Motörhead were originally formed in 1975 in London by bassist and vocalist Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister, after his departure from Hawkwind, who drafted in guitarist Larry Wallis and drummer Lucas Fox (who was quickly replaced by Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor) to complete the band's initial lineup.

Thus, beginning the band's classic line-up and initially issued by Chiswick Records in 1977 (as a favour to Lemmy), reaching number 43 on the UK Albums Chart.

[2] The band also collaborated with Girlschool (as Headgirl) on the EP St. Valentine's Day Massacre, which reached number 5 in the UK.

[1] Clarke was replaced by former Thin Lizzy guitarist Brian Robertson, who performed on the top-20 album Another Perfect Day.

[1] Rock 'N' Roll and 1916 reached the UK top 40,[2] before Taylor left again during the recording of March ör Die; Mikkey Dee was brought in as his replacement.