Shoot 'Em Down

The song "Shoot 'Em Down" by Motörhead, featured on their 2017 covers album Under Cöver, is a raucous rendition of Twisted Sister's 1982 track from their debut album Under the Blade. This cover, originally recorded in 2001 for the tribute album Twisted Forever: A Tribute to the Legendary Twisted Sister, showcases Motörhead's signature gritty energy, with Lemmy Kilmister's gravelly vocals perfectly suiting the song's rebellious vibe. Twisted Sister's frontman Dee Snider, in a 2021 Twitter exchange with a fan, praised Lemmy's performance, stating that Lemmy's raw delivery made the song feel like it was written for him, highlighting the mutual respect between the two bands. The track's inclusion on Under Cöver was a nod to the close friendship between Motörhead and Twisted Sister, with Lemmy having championed Twisted Sister during their early struggles in the 1980s. Fans on Reddit have lauded this cover, with some calling it one of Motörhead's best, appreciating how they stayed true to the original while infusing it with their unmistakable rock 'n' roll swagger.

Motörhead's approach to covers, as described by guitarist Phil Campbell in a 2017 interview with Loudwire, was to take songs they loved and run them through the "Motörizer," adding their unique edge. "Shoot 'Em Down" was produced by Bob Kulick and Bruce Bouillet, and its raw power stood out on the tribute album, which reached number 44 on the Billboard Top Independent Albums chart. The song's lyrics, with lines like "She looks so fine like champagne and wine, no one ever gets her," resonated with Lemmy's larger-than-life persona, and fans on the Motörheadbangers Fanclub Facebook group often cite it as a standout for its high-octane energy. The track's revival on Under Cöver introduced it to a new generation of Zoo Freaks, who likely appreciate its unapologetic attitude blasting through THE ZOO radio station.

Motörhead was formed in London in 1975 by bassist, vocalist, and songwriter Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister, alongside guitarist Larry Wallis and drummer Lucas Fox. Lemmy, who remained the band's only constant member until his death in 2015, started Motörhead after being fired from the space rock band Hawkwind for his heavy drug use. Determined to create a no-nonsense rock 'n' roll outfit, Lemmy named the band after the slang term for amphetamine users, reflecting their high-energy ethos. Their early years were tough, with the band living in squats and facing rejection from labels. A pivotal moment came in 1977 when they recorded a single with Chiswick Records after a near-breakup, leading to their self-titled debut album. Motörhead's raw sound, blending punk's aggression with heavy metal's power, made them pioneers of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, influencing genres like thrash and speed metal.

The band's breakthrough came with albums like Overkill and Bomber in 1979, followed by Ace of Spades in 1980, which cemented their reputation. Their iconic logo, the fanged "Snaggletooth" designed by artist Joe Petagno, became a symbol of their rebellious spirit. Despite lineup changes, with key members like drummer Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor and guitarist "Fast" Eddie Clarke, Motörhead released 23 studio albums over their 40-year career, selling over 25 million albums worldwide by 2025. Lemmy's insistence that they were a rock 'n' roll band, not strictly metal, endeared them to both punk and metal audiences, as seen in their fanbase on platforms like Motorheadache.

Fans can connect with Motörhead's legacy through their official website, which features news, tour archives, and a tattoo gallery. Their Facebook page shares updates on releases like the 2025 50th-anniversary celebrations, while Instagram showcases vintage photos and fan art. On X, the band engages with Zoo Freaks through posts about new merchandise and tributes to Lemmy. Fan communities thrive on sites like Motorheadache, a dedicated fan site with discography details, and the Motörheadbangers Fanclub on Facebook, where fans share memories and discuss tracks like "Shoot 'Em Down." These platforms keep the spirit of Motörhead alive for the Zoo Crew and their listeners.