The time-honoured phrase “Follow that!” rang with deafening resonance when Motörhead were faced with having to follow a rock milestone (Ace Of Spades), a number one album (No Sleep Till Hammersmith) and their bomber – the most spectacular stage prop rock had ever seen.
As last shout from the three amigos lineup of Lemmy, Fast Eddie Clarke and Phil ‘Philthy Animal’ Taylor, Iron Fist was rudely dismissed by some ignorant loud mouth hap’orths as being ‘less’, and has always suffered slightly from that initial idiotic disdain. We’re here to finally correct that nonsense, as Iron Fist reveals itself as a vital snapshot of the band at a crucial period when they found themselves caught in the tornado ignited by success and, in true Motörhead style, careered into their next phase at such velocity it transcended logic or reason to become this trio’s final kamikaze joyride.
Forty years later, Iron Fist sounds like prime Motörhead with the gloves and seat-belts off. For sheer velocity, it could be fastest, most out-of-control of them all. If you know, you know, and if you don’t enjoy the gloriously wreckless education that is Iron Fist!
In honour of the 40th Anniversary of the album that inspired this piece of cinematic pastiche, the Iron Fist trailer has been re-discovered, digitised and officially released for the world’s viewing pleasure. Originally cut to Gustav Holst’s ominous ‘Mars, Bringer Of War’, it now features the previously unreleased instrumental demo ‘Ripsaw Teardown’ as its audio soundbed. It’s really quite something, and sets up the forthcoming release of the Iron Fist 40th Anniversary editions.
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of this seminal cannon in the Motörhead armoury, it is being presented in new deluxe editions. There will be hardback book-packs in two CD and triple LP formats, featuring a hammer fist blow, remaster of the original album, previously unreleased demo bonus tracks and a full concert, originally broadcast on Radio Clyde from 18th March 1982. Plus the story of the album and many previously unseen photos. There’s also a limited edition, blue and black swirl of the original standalone album.
Find pre-order options here, and watch a video for "Iron Fist" (Jackson’s Studio Demo), below.
LP / CD tracklisting:
Original Iron Fist album:
"Iron Fist"
"Heart of Stone"
"I’m the Doctor"
"Go to Hell"
"Loser"
"Sex and Outrage"
"America"
"Shut It Down"
"Speedfreak"
"(Don’t Need) Religion"
"Bang to Rights"
Jackson’s Studio Demos October 1981:
"Remember Me, I’m Gone"
"The Doctor"
"Young & Crazy"
"Loser"
"Iron Fist"
"Go To Hell"
CD & Digital Bonus Tracks:
"Lemmy Goes to the Pub"
"Some Old Song, I’m Gone"
"(Don’t Let ‘Em) Grind Ya Down" (Alternate Version)
"Shut It Down"
"Sponge Cake" (Instrumental)
"Ripsaw Teardown" (Instrumental)
"Peter Gunn" (Instrumental)
Live at Glasgow Apollo 18/3/82 (Previously unreleased):
"Iron First"
"Heart of Stone"
"Shoot You In The Back"
"The Hammer"
"Loser"
"Jailbait"
"America"
"White Line"
"(Don’t Need) Religion"
"Go to Hell"
"Capricorn"
"(Don’t Let ‘Em) Grind Ya Down"
"(We Are The) Road Crew"
"Ace of Spades"
"Bite The Bullet"
"The Chase Is Better Than the Catch"
"Overkill"
"Bomber"
"Motörhead"
"Iron Fist" (Jackson’s Studio Demo) video:
(Photo - Allan Ballard)
