Album Review: Make My Day

There was much more to “Fast” Eddie” Clarke’s name during his four decades in the spotlight with Motörhead than just rock ‘n’ roll excess. Even his nickname – contrary to popular belief – actually referred to his trademark tremolo picking, and not to his bedroom antics. Now, thanks to Sanctuary Records, a comprehensive 320-page biography and a 4-CD box set compilation of Clarke’s musical legacy have been released, offering a deeper understanding of this often-overlooked guitar hero.

Clarke is mostly recognized as a forerunner of proto-speed metal, laying the groundwork for bands like Venom and Metallica with his groundbreaking riffs during his time with Motörhead. However, his early years were deeply rooted in the blues-inspired hard and progressive rock of the 1970s, and that is well covered in the first CD of this compilation, featuring tracks from his time with Curtis Knight’s progressive rock band Zeus, and later with Continuous Performance, a project with Be-Bop Deluxe bassist Charlie Tumahai. Cuts like “Cloud” and “In The Morning” reflect the rich, expansive sound that became the framework of bands like Uriah Heep and UFO, with Clarke demonstrating a fluid and expressive guitar style. The CD concludes with a raw, three-song set from Clarke’s late ’70s side project, The Muggers, offering a more familiar taste for those who primarily associate him with Motörhead’s heavier sound.

The second CD takes listeners into the era that most fans associate with Clarke: his years with the classic Motörhead lineup, known as the “Three Amigos,” from their 1977 debut through 1982’s Iron Fist. This period includes essential tracks like “Overkill,” “Ace of Spades,” and “Iron Fist,” but the real treasures lie in the deeper cuts. Rare demos from the Bomber album, such as “Lawman” and “Dead Men Tell No Tales,” provide a raw, unpolished glimpse into Motörhead’s early sound, capturing the band’s gritty energy as if performed in a small, intimate venue. Clarke’s contributions as a vocalist on tracks like “Step Down” and an alternate version of “Stone Dead Forever” also bring a fresh dimension to the band’s music, with his voice adding a distinct, rock-influenced texture.

The third CD explores Clarke’s post-Motörhead career, focusing on his work with Fastway, the hard rock band he founded in the ’80s. Despite the early departure of bassist Pete Way, which prevented him from recording with the band, demo tracks like “All I Need Is Your Love” and “Feel Me Touch Me” set the stage, with the former evoking the hard-hitting style of Led Zeppelin’s “Heartbreaker,” and showcasing the then-unknown Dave King’s vocal prowess. Remixed versions of cuts like “Deliver Me” and “Lovin’ Fool” channel Clarke’s ’70s rock influences in a strong fashion, while a 2007 live performance of “Easy Livin’” underscores his enduring talent. More polished tracks like “Trick Of Treat” and “Change Of Heart” highlight some of his best post-Motörhead guitar work, leaning into the more melodic, AOR-driven sound of the era.

In Clarke’s later years, a sense of nostalgia permeated his music, as evidenced by the solo material featured on the fourth CD. Re-recorded versions of tracks like “Snakebite” and “Laugh At The Devil” revisit the classic Motörhead sound, with “Snakebite” channeling the high-octane energy of “Ace of Spades,” while “Laugh At The Devil” cranks up the intensity, with Lemmy providing vocals to add even more edge. Clarke’s guitar work stands out on bluesy tracks like “All Over Bar The Shouting” and the swaggering “No Satisfaction,” offering a definitive glimpse of his talents both as a guitarist and as a vocalist. The CD closes with tracks that nod to Clarke’s pre-Motörhead progressive era, featuring keyboardist Bill Sharpe, but with a heavier, more modern twist.

Offering a detailed look into “Fast Eddie” Clarke’s career, this posthumous collection, serves up an expansive look into his vast contributions to both rock and metal, ones that truly deserve a broader appreciation. The accompanying biography by rock journalist Kris Needs and Clarke’s widow Mariko Fujiwara provides an in-depth look at Clarke’s life and career, from his early inspiration at a Yardbirds concert to his success with Curtis Knight, Motörhead, Fastway, and his solo work. While his music might seem firmly rooted in classic hard rock, this 46-track release paints a fuller picture of a guitarist who influenced significant change while staying true to his roots, supported by the talented musicians with whom he collaborated. Above all, it captures the human side of Clarke, highlighted by a recorded message from him at the start of the musical content, offering a final word of encouragement from beyond.