Motörhead’s Lost 1976 Album Finally Released for 50th Anniversary
Legendary British hard rock/heavy metal band Motörhead is marking its 50th anniversary with a historic surprise: the official release of The Manticore Tapes, a long-lost 1976 recording. Scheduled for June 27, 2025, this album captures the raw energy of the band’s original lineup, the iconic “Three Amigos” – Lemmy Kilmister (bass/vocals), “Fast” Eddie Clarke (guitar), and Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor (drums).
As reported by NME, The Manticore Tapes was recorded at Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s legendary Manticore Studio in Fulham, England. The tapes were presumed lost for decades until recently being restored by longtime Motörhead producer Cameron Webb at Maple Studios, California.
The album includes early versions of classic tracks like “Motörhead,” “Iron Horse/Born to Lose,” and “Leavin’ Here,” showcasing the band’s unfiltered, aggressive sound before they became global icons. Andrew Alekel handled remastering at Bolskine House, Los Angeles.
What’s Included in “The Manticore Tapes” Release?
The 50th-anniversary edition will be available in multiple formats, including a Deluxe Expanded Bookpack featuring:
- Double LP of studio recordings
- Previously unreleased 1977 live tracks from Birmingham’s Barbarella & Blitzkrieg shows
- 7” single with alternate takes
- CD and digital versions
Full Tracklist of “The Manticore Tapes”
LP & CD:
- Intro (Instrumental)
- Leavin’ Here
- Vibrator
- Help Keep Us on the Road
- The Watcher
- Motörhead
- Witch Doctor (Instrumental)
- Iron Horse / Born to Lose (Instrumental)
- Leavin’ Here (Alternate Take)
- Vibrator (Alternate Take)
- The Watcher (Alternate Take)
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LP2 – Live at Blitzkrieg Birmingham 1977:
- Motörhead
- Vibrator
- Keep Us On The Road
- The Watcher
- Iron Horse
- Leavin’ Here
- On Parole
- I’m Your Witch Doctor
- Train Kept a-Rollin’
- City Kids
- White Line Fever
7″ – Live at Barbarella’s Birmingham 1977 (Unreleased):
- Motörhead
- Keep Us On The Road
For fans of classic Motörhead, The Manticore Tapes is a priceless glimpse into the band’s early days. Its release not only celebrates 50 years of Motörhead’s legacy but also preserves a crucial piece of hard rock history.
