Motörhead Still Has One More “Lost” Release For Fans

Motörhead fans, be ready, as something legendary is about to drop. In honor of the band’s 50th anniversary, the group announced the upcoming release of The Manticore Tapes, a previously unheard album recorded back in 1976. The exciting news was shared on the official Motörhead Instagram during the band’s special anniversary celebration.

The announcement read:

“It’s Motörhead day and to commemorate 50 years louder, we’re pleased to announce ‘The Manticore Tapes’ will be released on 27th June.
“This ‘lost’ album from 1976 marks the first-ever studio recordings of the ‘three amigos’ line-up and has never been heard before, until now!”

A Glimpse at the “Three Amigos” Era

What makes this release especially meaningful is that it features the first studio recordings from Motörhead’s classic trio—Lemmy Kilmister on bass and vocals, “Fast” Eddie Clarke on guitar, and Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor on drums. As Blabbermouth pointed out, 1976 was a turning point for the band, setting the foundation for their high-octane sound and explosive live shows.

These sessions were laid down at Manticore Studio in Fulham, England—a facility owned by prog-rock titans Emerson, Lake & Palmer. According to MetalSucks, the tapes capture the unfiltered, high-energy force that would go on to define Motörhead’s sound.

Why This Matters to Fans

American Songwriter highlighted the importance of this lineup in shaping Motörhead’s rise to fame. The chemistry between Lemmy, Clarke, and Taylor gave birth to a raw and powerful brand of rock that broke all the rules. Now, with The Manticore Tapes, fans get a rare listen to that energy in its earliest form.

Mark Your Calendars

Set to be released on June 27th, The Manticore Tapes promises to be a cornerstone in Motörhead’s rich legacy. It’s more than a historical artifact—it’s a long-overdue gift for fans who’ve followed the band’s journey for half a century. If you love Motörhead, this is one release you won’t want to miss.