The Manticore Tapes 2LP + 7" Deluxe Bookpack

In 1976 the seminal line-up of Motorhead was solidified a year after the band’s initial inception. The ‘three amigos’ era of Motorhead; Lemmy (bass/vocals), Fast Eddie Clarke (guitar) and Phil ‘Philthy Animal’ Taylor joined forces and began their extraordinary journey to the top of the hard rock elite. 

In August 1976 the band set up at Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s legendary Manticore Studio in Fulham to rehearse and showcase the new lineup. While they were there they recorded together for the very first time and now 49 years later, the long lost tape has been discovered, dusted off and restored in all it’s raw glory,  to celebrate the bands 50th anniversary.

Available on a classic black 1LP, CD and as a deluxe expanded 2LP bookpack, all formats include additional alternate takes and instrumentals for a unique insight into the birth of this legendary band.

Additionally the deluxe bookpack comes with an extra bonus LP - the classic bonus Live: Blitzkrieg on Birmingham ‘77 as well as a bonus 7” featuring two previously unreleased tracks live at Barbarellas Birmingham in 1977. There’s also a 24 page booklet with liner notes from long-time collaborator Kris Needs.

This deluxe 24 page bookpack includes:

• The Manticore Tapes. The recently discovered, first ever recordings of the three amigos lineup of Motörhead from 1976.
• Blitzkreig on Birmingham '77 live LP.
• Barbarella's Birmingham '77 previously unreleased live single.
• The story of The Manticore Tapes, told through previously unpublished and new interviews with the people that were there at the time.

Release date: June 27th, 2025

Tracklist

LP1 

1. Intro (Instrumental)
2. Leavin' Here
3. Vibrator
4. Help Keep Us on the Road
5. The Watcher
6. Motörhead
7. Witch Doctor (Instrumental)
8. Iron Horse / Born to Lose (Instrumental)
9. Leavin' Here (Alternate Take)
10. Vibrator (Alternate Take)
11. The Watcher (Alternate Take)

LP2 — Live: Blitzkreig on Birmingham '77

1. Motörhead
2. Vibrator
3. Keep Us On The Road
4. The Watcher
5. Iron Horse
6. Leavin' Here
7. On Parole
8. I'm Your Witch Doctor
9. Train Kept a-Rollin'
10. City Kids
11. White Line Fever

7" — Live at Barbarella's Birmingham '77