Ace of Spades

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the volume as the Zoo Crew spins the iconic "Ace of Spades" by Motörhead from their legendary album of the same name! This track, released in October 1980, is a gambling-fueled anthem that Lemmy Kilmister, the band’s frontman, wrote as a "word-exercise on gambling, all the clichés." In a 2011 Mojo magazine interview, Lemmy admitted he sang "the eight of spades" for two years before anyone noticed the error, a quirky detail that adds to the song’s raw charm. Legend has it, as shared in a 2004 PlayLouder interview, Lemmy penned the lyrics in the back of a tour van speeding through England at over 145 km/h, embodying the band’s reckless spirit. Despite its massive popularity, Lemmy grew tired of the song, telling Rolling Stone he was "sick to death of it" but kept it in setlists because fans demanded it, comparing it to expecting "Long Tall Sally" at a Little Richard show.

The song’s creation was as chaotic as Motörhead’s lifestyle. Recorded at Jackson’s Studios in Rickmansworth, England, in 1980, the band worked with producer Vic Maile, nicknamed "Turtle" for his appearance, who managed their notorious in-fighting with a soft-spoken authority. Drummer Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor’s "tap-dancing part"—his solo—sparked a debate about whether to keep it, but it stayed, adding to the track’s frenetic energy. The iconic album cover, featuring the band as Western outlaws in a desert, was shot in a sandpit near London, not Arizona, as Lemmy revealed in 2004, joking it still "looked like fucking Arizona." Posts on X from @myMotorhead in April 2025 celebrated the song’s 40th anniversary with a Dolby Atmos mix, highlighting its enduring appeal. The track’s cultural impact is massive, appearing in films like Superbad and ranking #155 on NME’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2014.

Motörhead’s journey began with Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister, born in 1945 in Stoke-on-Trent, England. A roadie for Jimi Hendrix and a member of space-rock band Hawkwind, Lemmy was fired from Hawkwind in 1975 after a drug-related arrest in Canada. He formed Motörhead, named after the last song he wrote for Hawkwind, aiming for a raw, fast rock ‘n’ roll sound. The band’s early years were tough, with their debut album On Parole shelved until 1979, but their relentless touring and albums like Overkill and Bomber built a cult following. By 1980, Ace of Spades catapulted them to fame, peaking at #4 on the UK Albums Chart. Lemmy, with his gravelly voice and larger-than-life persona, led Motörhead through 23 studio albums until his death in 2015, after which the band disbanded.

Connect with Motörhead’s legacy through their official website, where you’ll find news, tour history, and a tattoo gallery. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates on re-releases and tributes like the 2025 50th anniversary celebrations. Fans can join the Motörheadbangers Fan Club on Facebook, a vibrant community sharing memories and rare photos. Another great spot is Motorhead.ru, a fan site with detailed discographies and forums. Zoo Freaks, keep the spirit of Motörhead alive and let "Ace of Spades" blast through THE ZOO!