To those that have never experienced a live Motörhead show, be it in the last few years, or ever, for that matter, you needn’t worry. Because of the beauty of modern technology, you don’t even have to leave the house to see what it’s like to be blasted by the godfathers of thunderous metal – and with the addition of high-definition and some terrific camera work, do as Motörhead says to do in one of their recent releases: “Rock Out, with your COCK OUT,” and don’t be afraid of being arrested for indecent exposure. Their latest offering, The World Is Ours – Vol. 2: Anyplace Crazy As Anywhere Else, is a double CD as well as a double DVD/Blu-Ray disc, chronicling the band’s appearances at 2011’s Wacken Open Air Festival, the Sonisphere UK festival, and Rock in Rio in Brazil. It is also the companion piece to 2011’s two-CD, single DVD collection The World Is Ours – Vol. 1: Everywhere Further Than Everyplace Else, which features live performances from Santiago in Chile, New York City and Manchester in the UK.
The concept is pretty simple, just like Motörhead: Plug in the disc and crank it up! Motörhead fans will be pleased that there is a minimal amount of backstage footage and interviews, just TONS of music, all played at an extreme volume. Having experienced many Motörhead shows, I can tell you this set is a true representation what it’s like to see them live. Leader/bassist Lemmy Kilmister is, as always, the focus of Motörhead. From his standard opening statement: “We are Motörhead and we play rock ‘n roll,” to his introductions of all the songs, to his trademark course vocals and unorthodox strumming bass technique, Lemmy is one of a kind. It is understood by anyone who knows anything about heavy rock music. No explanation is needed. Just watch and listen. ‘Nuff said.
What is great about this collection, especially on the visual side, is that with the excellent camera work, it is able to also spotlight the other two members of Motörhead, without really interrupting the focus that is Lemmy. Guitarist Phil Campbell is a powerhouse and quite a character as well. His guitar strap sports “Welsh Wanker” in big letters, an obvious nod to self-deprecation. His guitar work throughout never lulls – big fat chunky leads and chords, the perfect accompaniment to Lemmy.
As a drummer, I am, and have always been, a huge fan of drummer Mikkey Dee, one of the best drummers in rock. His energy and chops are nonstop remarkable, especially given the pace of Motörhead’s catalog of crunch. A real treat is that the camera work is phenomenal. Mikkey is physically short, and usually buried behind his huge drum kit. The camera captures everything you would miss from viewing him from front-of-house. It’s even more incredible during his drum solo. Trust me, it’s done very well.
Some of the highlights, besides the music, are the band’s on-stage comments and song introductions, fire breathing red-heads (yes, I said that….) joining the band onstage, as well as great sound, packaging, and the high-definition video and surround soundtrack. The World Is Ours – Vol. 2: Anyplace Crazy As Anywhere Else should satisfy not only the curious, but all Motörhead fans alike. Again, they are Motörhead and they play rock ‘n roll!
~ Junkman
