Who invented heavy metal? It's a tough question to answer, but according to Ozzy Osborne, Metallica's Lars Ulrich and a host of other rock legends, it's a toss up between Black Sabbath and Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister, front man and bassist for Motorhead and all-round rock music legend. Lemmy the documentary is an intimate portrait of the man himself, following him around from his cluttered apartment in Los Angeles and across the globe as he takes Motorhead on tour, while interviewing a long list of Lemmy's friends, peers and admirers. Producers/directors Greg Olliver and Wes Orshoski have somehow managed to secure an access all areas deal with Lemmy, showing him not only backstage at major gigs but also hanging out with his famous friends (including Billy Bob Thornton) at his favourite hang-out the Rainbow Bar and Grill, as well as during recording sessions with such greats as Dave Grohl. Lemmy proves to be more than just a great front man and entertainer but also a candid subject for the documentary, revealing personal details about his life with a frankness and honesty rarely seen from such famous rock stars. The documentary relishes in its subject matter in a way which leaves the audience with the impression that they have been privy to information which only a close friend might otherwise hear, and Lemmy himself, now in his 60s, emerges at the end as a man of integrity, good humour and a gracious appreciation for the life he has led - it is a level of humility that seems rare amongst the rich and famous. Oh, and Lemmy's summer wear is something to behold...
