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There was much more to \u201cFast\u201d Eddie\u201d Clarke<\/strong>\u2019s name during his four decades in the spotlight with Mot\u00f6rhead<\/a><\/strong> than just rock ‘n’ roll excess. Even his nickname \u2013 contrary to popular belief \u2013 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<\/strong>\u2019s musical legacy have been released, offering a deeper understanding of this often-overlooked guitar hero.<\/p>\n Clarke<\/strong> is mostly recognized as a forerunner of proto-speed metal, laying the groundwork for bands like Venom<\/a><\/strong> and Metallica<\/a><\/strong> with his groundbreaking riffs during his time with Mot\u00f6rhead<\/a><\/strong>. 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<\/strong>\u2019s progressive rock band Zeus<\/strong>, and later with Continuous Performance<\/strong>, a project with Be-Bop Deluxe<\/strong> bassist Charlie Tumahai<\/strong>. Cuts like \u201cCloud\u201d and \u201cIn The Morning\u201d reflect the rich, expansive sound that became the framework of bands like Uriah Heep<\/strong> and UFO<\/strong>, with Clarke<\/strong> demonstrating a fluid and expressive guitar style. The CD concludes with a raw, three-song set from Clarke<\/strong>\u2019s late ’70s side project, The Muggers<\/strong>, offering a more familiar taste for those who primarily associate him with Mot\u00f6rhead<\/a><\/strong>\u2019s heavier sound.<\/p>\n The second CD takes listeners into the era that most fans associate with Clarke<\/strong>: his years with the classic Mot\u00f6rhead<\/a><\/strong> lineup, known as the \u201cThree Amigos,\u201d from their 1977 debut through 1982\u2019s Iron Fist<\/em>. This period includes essential tracks like \u201cOverkill,\u201d \u201cAce of Spades,\u201d and \u201cIron Fist,\u201d but the real treasures lie in the deeper cuts. Rare demos from the Bomber<\/em> album, such as \u201cLawman\u201d and \u201cDead Men Tell No Tales,\u201d provide a raw, unpolished glimpse into Mot\u00f6rhead<\/a><\/strong>\u2019s early sound, capturing the band\u2019s gritty energy as if performed in a small, intimate venue. Clarke<\/strong>\u2019s contributions as a vocalist on tracks like \u201cStep Down\u201d and an alternate version of \u201cStone Dead Forever\u201d also bring a fresh dimension to the band\u2019s music, with his voice adding a distinct, rock-influenced texture.<\/p>\n The third CD explores Clarke<\/strong>\u2019s post-Mot\u00f6rhead<\/a><\/strong> career, focusing on his work with Fastway<\/a><\/strong>, the hard rock band he founded in the ’80s. Despite the early departure of bassist Pete Way<\/strong>, which prevented him from recording with the band, demo tracks like \u201cAll I Need Is Your Love\u201d and \u201cFeel Me Touch Me\u201d set the stage, with the former evoking the hard-hitting style of Led Zeppelin<\/a><\/strong>\u2019s \u201cHeartbreaker,\u201d and showcasing the then-unknown Dave King<\/strong>\u2019s vocal prowess. Remixed versions of cuts like \u201cDeliver Me\u201d and \u201cLovin\u2019 Fool\u201d channel Clarke<\/strong>\u2019s ’70s rock influences in a strong fashion, while a 2007 live performance of \u201cEasy Livin\u2019\u201d underscores his enduring talent. More polished tracks like \u201cTrick Of Treat\u201d and \u201cChange Of Heart\u201d highlight some of his best post-Mot\u00f6rhead<\/a><\/strong> guitar work, leaning into the more melodic, AOR-driven sound of the era.<\/p>\n In Clarke<\/strong>\u2019s 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 \u201cSnakebite\u201d and \u201cLaugh At The Devil\u201d revisit the classic Mot\u00f6rhead<\/a><\/strong> sound, with \u201cSnakebite\u201d channeling the high-octane energy of \u201cAce of Spades,\u201d while \u201cLaugh At The Devil\u201d cranks up the intensity, with Lemmy<\/strong> providing vocals to add even more edge. Clarke<\/strong>\u2019s guitar work stands out on bluesy tracks like \u201cAll Over Bar The Shouting\u201d and the swaggering \u201cNo Satisfaction,\u201d offering a definitive glimpse of his talents both as a guitarist and as a vocalist. The CD closes with tracks that nod to Clarke<\/strong>\u2019s pre-Mot\u00f6rhead<\/strong> progressive era, featuring keyboardist Bill Sharpe<\/strong>, but with a heavier, more modern twist.<\/p>\n Offering a detailed look into \u201cFast Eddie\u201d Clarke<\/strong>\u2019s 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<\/strong>\u2019s widow Mariko Fujiwara<\/strong> provides an in-depth look at Clarke<\/strong>\u2019s life and career, from his early inspiration at a Yardbirds<\/strong> concert to his success with Curtis Knight<\/strong>, Mot\u00f6rhead<\/a><\/strong>, Fastway<\/a><\/strong>, 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<\/strong>, highlighted by a recorded message from him at the start of the musical content, offering a final word of encouragement from beyond.<\/p>\n \n