Picture this: A legendary punk outfit breathing new life into a rock anthem that's defined generations – but is it a respectful nod or a bold remix that blurs the lines? Dive into the excitement as Pennywise drops their electrifying cover of Motörhead's "Ace of Spades," setting the stage for the upcoming tribute album Killed By Deaf – A Punk Tribute to Motörhead, which hits shelves on October 31st. If you're new to this scene, think of Motörhead as the rebellious bridge between raw punk energy and heavy metal thunder, led by the iconic Lemmy Kilmister, whose no-nonsense style made them punk's unlikely metal allies back in the day.
But here's where it gets controversial... Pennywise, those seasoned California punk veterans, deliver a ferocious take on the classic track that stays remarkably true to the original. Guitarist Fletcher Dragge explains it perfectly: Motörhead masterfully walked the tightrope between punk's gritty rebellion and metal's crushing power in "Ace of Spades," so Pennywise didn't need to stray far from their own high-energy roots to create a cover that's both authentic and adrenaline-pumping. For beginners, this means the song's fast-paced riffs and Lemmy's gravelly vocals capture that perfect storm of chaos and melody, making it a punk staple that feels like a call to arms.
And this is the part most people miss... Dragge shares a nostalgic insight in a press release, reflecting on how Motörhead stood out in the early 1980s punk world. "Growing up with punk rock around 1980, Motörhead was pretty much the only metal band that got a pass in the punk scene, at least in my book," he recalls. "Spot a guy in a denim vest sporting a Motörhead patch, and you'd think, 'Oh, a metalhead, but hey, he fits right in with us punks!' 'Ace of Spades' was the tune that sealed the deal – you'd hear it and go, 'That's not just metal; that's pure punk rock!'" It's a fascinating glimpse into how genres collided back then, blurring boundaries that some fans still debate today. Was Motörhead truly punk, or just metal with an edge? This cover might just reignite that old argument.
The full tribute album is packed with star power, featuring covers from heavy hitters like Rancid, The Bronx, Lagwagon, FEAR, and GBH, each bringing their unique spin to Motörhead's catalog. And for a special treat, the album wraps up with a rare, previously unreleased collaboration between Lemmy himself and The Damned, tackling the latter's wild track "Neat Neat Neat." This unearthed gem was teased when the album was announced back in September, adding an extra layer of historical punk magic.
Ready to check it out? Head over to the official site to pre-order Killed By Deaf – A Punk Tribute to Motörhead and stream Pennywise's roaring version of "Ace of Spades" right now. It's a must-listen for fans of both worlds – but does this punk tribute honor Motörhead's legacy, or does it risk diluting their metal edge? What do you think: Is blending genres a genius move or a recipe for disaster? Drop your thoughts in the comments – agree, disagree, or share your own favorite covers. Let's discuss!
