Metal became a bit tired in the late 70s. What it needed was a bit of a speedy lift, and by golly they got it with the emergence of Motorhead. Prissy critics of ‘rockism’ could thereafter GTF. It needed the right sort of drummer – one who would be fast, loud, and hit the buggers. Being a bit of a rock n’roll character helped, too.
http://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/photo-of-motorhead-phil-philthy-animal-taylor-backstage-at-news-photo/86121890/gallery
http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/former-motorhead-drummer-phil-philthy-animal-taylor-dies-at-61/
Ah, that’s a shame. Only three people in the world could say they played on the best single ever released and he was one of them.
I thought he was indestructible?
Broke his neck once falling from the shoulders of 2 roadies.
Landed on his head – may well have done untold damage/paralysis but he was so relaxed (ie pissed) it had minimal effect.
(apart from a lump on the back of his neck).
Not to worry, fit a neck brace and he was back on tour.
Broke his hand once too – and just gaffer taped his stick to his hand.
Killed by Death…
No Sleep Til Hammersmith is a fine legacy to remember him by…
Now everything’s quieter than everything else.
RIP Phil.
That clip is interesting in that it was recorded at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal, which must be the most un rock n roll venue they’re ever played? It’s all plays, ballet and panto. To my knowledge there’s not been a “gig” there since.
You’re right and wrong Gatz. He was, but the single was Ace of Spades.
No, I’ve given this careful consideration for some decades and The Ace of Spades opinion, though widely held and not without its merits, is wrong. Sorry about that.
The first Sentence my lad ever intoned was ‘fil-tee aanmaal,” in response to one of my dad farts.
Six years later,this still fills me with pride.
His opening riff for Overkill inspired a whole genre of extreme metal.
And I liked Ozzy’s comment: “Today is a very sad day for me. Rest in peace — and he still owes me 500 bucks from that time in Vegas.”