METALEATER.COM
July 24, 2008
MOTÖRHEAD - Stage Fright
SPV/Steamhammer (2005)
9/10
By Ciaran Meeks » Official Website

Motörhead - Stage Fright
Disc 1

01. Dr. Rock
02. Stay Clean
03. Shoot You In the Back
04. Love Me Like A Reptile
05. Killers
06. Metropolis
07. Over The Top
08. No Class
09. I Got Mine
10. In the Name Of Tragedy
11. Dancing On Your Grave
12. R.A.M.O.N.E.S.
13. Sacrifice
14. Just 'Cos You Got the Power
15. Going To Brazil
16. Killed By Death
17. Iron Fist
18. Whorehouse Blues
19. Ace Of Spades
20. Overkill
21. Credits
Disc 2

- L.A. Special
- Fans
- Making Of "Live Show"
- Testimonials
- We Are The Road Crew
- Slideshow
- The Backstage Rider
It's funny...for all the fact that I've been listening to and enjoying Metal for well over twenty years now, I've never been all that partial to MOTÖRHEAD. I know, I know...HERESY! LEMMY IS GOD! Yeah yeah...I've heard it all before. At the end of the day though, I'm sorry but I'll always take the searing pipes and heroic songwriting of Dickinson, Dio, or Halford over Lemmy's whiskey-soaked croak and "Rawkin'" barroom-blues-drenched leads any day. That said however, despite having an admittedly limited appreciation for MOTÖRHEAD and their offerings, I most definitely DO have nothing but respect and admiration for the overall influence, character, legacy, and sheer undeniable presence that this long-running, long-suffering group of leather-clad wardogs have gifted Metaldom with lo' almost forty-odd years now. I would think most punters out there would agree with me too. And what better way for such an act to celebrate their own well-deserved notoriety than with the release of a brand-spankin' new two-disc DVD collection such as "Stage Fright" to remind everyone (even poseurs such as me who don't bow before the altar of Lemmy!) that hey...no matter how you cut it, MOTÖRHEAD really do rule! In fact, after watching this DVD I have to say that I'm starting to warm up to ol' Lemmy and the boys even more than I expected!

All jokes aside, even a lukewarm fan such as myself has to admit that there is probably no better band to listen to after about Beer # 3 than MOTÖRHEAD with their lean 'n mean riff attack and charismatic, no-compromise stage presence. The British power trio, who've been around for well over 30 years now were among the earliest Metal innovators to bridge the gap between Metal and Punk, creating lively, catchy, steel-hard anthems that have had heads banging and fists pumping all over Crossovertown for decades. Filmed at the Philipshalle in Düsseldorf, Germany on December 7, 2004, before a slavering crowd of die-hard MOTÖRHEAD fanatics, Disc One of "Stage Fright" shows MOTÖRHEAD at their best in the live environs ripping through 20 classic songs in typical high-energy, adrenalized fashion. Filmed in high definition, with numerous rapid-cut edits and dazzling lighting, "Stage Fright" Disc One captures the magic, immediacy, and blitzkrieg-attack energy of the 2004 Düsseldorf concert in all of its glory, immortalizing one of the bands better moments onstage. Like I said before...I'm not the world's biggest booster of these guys, but after witnessing Lemmy's witty banter and the bands overall tight, relentless mastery of their instruments and audience...even I was smiling from ear to ear by the end.

The second DVD of this two-DVD set offers a behind-the-scenes view of life with MOTORHEAD and their travelling circus of a roadcrew. Admittedly, there is a certain self-indulgence in including interviews with such non-entities as Lemmy's bass technician, but when one reaches the height of Rawk-pigdom that this band has, all stops must be pulled I suppose. Such DeMaioish, narcissistic displays aside however, when it comes to interviews and footage in general including the band members themselves, it quickly becomes apparent that MOTÖRHEAD themselves are among the least pretentious characters in Metal's upper echelons, emanating a vibe that is more genuinely friends-down-at-the-pub than anything remotely "Rock Starish" or otherwise glamourized or Hollywoodized as might be expected of a band at their level. There is a genuine sense of camaraderie and friendship apparent within the MOTÖRHEAD family that is quite illuminating and affecting to behold. Much as was/is the case with LAMB OF GOD's equally open and bare-bones honest portrayal of themselves in 05's "Killadelphia", it really is almost impossible not to come away from a viewing of this footage without genuinely liking these very affable, witty, and personable guys. Bonus Features also available on Disc Two include a collection of fan tattoos, numerous interactive features, ringtones, and wallpaper, as well as a copy of the band's backstage rider, which outlines all manner of sundry wares that Lemmy and Co. expect to find within their quarters before hitting the stage.

Overall, "Stage Fright" is definitely one of the more entertaining DVD packages currently on offer. Not only does one experience a great concert by one of Metal's more hallowed acts, but also manages to take a glimpse into the personal world of the players involved. A very honest, open, and enjoyable viewing experience indeed. Pick it up and see for yourself that, lukewarm fan or diehard, denim-'n-leather-clad MOTÖRHEAD fanatic…these geezers can still spit razors and shred with the best of 'em!
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