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12/29/2015

Motorhead's Lemmy Kilmister, Dead at 70

By RUBEN MOSQUEDA //

Meeting Lemmy at Dante's

Ian ‘Lemmy’ Kilmister died December 28th, 2015 at the age of 70---three days after the date of his birth. It was only a couple of weeks ago that the L.A. music scene celebrated Lemmy’s 70th Birthday at the infamous Whiskey A Go Go; where Lemmy was a staple since he relocated to the United States a quarter of a century plus ago.

In 2015 Motorhead issued a new album ‘Bad Magic’ which featured a stellar cover of The Rolling Stone’s “Sympathy for the Devil.” The band ‘attempted’ to tour behind the album but their tour of the United States was derailed by Kilmister’s health issues. The tour was subsequently postponed.

Lemmy and Motorhead will be forever known for their ‘Ace of Spades’ album which was their ‘big break’ so to speak but I encourage you to dig deep into the Motorhead catalog because there’s a lot of great albums in their back catalog; I’m partial to ‘Inferno,’ ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll,’ ‘Bastards’ and ‘Another Perfect Day.’

In November of 2015 drummer Phil ‘Philthy Animal’ Taylor died who along with ‘Fast’ Eddie Clarke and Kilmister were part of the ‘classic’ Motorhead lineup that created such albums as; ‘Overkill,’ ‘Bomber,’ ‘Ace of Spades’ and ‘Iron Fist.’

I remember showing up a tad early for the show at Dante’s hoping for a glimpse of someone from Headcat either Danny B. Harvey, Slim Jim Phantom or Lemmy Kilmister. I went to use the facility first thing as I stepped out; I smelled the delicious smell of cigarette smoke (I’m a reformed smoker--but I still love the smell of smoke)! I think to myself “There’s no smoking in here.” I as I finish my thought I start to raise my eyes and I glance a pair of ‘white boots’ underneath one of the video poker machines. It’s Lemmy! The waitress seconds later brings him a fresh Jack and Coke and I contemplated ‘the right time’ to approach the metal icon.

I anxiously awaited until he finished his game-- then his drink; then I approached with my heart beating in my throat. I opened my mouth and the first thing that came out with my nervous voice was’ “Lemmy, welcome back to Portland.” Pretty weak. I asked for a few minutes of his time and he obliged listening to me shower him with pleasantries. I bought him a whisky and cola, he thanked me. He asked; “You here for the show? We go on at 11 it’s gonna be a good show.” It was little past 5 o’clock. I had a long wait ahead of me . Lemmy signed my ticket and I let him finish his drink and continue with his poker game. Later that night Headcat blew the roof off Dante’s. Lemmy was rock ‘n’ roll personified; only second to Keith Richards, I believe. Rest In Peace Lemmy Kilmister. I can’t believe you’re gone.

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