Lemmy says Motörhead's Stones cover beats original

Motörhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister isn't shy when its comes to assessing the version of the Rolling Stones' Sympathy for the Devil Motorhead included on the group's new album Bad Magic.

"I thought we beat them," the hard-rock trio's frontman says. "I thought we beat it to death. I mean, I like the Stones' version, but I like ours better."

Motörhead's brutal version of Sympathy for the Devil appears on the group's 22nd studio album, Bad Magic, out today. The group is currently on tour in the U.S., celebrating its 40th anniversary. Kilmister, who turns 70 in December, recently spoke with USA TODAY.

How long would you have thought the band would last, back in 1975?

About six months. You don't actually think like that. You don’t think, "We're going to last a thousand years."

What's your lasting memory of Motörhead's first U.S. tour, opening for Ozzy Osbourne in 1981?

A: The last night we were with him, because they changed up and Kiss took over as support. That last night, I wrapped a deli tray around his head while he was singing.

Queen's Brian May plays the guitar solo on The Devil from the new album. How did he get involved on the track?

(Guitarist) Phil (Campbell) lives quite near him, and they're quite good friends. So I didn't even see Brian. Brian put it on at Phil's studio in Wales. I thought it was great. I mean, you know, there's only one Brian May.

Are people surprised when they hear you do a ballad like Till the End?

We've done a ballad on every record, except for Motörizer, I think. People always say, every time, "Oh, you've got a ballad." Yeah. The Lord has spoken. It's just a ballad. Nice words.

I like a good, quality ballad. We do quite a lot of them.

In the past couple years, you've had a defibrillator installed and also have had other health problems that postponed shows. What accommodations do you have to make on the road for your health issues?

None, really. I mean, I've stopped drinking Jack Daniels and Coke, because Coke's really bad for you. I drink a little vodka and orange juice now, going back to my old curse. Otherwise, I'm the same.

When does Motörhead end?

When I die, probably. You're never going to find another lead singer. Good or bad, hate it or love it, you're never going to find two.
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