This album "On Parole" is the first/debut recording made by English Heavy Metal band Motörhead. Due to resistence of the record company, this album was published after three years. This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.
In the hazy, pre-punk landscape of 1975, a band called Bastard was brewing a sonic storm in the dank basements of London. Little did they know that their raucous, amphetamine-fueled jams would eventually become the foundation of Motörhead's debut album, "On Parole", a record that would lay the groundwork for their legendary career. But the road to release was anything but smooth, riddled with label disputes, lineup changes, and a healthy dose of rock and roll chaos.
Recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales under the watchful eye of producer Dave Edmunds, known for his work with artists like Brinsley Schwarz and Love Sculpture, "On Parole" was a raw, unpolished gem. It captured the band's early sound, a potent blend of blues-infused rock and roll, proto-punk aggression, and a touch of psychedelia. Lemmy's signature gravelly vocals snarled over a maelstrom of distorted guitars and thunderous drums, creating a sonic landscape that was both exhilarating and terrifying.
The album's tracklist was a testament to the band's eclectic influences, ranging from the hard-driving "Motörhead" to the bluesy "Lost Johnny." Each song was a snapshot of a band on the cusp of greatness, their raw talent and unbridled energy ready to explode onto the music scene.
However, "On Parole" wasn't without its controversies. The album's original release was delayed for over a year due to a dispute with United Artists, the band's then-label. The label executives were reportedly hesitant to release such a raw, uncompromising record, fearing it would be too extreme for mainstream audiences. This delay led to frustration and uncertainty within the band, ultimately culminating in the departure of guitarist Larry Wallis, who was replaced by "Fast" Eddie Clarke.
The production team, led by Dave Edmunds, played a crucial role in shaping the album's sound. Edmunds, known for his no-nonsense approach and his ability to capture a band's raw energy, allowed Motörhead to be themselves in the studio. The result was a sound that was both visceral and immediate, perfectly capturing the band's live intensity.
British Heavy Metal, Hard Rock, NWOBHM
Liberty United Records LBR 1004
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1976 Made in England / UK ( United Kingdom )
Fritz Fryer - Producer
This album "On Parole" was recorded at: Rockfield Studio, Monmouth, Wales
George Bodmar - Photographer
Lemmy (Ian Kilmister) – bass, lead vocals, backing vocals
Larry Wallis – rhythm and lead guitar, lead vocals ("Vibrator", "Fools"), backing vocals
Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor – drums
Lucas Fox – drums on "Lost Johnny"
Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone )
White Colour UNITED ARTISTS RECORDS LBR 1004 Record Label Details: ℗ 1976 Liberty / United Records ( UK ) Limited, Made in England