Akshita Siddhapura
Motörhead celebrate 50 years of their earliest recordings with the On Parole Sessions box set. The collection arrives on 17 April. Fans can pre-order now.
This 4-disc edition presents the band’s first studio recordings in newly restored and expanded formats. It captures the raw birth of one of rock’s most influential bands. The set includes three CDs and one Blu-ray.
The First Motörhead Recordings
On Parole marks Motörhead’s first studio work from 1975. The band completed the album in 1976. The original line-up features Lemmy on bass and vocals, Larry Wallis on guitar, and Lucas Fox and Phil Taylor on drums. This album remains the only Motörhead release with that original formation. United Artists Records delayed the album’s release until 1979. It eventually became the band’s fourth released album. Lemmy later called it the true beginning of Motörhead.
A Defining Moment in British Rock
After leaving Hawkwind, Lemmy formed Motörhead with a new vision. He rejected lengthy progressive rock structures. He embraced speed, aggression, and simplicity. The band created short, explosive songs. They played loud and without compromise. Their sound bridged rock, heavy metal, and punk. Motörhead gave a restless generation a voice. Their attitude challenged the establishment. Their image stood apart from the era’s polished rock royalty. Artists inspired by Motörhead include Dave Grohl, Metallica, Pantera, The Damned, and Billy Idol.
Brand-New Steven Wilson Remix
The first CD features a brand-new 2025 remix by Steven Wilson. He brings enhanced clarity and depth to the original recordings. The remix preserves the album’s grit while expanding its sonic power. Tracks include “Motorhead,” “On Parole,” “Vibrator,” “Iron Horse / Born To Lose,” “City Kids,” “Fools,” “The Watcher,” “Leaving Here,” and “Lost Johnny.” This remix allows listeners to experience the album with renewed intensity.
Extensive Session Outtakes and Studio Recordings
CD2 and CD3 feature rare session recordings mixed in 2025 by Richard Digby Smith. These discs present demos, instrumental takes, alternate versions, and studio dialogue. The collection reveals the band’s creative process in remarkable detail. Listeners can hear early takes of “Motorhead” and “City Kids.” They can explore extended jams and backing tracks. The 19-minute “Jam / On Parole” highlights the band’s raw chemistry. These recordings document the evolution of Motörhead’s uncompromising sound.
Blu-ray with Dolby Atmos and Surround Mixes
The Blu-ray delivers the album in Dolby Atmos, 5.1 surround, and new stereo mixes. It also includes a flat transfer of the original LP. These high-resolution formats provide the most immersive On Parole experience to date. The Atmos mix places listeners inside the studio environment. The surround mix enhances the album’s power and depth.
