MOTÖRHEAD Drops New Music Video and Single ‘Leavin’ Here’ from ‘The Manticore Tapes’
MOTÖRHEAD has just released “Leavin’ Here”, the second single and music video from their upcoming album, The Manticore Tapes, scheduled for release on the 27th of June. The music video is a visually captivating mixed media production that combines unique model characters, set pieces, and archive footage of the band. The album, The Manticore Tapes, contains previously unreleased recordings featuring MOTÖRHEAD’s classic ‘Three Amigos’ lineup.
The year 1976 marked a significant moment for MOTÖRHEAD, as it solidified its seminal lineup known as the ‘Three Amigos’, composed of Lemmy on bass and vocals, Fast Eddie Clarke on guitar, and Phil ‘Philthy Animal’ Taylor on drums. This iconic trio embarked on an exceptional journey towards becoming one of the most renowned hard rock bands.
In August 1976, the band gathered at Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s renowned Manticore Studio in Fulham to rehearse and showcase their new lineup. During this time, they recorded together for the first time, and nearly five decades later, these long-lost tapes have been uncovered, restored, and presented in their unadulterated form to commemorate the band’s 50th anniversary.
The early days of MOTÖRHEAD’s journey included the involvement of Frank Kennington, a man with ties to THE WHO who briefly managed the band during their struggling phase. Kennington made a significant move by booking MOTÖRHEAD into the converted ABC cinema on Fulham Palace Road, which served as the headquarters for the prog supergroup Emerson, Lake, and Palmer, famously known as Manticore. This studio served as a hub for bands, providing rehearsal space in the main auditorium and offices in the projection room. MOTÖRHEAD recorded their set at Manticore on Ronnie Lane’s mobile studio, operated by Ronnie’s trusted associate Ron Faucus.
Faucus expertly captured MOTÖRHEAD’s burgeoning power, preserving their raw energy and intense performances on tape. These age-old recordings were meticulously restored by longtime collaborator Cameron Webb at Maple Studios in California and mastered by Andrew Alekel at Bolskine House in Los Angeles. This historical process sheds light on a crucial evolution in MOTÖRHEAD’s journey, offering fans a glimpse into the band’s formative years.
The Manticore Tapes will be available in various formats, including a deluxe bookpack containing a double LP and 7″ single, a single LP, CD, and digital release. The track listing for the album includes a mix of instrumental pieces and alternate takes of classic MOTÖRHEAD songs, showcasing the band’s raw and unfiltered sound during the early years.
In conclusion, MOTÖRHEAD’s release of “Leavin’ Here” and The Manticore Tapes offers fans a unique insight into the band’s history and evolution. The rediscovered recordings from the band’s ‘Three Amigos’ era provide a glimpse into their formative years and celebrate their enduring legacy as heavy rock icons.