Whenever greatest-live-albums-of-all-time lists are compiled, it’s a safe bet that Motorhead’s classic 1981 “No Sleep ‘Til Hammersmith” will be on them somewhere. Not only was Motorhead one of rock’s all-time classic bands — led by the late, legendary Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister, in their early years they were one of the rare groups accepted by both punk and metal crowds — the album’s title alone has become so iconic that it was co-opted by the Beastie Boys for “No Sleep ‘Til Brooklyn” five years later.
But of course, the reason why it’s so iconic is the band and the performance: 40-odd minutes of blistering, over-the-top rock and roll, with absolutely no subtlety and very little nuance, like Chuck Berry songs speed up to triple-time and hacked down to muscle and bone. Kilmister himself knew at the time of the album’s release that it would be their defining release. “I knew it’d be the live one that went best, because we’re really a live band,” he said. “You can’t listen to a record and find out what we’re about. You’ve got to see us.”And thousands and thousands of people lucky enough to see the band over its four-decade career — although just five years with the classic lineup of Kilmister, drummer Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor and guitarist “Fast” Eddie Clarke, all three of whom have passed away —would doubtless agree.
To celebrate the album’s 40 th anniversary, the previous deluxe editions of the album will get even more deluxe: In addition to the newly remastered original album, three additional concerts are included, along with hardback book-packs in two CD and triple LP formats, featuring a new venue demolishing remaster of the original album, bonus tracks and the previously unreleased – in its entirety – concert from Newcastle City Hall, March 30, 1981, the story of the album and many previously rare photos. Also, the album will be released as a four CD box set of all three concerts recorded for the album released here in their entirety for the first time.
The CD box set contains:
- TheNo Sleep ‘Til Hammersmithalbum, remastered from the original master tapes, featuring extra bonus tracks and newly unearthed, previously unreleased sound check recordings.
- The three full recordings of the concerts that made upNo Sleep, never before released in their entirety.
- The story ofNo Sleep ‘Til Hammersmithtold through previously unpublished and new interviews with the people that were on the road at the time.
- Never before seen photos and rare memorabilia.
- Double sided, A3 concert posters from 1981.
- Reproduction USA ’81 tour pass.
- MOTÖRHEAD‘England’ plectrum.
- 1981 European tour badge.
- Reproduction Newcastle City Hall ticket.
- Port Vale gig flyer post card.
CD BOX SET TRACKLISTING
NO SLEEP ‘TIL HAMMERSMITH
Ace of Spades
Stay Clean
Metropolis
The Hammer
Iron Horse
No Class
Overkill
(We Are) The Roadcrew
Capricorn
Bomber
Motörhead
Over The Top
Train Kept A Rollin’
Stay Clean (soundcheck)
Limb From Limb (soundcheck)
Iron Horse (Soundcheck)
LIVE AT NEWCASTLE CITY HALL 30/3/1981
Ace Of Spades
Stay Clean
Over The Top
Metropolis
Shoot You In The Back
The Hammer
Jailbait
Leaving Here
Iron Horse
Fire Fire
Capricorn
Too Late Too Late
No Class
(We Are) The Road Crew
Bite The Bullet
The Chase Is Better Than The Catch
Overkill
Bomber
Motörhead
LIVE AT NEWCASTLE CITY HALL 29/3/1981
Ace Of Spades
Stay Clean
Over The Top
Metropolis
Shoot You In The Back
The Hammer
Jailbait
Leaving Here
Fire Fire
Capricorn
Too Late Too Late
No Class
(We Are) The Road Crew
Bite The Bullet
The Chase Is Better Than The Catch
Overkill
Bomber
Motörhead
LIVE AT LEEDS QUEENS HALL
28/3/1981
Ace Of Spades
Stay Clean
Over The Top
Metropolis
Shoot You In The Back
The Hammer
Jailbait
Leaving Here
Fire Fire
Capricorn
Too Late Too Late
No Class
(We Are) The Road Crew
Bite The Bullet
The Chase Is Better Than The Catch
Overkill
Bomber
Motörhead
