just mind bending.
Fuck yes, ‘tis a great example. Very different style to what Motörhead turned into, but a brilliant fit to the space rock sound.
i love how he fills the role of a rhythm guitarist and a bassist
He was really bass/rhythm guitar. Especially as a 3 piece. He was really filling both roles. But I miss Motörhead. Been in love with them since 1980 when I first heard them at 15.
The bass solo in "Keep Us On The Road" is one of the greatest ones ever.
More importantly than anything - he stamped his own signature on the instrument - not many can claim to have done that! And remember - he was singing at the same time too - well in concert!
Sounds like a THUNDER! Thanks for all, Lemmy! R.I.P.
Lemmy is still everyone's hero and we all miss him and everyone knew he was in his home city where he was born in R.I.P LEMMEY 🤘
Think i saw motörhead in 2006 or so on Graspop \m/ was amazing! Rip legend Lemmy. Bassing the metals in heaven
They were awesome! Seen them many times in many countries around the globe and always was amazed by how much energy they guys produced on stage!
@@MetalPilgrim true, though that is really the thing with those classics to be honest...Maiden, Priest, Gamma Ray, Helloween..such good vibes, such energy...hands down the greatest live experiences ever
Lemmy had been a great player since his Hawkwind days. Those records should not be ignored.
2 words...ICON, LEGEND!! RIP Lemmy
He often described himself as a rhythm guitar player who happened to be on bass...which makes total sense. No - he's no Entwistle, Squire or Lee, but then he was never trying to be; he's the perfect bassist for the machine that was Motörhead, and absolutely one of the most unique and instantly identifiable musicians in hard rock history. If you don't own a copy of 'No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith', then you don't like rock'n'roll. Period.
His voice and his bass comes from the same abyss of fucking badassery. Never will we see an enigma like him again.
\m/ Raise a glass, light a cig, to Lemmy!
You are right, listening to this i was thinking Lemme could have brought out an album of himself playing bass to his music and nothing else.
Don't forget his song Boogie Man from the Rock n Roll album, his bass riffs in their are bloody great.
What do you mean "play bass to his music"?
@@tc1817 If lemmy produced an album of himself playing nothing but his bass, no drums, vocals, guitar, only the bass playing to his songs i would certainly enjoy listening to it.
@@shaundouglas2057 If you'd rather listen to an album of that, or go see it live, fine.
I'd rather hear a band.
And my question is: What does "playing bass to his music and nothing else" mean? How does he play bass to music?
@@tc1817 I'd be perfectly fine with both.
Lemmy was definitely one of a kind. I saw Motorhead in 2003 in San Diego. They were opening for Dio and Iron Maiden. Just before 8:00 p.m, Lemmy walks out on stage. The house lights are still on. There's about 50 people scattered around the venue. Lemmy looks at his watch. Looks out at the people slowly coming in and finding their seats. Looks up and sees the house lights still on. Looks at his watch and sees its 8:00 p.m. walks up to the microphone and says, "We are Motorhead, and we're going to clean your clock." He starts playing this Earth shaking massive bass riff. The rest of the band joins in and we're off. Four songs in, the house lights finally come down. Lemmy's still rocking. He doesn't care. Show time is Go time. The Best Concert I Ever Saw. Motorhead. Ronnie James Dio. Iron F*cking Maiden!!!!!! 🤘🇬🇧🤘🇺🇸🤘🇬🇧👍👍👍
God DAMN!! That sound!!!! LIVE TO WIN ♠️
I saw Motörhead at the Golden Summernight Festival 1981 in Darmstadt, West Germany. It was there, I realized what a fine bass player Lemmy really was.
Yeah Lemmy had that rig. Half bass & half guitar amps. That fuzz bass tone. He ripped thru! Very distinctive. Would not work everywhere but in Motorhead it worked 👍
Happy I saw Motorhead numerous times!
Me too! So much energy both on stage and in the crowd! Loved every show of theirs!
Orgone Accumulator. Listen to that and not the eternally repeated Motorhead tracks. It spotlights his bass playing and soloing perfectly.
I believe that is the earliest recording of Lemmy playing with high gain. Great work from Nik on that track too.
🤘🤘
In Hawkwind's "Motorhead", is that Lemmy playing bass? That intro is fantastic.
That tone! So aggressive, so heavy. He was like a human metronome. Precision with pure anger and feeling. THAT is Lemmy summed up in one sentence.
I been a bassist for 15 years. Lemmy has the moat fun riffs ever. Hands down
There's actually more explanation to the title in the comments than the video itself. Yeah, he played that rhythm guitar chords on bass with killer tone and that's all it took to sound kickass. Thanks for listening to my TED talk.
Excelente man ! Toma ese like!! Lemmy por siempre!
Gotta love that distorted Rick bass...what a badass
There's a track on the Bomber album called Talking Heads and it's got an absolutely superb base riff. Well worth checking out.
Dude was magic, I real trend setter. Dude could play the bass like no one else.. and you did not have to be a musician to hear it..
Really not spectacularly technical bass but the music is to be taken as a whole. It is the sum of its parts. And motorhead rocked
I totally agree with Mickey, especially what he said about you in the Ukraine! You deserve every help in every way you can get!
Such a thick tone, he covers bass + rhythm guitar ;)
A very unique, very original playing style that to my knowledge, has never been copied.
"A guitarist who happened to play bass" - I think this is the best definition for Lemmy :)
Lemmy's playing on Hawkwind's version of "Motorhead" is a bit more traditional sounding
Lemmy was a true Metal God! He is without a doubt one of if not the best bass players in rock and roll history! He didn't just play in the background, his bass was right up front, in your face! He damn near made a lead guitarist un necessary!
i really liked his bass lines when he was in hawkwind. i even sort of copied the style of several lines that were more of a roaming melody.
and ya, he was killer up to the end, but i like the hawkwind stuff the best
I have good mems of seeing Mōtorhead open for Ozzy his first time around (Blizzard) and then a few years later at was a pretty much neighborhood bar. And, they used the same gear as with Oz
Ears rang for three days.
in the late 70's Motorhead were in competition with Saxon as to who was the loudest band in the world and this led to your ears ringing for about 3 days after a concert.
Saw them in 1980 on the Ace Up Your Sleeve tour, took 4 days for my ears to stop crackling. The crowd were chanting "louder, louder" Lemmy just said "you what, I can't fucking hear you"
It was insane more so at this bar it was Shadows, on Brookpark Rd. Two choices : Bud or JD. Had to use hand signs. You had to Scream at the top of your lungs to a person standing close
This sums up my bass sound and influence. Both songwriting and bass playing of mine is because of Motörhead
Listening to Royal Blood always reminds me of Lemmy. They use technology and slicker bass playing to make a rock song while Lemmy uses pure raw power to make wall of sound. I can't play bass but always enjoy any song that has a good bass line.
I started my musical career as a bass player. Peter Hook from Joy Division. Simon Gallup from The Cure. Geezer Butler from Sabbath. John Entwhistle from The Who. My fave bass player is Billy Sheehan. Mr Big where such a good band.
Motorhead was the best band I ever saw live. The speed and power were amazing. (1982)
The greatest words I have ever heard spoken were, " WE ARE MOTORHEAD!!! AND WE PLAY ROCK N ROLL!!!!!!!"
You hear Lemmy's basslines and you know what song it is, guy is genius, we miss him!!
Lemmy played in misterious ways. Nothing us mere mortals could comprehend.
2 songs from Lemmys Hawkwind days show how good he was, Lord of Light and Down through the night.
Missed one ..Orgone accumulator from the Space ritual live album. Do yourself a favor, Lemmy drives that one and it's a tour de force of his if ever there was one.
I've heard through the grapevine, that Lemmy, Cliff Burton, Ian Hill, and possibly a passenger train full of the greatest electric bass players give a lot of credit to listening to the late, great "Jaco" Pastorius (December 1, 1951 - September 21, 1987)
Amazing to me that he could play such fast and intricate bass lines …. While singing !
personified rock and roll itself, best singer and best bass player. he knew exactly what rock and roll was and didnt give a shit about what anybody else said.
I would love to hear some of his bass lines from Another Perfect Day, as I think Brian Robertson's presence pushed both Lemmy and Philthy to play at their absolute best. What is also beyond argument is that Lemmy had the best LOOKING bass I've ever seen with his signature Rickenbacker 4004LK. That bass is an absolute work of art and yet in his hands could strip the chrome off a '59 Buick.
Nice job mate, the bass in isolation is great, you can really appreciate his aggressive style. If he was still with us I bet he'd say he was heavily influenced by The Ox, John Entwistle.