While reviewers such as this one spend a lot of time explaining that, despite cynical prevailing wisdom, Motörhead are not a one-trick pony and their albums do sound different to each other, that claim is a little difficult to make about their live show. After all, the current line-up (bassist/vocalist Lemmy, guitarist Phil Campbell and drummer Mikkey Dee) have been touring more or less solidly since 1995 and the band’s previous line-ups have been on the road since 20 years before that. This multi-disc set includes two live shows, one in Chile and the other in Manchester. Other than the setlists and the size of the crowds (Chile massive, Manchester respectable), the gigs are pretty much identical.
That’s not to say there aren’t thrills aplenty: Lemmy’s batrachian roar and the propulsive drive delivered by Dee ensure that. The band also throw in solos and extended arrangements (see the end of Overkill) and, of course, Lemmy’s between-song sarcasm is pure gold. Long-time ’eadbangers will, however, have seen all this stuff many times before.
The bonus materials are better, largely because Lemmy is the best interviewee in the world, even when he’s tired and pissed off. When he’s asked how life is different today compared with the 60s, he embarks on a splendid rant that gives The World Is Ours its best reason to exist.
