Lemmy [DVD]

'Icon, noun: a very famous person or thing considered as representing a set of beliefs or a way of life.'The dictionary definition above perfectly describes Lemmy. His single-minded tenacity in pursuit of the Motörhead cause has led to him becoming, rightfully, a heavy-metal icon. The only other rock stars who rival him as icons are dead ones. And they cheated. Lemmy, on the other hand, earned his iconic status the hard way: by living and staying true to himself at all times. He is a walking, talking, drinking, pill-swallowing, smoking, war-obsessed, bass-rumbling, gravel-throated monster. So that's Lemmy the man...what about Lemmy the movie?I hoped this documentary would offer fresh insights into Lemmy the human being, perhaps exploring his softer side and showing facets of his personality that haven't been publicised. (What do you mean he doesn't have a soft side? We all have one...in some people, though, it's deeper down and better hidden.) Rush's 'Beyond the Lighted Stage' and Anvil's 'The Story of Anvil' are spellbinding due to the undiluted emotion they capture, which allows viewers to connect with the artists on a deeply emotional level. With Lemmy, however, displays of emotion don't happen. Some moments in the film approach poignancy, such as when Lem talks about finding the only woman he ever truly loved dead in a bathtub, the victim of a heroin overdose. He dishes out sage advice not to do heroin, but the viewer can sense that there are undercurrents of emotion beneath Lem's heavy-metal-robot shell. If I were the film-maker, I'd have explored that avenue more. During scenes where Lemmy and his son are together the awkwardness is palpable, as if neither father nor son is fully comfortable around the other. I felt uncomfortable watching some of these interplays, and found myself wishing they'd give each other a hug as an expression of love. There is one genuinely touching moment involving father and son, but I won't disclose it in this review, as that would ruin the surprise for those who haven't yet watched the movie. Better to experience it for yourself.We see Lemmy's apartment, his enormous collection of war paraphernalia, his favourite haunt (The Rainbow in LA), his routine, and meet several other big-name metal musicians (Dave Grohl, James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich and Scott Ian, to name a few) who have been influenced by Mr Kilmister. The inventor of space rock, Hawkwind's Dave Brock (a surprisingly lucid man, considering the amount of psychedelic and hallucinatory drugs he has ingested), discusses Lemmy's time in Hawkwind and the reasons for their parting of ways. This isn't new information to seasoned Motörheadbangers, but the camera likes both Brock and Lemmy, and it's entertaining to hear these legendary stories straight from the horses' mouths.The bottom line is that Lemmy - even though he doesn't bare the deepest, darkest parts of his soul - is magnetically watchable. The man, the facial hair, the boots, the tight-black-jeaned swagger, the perpetual cigarette, the Jack 'n' Coke, the Rickenbacker bass and, of course, that growl. If you're a longtime fan of Lem and his music you won't learn anything new watching this film. You won't see any gushed outpourings of emotion and tears. You will, however, be entertained.As a footnote, I've been a Motörhead fan since I was in primary school. I own all their albums, have seen them live countless times, and was lucky enough to meet Lemmy backstage at Glasgow Barrowlands after a gig. He was a consummate gentleman, and I came to understand why people - even critics - generally have nothing bad to say about the man. What you see is what you get. There's no contrived rock 'n' roll debauchery. While he may keep his rawest emotions hidden behind a protective shell, Lemmy is friendly, honest, and walks it like he talks it. In short, he's one of the good guys.

Brilliant DVD of the Motorhead frontman

Great thanks

This film really is an eye opener - even if you are a long time fan. OK, there's plenty of stuff that won't surprise you and stuff you'll already know -but this really is the closest look into the real day to day life of Lemmy you are ever likely to get. You even get to see inside his flat - surprisingly modest and not what you'd expect at all for a 'rock star pad'. You get to see Lemmy slicing up potatoes himself and cooking his own chips - and riding in a German WW2 tank! Well it's a self propelled gun actually, but most people would call it a tank. Is surpising how much access Lemmy gave the producers into his everyday life. Some of it is a little predicable - screaming fans giving the devil horns and proclaiming Lemmy to be 'God', etc, and also the usual rock stars being trotted out to praise the man - but you were always going to get that really. There is no denying that Lemmy is a true rock legend - he stands above all others. His influence on rock music and his inspiration to individual musicians is immense - this film helps to show you why. One of the great things about Lemmy is the way he has always refused to compromise - everything he does, he does on his own terms - unlike many rock stars, he still maintains his integrity. Lemmy is a totally unique character, and this film gives you a good insight into what makes him tick and why he is the person he is.Make sure you get the 2 DVD version 'cos all the extras on the second disc are well worth it: Recent live Motorhead footage, Lemmy rehearsing in the studio and guesting live on stage with Metallica, interviews with Phil and Mikkey and loads more. Highly recommended!

This DVD is excellent. Motorhead make brilliant music . And Lemmy is a very talented recording artist , who is also original and delivers the goods . Additionally i found his collection of war uniforms and daggers fascinating. He appears a very interesting guy in the interviews. And he has a stylish dress sense . I am very pleased to own this DVD of a truely talented man .

got this as soon as it was out, i am a massive motorhead fan and have bought many dvds in the past, some are terrible and capitalise on the name or brand only, This however is a different monster altogether, it is right in the lions den and follows him everywhere, with many funny and frank matteres covered.it does cover alot of stories i have heard before, but any big fan will be the same. but the quality and quantity are right on and up to date and will be a cornerstone of the mans legecy, so get some jack daniels and a bottle of coke, ice and turn this up loud and see how a genuine old age pensioner hammers his way through life, shrugging off lifes serious matters with a drink in his hand , cigarette in his mouth . a real inspiration, keep on rolling lem

Sometime ago my girlfriend was chating in the internet when a couple os flamers were spreading the rumour that Lemmy was dead. I did like Motörhead but had never really comprehended its magnitude. I begun searching for the news of his death all over the internet and all i found relating to his health was a problem with an infected toe nail...That was the moment i realised Lemmy's influence on the music scene, I remembered seing vinyl albums of Motörhead when i was just a child and they are still around with their rock solid style. Imagining Lemmy's death and no more Motörhead made me realise how much I liked them, it's importance and cherish all forthcoming albums.This DVD evidences all this. Rock On Lemmy, I am glad you still around and kicking \m/

Great dvd. Motörhead are one of my favourite bands. Brilliant