Motörhead – We Are Motörhead (2000)
Album Overview
We Are Motörhead is the fifteenth studio album by legendary British heavy metal band Motörhead, released on 19 September 2000 through SPV/Steamhammer.
Unlike previous studio albums, We Are Motörhead is a live-in-studio record, capturing the raw, unfiltered energy of the band as if performing live. This album reflects Motörhead’s commitment to authenticity, highlighting the trio’s chemistry and the ferocity that has defined their sound for decades.
Background and Recording
Following a busy touring schedule in the late 1990s, Motörhead decided to record an album that recreated the live concert experience in the studio.
Lineup:
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Lemmy Kilmister – bass, vocals
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Phil Campbell – guitar
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Mikkey Dee – drums
The album was recorded at Paramount Studios, giving fans the intensity of a live performance with studio-quality sound. Lemmy and the band emphasized minimal overdubs to retain the authenticity of their signature raw sound.
Tracklist
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We Are Motörhead
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Stay Clean
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Metropolis
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Overkill
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No Class
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I Got Mine
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Killers
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Stone Dead Forever
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Going to Brazil
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Love Me Like a Reptile
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Ace of Spades
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Iron Fist
Notable Songs
We Are Motörhead
The opening track and title track embodies the band’s no-nonsense approach to heavy metal, setting the tone for the album.
Ace of Spades
A definitive live rendition of the band’s most famous track, delivering the intensity and speed fans expect.
Overkill
Another classic Motörhead anthem, capturing the driving rhythm and power of the band in full force.
Stone Dead Forever
A heavier track that showcases Lemmy’s growling vocals and the tight interplay between guitar and drums.
Cover Art
The cover, created by Joe Petagno, features Snaggletooth, Motörhead’s iconic mascot, front and center with a fiery backdrop. The artwork reflects the album’s aggressive and live-oriented nature, emphasizing the band’s identity as uncompromising heavy metal veterans.
Fun Facts
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We Are Motörhead was recorded “live in the studio” to capture the energy of Motörhead’s legendary concerts.
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Many of the songs are re-recordings of fan favorites, presenting them in a fresh yet familiar style.
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Lemmy considered this album one of the band’s most authentic recordings in years, staying true to their raw sound.
Trivia
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The album includes classic tracks from the 1970s and 1980s, performed with the energy of a modern Motörhead lineup.
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Mikkey Dee’s drumming provides exceptional drive, keeping the live feel tight and powerful.
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This release was part of Motörhead’s ongoing effort to capture the essence of their concerts on record.
Did You Know?
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The album features “Going to Brazil”, originally from 1916, recorded with fresh energy for fans.
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Despite being a studio recording, the album was intended to simulate a live concert experience without audience noise.
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Lemmy often remarked that this album proved Motörhead doesn’t need gimmicks—just loud, fast, and real metal.
