I once auditioned for a 'classic rock' band and had to play a dozen great songs by the likes of Bon Jovi and Motley Crue. But the one that was the toughest was 'Ace of Spades' by Motorhead.
I didn't get the gig. But I genuinely don't think it was my drumming that was the problem. I was too old and didn't have enough hair to fit in with the rest of the excellent band. It was still a fantastic session, and the greatest achievement – for me anyway – was to get through the breakneck onslaught of 'Ace of Spades'.
The song will always be associated with Lemmy, whose line 'I don't want to live forever' has now been fulfilled.
'Ace of Spades' was completely over-the-top and also down-to-earth. Just like Lemmy. But above all, he always came over as completely honest – in his music and in whatever he said.
The news of Lemmy's death comes so soon after the demise of one-time Motorhead drummer Phil Taylor. These guys might have been around for a while, but they didn't get old before they died...