Rare 1976 Motörhead recordings set for release this June

Previously unreleased material recorded by Motörhead in 1976 will be issued for the first time on June 27 under the title The Manticore Tapes. The recordings capture the earliest studio session by the line-up of Lemmy Kilmister, “Fast” Eddie Clarke, and Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor, a configuration that became central to the band’s identity during their initial run.

Title: The Manticore Tapes
Artist: Motörhead
Release Date: 2025-06-27
Genres: Hard Rock, Heavy Metal
Label: BMG
Description: Motörhead’s The Manticore Tapes features unreleased 1976 sessions with the classic trio line-up, out June 27 via BMG

The session took place in August 1976 at Manticore Studios, Fulham—an ELP-owned space converted from a former cinema. At the time, Frank Kennington, briefly managing the band after working as a roadie for The Who, arranged for Motörhead to rehearse and record at the studio. The facility’s live room was used for rehearsals, while the mobile recording unit—previously operated by Ronnie Lane and handled here by engineer Ron Faucus—captured the band’s set.

The tapes include early versions of tracks that would become staples of Motörhead’s repertoire through the late 1970s, including “Leavin’ Here,” “Vibrator,” and “The Watcher.” These takes predate the band’s 1977 debut album Motörhead, released via Chiswick Records. Restoration work on the tapes was conducted by long-time collaborator Cameron Webb at Maple Studios in California. Mastering was completed by Andrew Alekel at Bolskine House in Los Angeles.

The release includes a deluxe edition featuring the studio session alongside a 1977 live set recorded in Birmingham. A previously unreleased 7” from the same Birmingham show is also included. Formats span double LP with bookpack, CD, digital, and standard vinyl editions.

Motörhead formed in 1975 in London, founded by Ian Fraser “Lemmy” Kilmister following his dismissal from Hawkwind. The original line-up featured Larry Wallis and Lucas Fox, both of whom were replaced in 1976 by Clarke and Taylor. The group’s early years were marked by erratic label support and commercial uncertainty. Their 1977 self-titled LP was followed by Overkill and Bomber in 1979, both produced by Jimmy Miller. Clarke departed the band in 1982 and Taylor in 1984, with the group undergoing multiple lineup changes until Lemmy’s death in 2015. The band released 22 studio albums during its existence.

retrofuturista

Retrofurista is a site on design, interesting things, audio visual arts, and food.