EVERYTHING LOUDER – A CONVERSATION WITH PHIL CAMPBELL OF MOTÖRHEAD

Loud. For the last 60 years, rock ‘n’ roll music has been defined by one word: loud. And if rock ‘n’ roll means loud, then Motörhead’s music speaks volumes. Always self-proclaimed by founder and frontman Lemmy Kilmister as a “rock ‘n’ roll band,” Motörhead are hugely responsible for the invention of heavy metal. Formed in 1975, the band laid significant groundwork in the hard rock music genre. In the next decade, Motörhead would pioneer heavy metal music. Between 1979-1980, Motörhead release 3 albums that are widely regarded as 3 of the best hard rock albums of all time: Overkill, Bomber, and Ace of Spades.

In 1984, guitarist Phil Campbell joined the band. That same year, Motörhead released arguably their most famous album: a greatest hits record, No Remorse. With Phil Campbell on the ax, the band would forge a legendary career, never wavering from their loud and fast formula. To date, Motörhead have sold over 30 million records, and they aren’t done yet.

The band’s new album, The World Is Yours, drops on February 8th. To hold fans over until then, out now on DVD is The Wörld Is Ours – Vol 1: Everywhere Further Than Everyplace Else. The live DVD celebrates the band’s 35 years of touring. Produced and directed by Banger Films‘s Sam Dunn (Iron Maiden: Flight 666, Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage, Metal Evolution). Motörhead are currently touring on The Gigantour with Megadeth, Volbeat, and Lacuna Coil. I got a rare chance to sit down with Phil on the band’s tour bus. We talked about the tour and the new record, as well as the band’s epic history and how he joined Motörhead. And, finally, he answered the hard rock question of the ages. My advice to you, my friends – always be louder than everything else. – by Matt Bishop