Lemmy Kilmister’s Opinion on ’90s Rock and Metal

Motorhead never wavered in their commitment to their signature sound, even as other bands adapted to stay relevant. So, what did Lemmy Kilmister think of bands like Metallica, Venom, Nirvana, and Pantera during the 1990s?

In an interview shared on the Guitar Lizard YouTube channel, known for its treasure trove of classic Motorhead interviews, Lemmy Kilmister and drummer Mikkey Dee were asked about their thoughts on bands that sought to follow in their footsteps. The interviewer specifically mentioned Metallica, Slayer, and Venom.

The two managed to convey a lot without saying much, staying true to their Motorhead brand.

“You look at them and the big difference is a lot of those bands are changing just because the music scene changed,” Dee mentioned. “We’re not doing that. We’re not updating our songs.”

That prompted Lemmy to lean forward in his chair, cigarette in hand.

“We’re kind of stuck in the mud. We don’t give a fuck,” Lemmy stated. “We think what we’re doing is okay without changing it too much. We change it a bit, but not much. I’m quite satisfied with what we do.”

The interview took place sometime after the death of Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain, though the exact date is not provided. When asked about Cobain, whose body was discovered with a suicide note on April 8, 1994, Lemmy’s response reflected the time’s prevailing attitudes toward mental health.

“He was good though. He’s not good no more,” he commented dismissively.

It’s important not to interpret this as Lemmy disrespecting Cobain or Nirvana. Dave Grohl spoke at Lemmy’s funeral in 2016 and shared a memorable encounter with the Motorhead frontman in an exotic dance club.

“The first thing he ever said to me was, ‘Hey, I’m sorry about what happened to your friend,'” Grohl recalled. “In that moment, he transformed from a gun-slinging, whiskey-drinking bad ass rock star to the same rock star with a heart.”

Kurt Cobain definitely had a way with words. What’s your favorite Nirvana lyric?

Gallery Credit: Chad Childers, Loudwire.

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