Gig review of Motorhead + Girlschool

The thought of watching influential bands The Damned and Motorhead on one bill was the catalyst for both myself and friend James to enthusiastically dash up to the O2 one lunchtime to invest in a pair of tickets.

We had an idea of what to expect. Songs at a million miles an hour and played at a thousand decibels. Thankfully we weren't disappointed.

Walking into the O2 Academy we knew that we'd struck gold as soon as we saw the wall of Marshall amplifiers. In an era where a small amp miked up is often preferred, it was refreshing to see that in their opinion the only way to play is to have several thousand watts blasting through your backside.

The lights dimmed, the police sirens kicked in and lead guitarist for Girlschool, Jax Chambers, strolled on to the stage bashing out a rocking riff. Celebrating over thirty years together, the leather clad Girlschool played a tight set that included their classic 'Race With The Devil'.

The Damned were up next. Dave Vanion, dressed in all black and wearing sunglasses, asked 'Is she really going out with him?' before the instantly recognisable drum beats of 'New Rose' blasted out. An instant crowd pleaser. Captain Sensible, at his energetic best, danced around at the side of the stage like he was performing it for the first time.

There was plenty of attitude from a band that helped start the punk revolution in the late 70's. The set list was great, including a track from their new album. Even the over the top guitar solos, ironically one of things punk was against, were class and fitted like a glove. The highlights included the fabulous 'Neat, Neat, Neat' and powerful versions of 'Love Song' and 'Eloise'.

To finish off their excellent forty-five minutes, the band ripped through a mesmerizing version of 'Smash It Up'. As the band walked off the stage Sensible took the opportunity to play his 1982 number one 'Happy Talk'. To the amusement of everyone this sparked a mock argument with a roadie, who got kicked up the backside before picking Sensible up and carrying him off the stage mid-song.

The stage was now getting set for Motorhead. The Damned's drape was pulled down to reveal a Motorhead coat of arms and Lemmy's 'Murder One' amp, at home in the middle of the stage.

The crowd could sense that things were about to start. Sure enough, the dominant figure of Lemmy, with trademark Rickenbacker bass, walked onto the stage with his fists pumping, firing up the crowd. He kept it simple. 'We're Motorhead and we play rock 'n' roll' and it was straight into 'Iron Fist'.

Even at sixty three, Lemmy still has plenty of fire and enthusiasm for the band and the music that he formed in 1975. His husky voice is still as powerful as it ever was,and he's true entertainer, even if he doesn't move that much. Throughout the gig Lemmy was well supported by guitarist Phil Campbell and drummer Mikkey Dee, who never missed an opportunity to lean over his kit and throw his arms in the air demanding the audience give them more. It's clear to see why they still have sell out tours.

After three ear piercing songs that almost made my head explode Campbell asked if it was loud enough. Unfortunately we were in the minority who thought it was. Lemmy got straight to the point, 'sound man, they want it louder. Turn it up.' They did.

Like most bands that have been around for so many years, the set contained favourites like 'Be My Baby', 'Metropolis', 'Killed By Death' before finishing off with 'Bomber'. And also, being one of the architects of metal stereo types, the obligatory drum and guitar solos were included.

Both were good fun, and were kept at just the right the length. As we all know, too long and it just becomes boring.

The encore started with an acoustic blues tune. While the combination of Motorhead and acoustic may be surprising, the song title, 'Whorehouse Blues' isn't. The song featured a mean harmonica solo from Lemmy and Dee keeping things going on rhythm guitar and percussion. Then it was 'Ace of Spades'. Lemmy mumbled something along the lines of 'bloody hell not this one', but along with finale 'Overkill' these are the songs that have made them famous. Both songs were superb and it was great watching the band perform one of Metal's true classics.

Once 'Overkill' had finished, Lemmy hit his bass a dozen times before propping it against his amp and turning all the settings to full. Even though my hearing had already shot, the feedback still went through my skull. But did I care? Of course I didn't.