The illustrious rock band Motörhead’s famed frontman was Lemmy Kilmister. He became well-known for his recognizable raspy singing voice, powerful lyrics, and commanding stage presence.
He was also well known for his penchant for alcohol and heavy partying.
Hippie culture, which flourished in the 1960s and 1970s, included social movements, music, fashion, and visual arts.
Lemmy Kilmister was one of many artists that embraced the energy and liberation of the age, which was one of experimentation and independence.
Kilmister had respect for and enthusiasm for the Hippie movement. He drew inspiration and energy from the music of the era for many of his own compositions since he considered it to be uplifting and liberated.
He also enjoyed the era’s fashion, frequently donning long hair and vibrant clothing.
Back in 2010 while talking with L.A. Weekly, he shared what he thought of the movement.
He shared, “I just wanted to be the local longhaired guy doing all right. It was the middle of hippiedom, so we were right in the throat of the Woodstock generation. Which was all right with me. I never believed in it. Because there were too many cunts about, which there shouldn’t be if the Age of Aquarius is actually upon us.”
He later on focused on Motorhead who are credited as the pioneers of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.
Their recognizable sound and approach have influenced many bands that have come after them, and their well-known classics like “Ace of Spades” and “Overkill” have turned into anthems for the metal scene.
Before all that, what most people don’t know is that he had an album ‘Escalator‘. It was released back in 1968 and was wrapped around hippie culture.
It was the only album by the band Sam Gopal. With its blend of blues, psychedelic, Indian, and classical influences, their sole album, Escalator, was released in 1969 to widespread acclaim.
The album’s cover art is a renowned example of the psychedelic art movement and boasts hard-hitting rock riffs that flawlessly flow into exploring psychedelic soundscapes.
Back then, Lemmy was known as Ian Willis, and the band consisted of Sam Gopal, Roger D’Elia, and Phil Duke.
There are 11 songs on the album, five of which were written by Lemmy, four by the band, and two were covers. There are also two extra tracks.
The album’s cover art is a renowned example of the psychedelic art movement and boasts hard-hitting rock riffs that flawlessly flow into exploring psychedelic soundscapes.
Escalator, which has been called “a unique blend of psychedelia, blues-rock, folk, and Eastern-influenced music,” is frequently recognized as one of the greatest psychedelic rock albums of the era.
Despite the album receiving favorable reviews, it failed to commercially succeed, and the band disbanded soon after.
Escalator is still regarded as a seminal piece of psychedelic rock music and is highly prized by fans of the style.
