Ace of Spades (song)
Encyclopedia
"Ace of Spades" is a song by the English band Motörhead, released in 1980 as a single and the title track to the album Ace of Spades
. The song spent 12 weeks in the United Kingdom Singles Chart
, peaking at #15.
and autumn tour, Bronze Records also released a 12" vinyl pressing in special Christmas picture sleeves, limited to 50,000 copies. The picture of the band in Santa outfits used on the cover was taken at the Aylesbury
Fair, while the band were on tour.
Bronze also issued German and Spanish 7" vinyl versions which had a different sleeves, as well as a Japanese release, with a colour picture insert with song lyrics in English and Japanese. One sided test pressings (not mis-presses, but used in the trade) escaped the pressing plant and are on the market.
For the lyrics, Lemmy said he "used gambling metaphors, mostly cards and dice – when it comes to that sort of thing, I'm more into the one-arm bandits
actually, but you can't really sing about spinning fruit, and the wheels coming down".
On 6 September 1980 Lemmy was interviewed by Graham Neale on BBC Radio 1
's Rock On Saturday show, "Bomber
", "Ace of Spades" and "Love Me Like a Reptile" were played. The following month, on 6 and 20 October, the band played the song on BBC
TV show Top of the Pops
.
In March 2005, Q magazine placed it at No. 27 in its list of the 100 Greatest Guitar Tracks, stating "This song has an intro which wouldn't be out of place ushering in the end of the world". In 2009 it was named the 10th greatest hard rock song of all time by VH1
.
This song is considered to be their signature song
.
All three songs on the single appeared on the band's No Sleep at All
live album, which was recorded at the Giants of Rock Festival in Hämeenlinna
, Finland on 2 July 1988.
The band had wanted "Traitor" as the A-side, but "Ace of Spades" was chosen instead, when the band noticed the change, they refused to allow the single to be distributed to the shops. So despite the popularity the song had achieved, this single was not as successful as the original version, which reached No. 15 in the UK Singles Chart
in 1980, as it became only available at gigs and through the Motörheadbangers fan club.
The song became a staple of the band's live set, with Lemmy acknowledging that despite becoming "sick" of performing it, they "can't ditch Ace of Spades, it wouldn't be right. If I go to see Little Richard
, I expect to hear Good Golly Miss Molly, or I'd be pissed off". Live versions have appeared on the albums No Sleep 'til Hammersmith
(1981), Nö Sleep at All
(1988), Everything Louder than Everyone Else
(1999), Live at Brixton Academy
(2003) and Better Motörhead than Dead: Live at Hammersmith
(2007).
It was the first song that Phil Campbell
and Wurzel
played with the band – on the Bambi
episode of The Young Ones
. The lineup is particularly rare until 1987: Lemmy, Campbell, Wurzel and Taylor. Taylor had already left the band by the time the filming started, but kept to his promise of making the performance.
In September 1993 WGAF Records re-released the original 1980s track on CD-single, cassette single, 12" vinyl picture sleeve and picture disc versions, the song was coupled with "Louie Louie", "Dirty Love", and "Ace of Spades (The CCN Remix)", and although the band were not too pleased with the CCN Remix version, this single peaked at No. 23 in the UK charts.
Ace of Spades (album)
Ace of Spades is the fourth album by the British band Motörhead. Released on 8 November 1980, it peaked at #4 on the UK album charts and reached Gold status by March 1981...
. The song spent 12 weeks in the United Kingdom Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
, peaking at #15.
Overview
Initially issued as a 7" vinyl single on 27 October 1980 as a preview to the album Ace of SpadesAce of Spades (album)
Ace of Spades is the fourth album by the British band Motörhead. Released on 8 November 1980, it peaked at #4 on the UK album charts and reached Gold status by March 1981...
and autumn tour, Bronze Records also released a 12" vinyl pressing in special Christmas picture sleeves, limited to 50,000 copies. The picture of the band in Santa outfits used on the cover was taken at the Aylesbury
Aylesbury
Aylesbury is the county town of Buckinghamshire in South East England. However the town also falls into a geographical region known as the South Midlands an area that ecompasses the north of the South East, and the southern extremities of the East Midlands...
Fair, while the band were on tour.
Bronze also issued German and Spanish 7" vinyl versions which had a different sleeves, as well as a Japanese release, with a colour picture insert with song lyrics in English and Japanese. One sided test pressings (not mis-presses, but used in the trade) escaped the pressing plant and are on the market.
For the lyrics, Lemmy said he "used gambling metaphors, mostly cards and dice – when it comes to that sort of thing, I'm more into the one-arm bandits
Slot machine
A slot machine , informally fruit machine , the slots , poker machine or "pokies" or simply slot is a casino gambling machine with three or more reels which spin when a button is pushed...
actually, but you can't really sing about spinning fruit, and the wheels coming down".
On 6 September 1980 Lemmy was interviewed by Graham Neale on BBC Radio 1
BBC Radio 1
BBC Radio 1 is a British national radio station operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation which also broadcasts internationally, specialising in current popular music and chart hits throughout the day. Radio 1 provides alternative genres after 7:00pm including electronic dance, hip hop, rock...
's Rock On Saturday show, "Bomber
Bomber (song)
"Bomber" is a song by the English heavy metal band Motörhead, recorded and released in 1979 . It is the title track to their album Bomber and was released as a single peaking at 34 on the UK singles chart....
", "Ace of Spades" and "Love Me Like a Reptile" were played. The following month, on 6 and 20 October, the band played the song on BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
TV show Top of the Pops
Top of the Pops
Top of the Pops, also known as TOTP, is a British music chart television programme, made by the BBC and originally broadcast weekly from 1 January 1964 to 30 July 2006. After 25 December 2006 it became a radio program, now hosted by Tony Blackburn...
.
Critical reception
The song is considered to be the definitive Motörhead anthem, and "put a choke on the English music charts and proved to all that a band could succeed without sacrificing its blunt power and speed".In March 2005, Q magazine placed it at No. 27 in its list of the 100 Greatest Guitar Tracks, stating "This song has an intro which wouldn't be out of place ushering in the end of the world". In 2009 it was named the 10th greatest hard rock song of all time by VH1
VH1
VH1 or Vh1 is an American cable television network based in New York City. Launched on January 1, 1985 in the old space of Turner Broadcasting's short-lived Cable Music Channel, the original purpose of the channel was to build on the success of MTV by playing music videos, but targeting a slightly...
.
This song is considered to be their signature song
Signature song
A signature song is the one song that a popular and well-established singer or band is most closely identified with or best known for, even if they have had success with a variety of songs...
.
Track listing
- "Ace of Spades" (Ian Kilmister, Eddie ClarkeEddie ClarkeEdward Allan Clarke better known as "Fast" Eddie Clarke, is a guitarist who was a member of British heavy metal bands Fastway and Motörhead.-Early days:...
, Phil Taylor) – 2:49 - "Dirty Love" (Kilmister, Clarke, Taylor) – 2:57
Personnel
- Lemmy – bass, lead vocals
- "Fast" Eddie ClarkeEddie ClarkeEdward Allan Clarke better known as "Fast" Eddie Clarke, is a guitarist who was a member of British heavy metal bands Fastway and Motörhead.-Early days:...
– lead guitar - Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor – drums
Live version
"Ace of Spades (live)" is a 1988 7-inch vinyl release of the song by Motörhead. The single has no picture sleeve; it was issued (and withdrawn) in a plain white paper cover.All three songs on the single appeared on the band's No Sleep at All
No Sleep at All
Nö Sleep at All is the second official live album by the British band Motörhead, following 1981's No Sleep 'til Hammersmith. It was recorded on 2 July 1988 at a Giants of Rock Festival performance in Hämeenlinna, Finland.-History:...
live album, which was recorded at the Giants of Rock Festival in Hämeenlinna
Hämeenlinna
Hämeenlinna is a city and municipality of about inhabitants in the heart of the historical province of Häme in the south of Finland and is the birthplace of composer Jean Sibelius. Today, it belongs to the region of Tavastia Proper, and until 2010 it was the residence city for the Governor of the...
, Finland on 2 July 1988.
The band had wanted "Traitor" as the A-side, but "Ace of Spades" was chosen instead, when the band noticed the change, they refused to allow the single to be distributed to the shops. So despite the popularity the song had achieved, this single was not as successful as the original version, which reached No. 15 in the UK Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
in 1980, as it became only available at gigs and through the Motörheadbangers fan club.
The song became a staple of the band's live set, with Lemmy acknowledging that despite becoming "sick" of performing it, they "can't ditch Ace of Spades, it wouldn't be right. If I go to see Little Richard
Little Richard
Richard Wayne Penniman , known by the stage name Little Richard, is an American singer, songwriter, musician, recording artist, and actor, considered key in the transition from rhythm and blues to rock and roll in the 1950s. He was also the first artist to put the funk in the rock and roll beat and...
, I expect to hear Good Golly Miss Molly, or I'd be pissed off". Live versions have appeared on the albums No Sleep 'til Hammersmith
No Sleep 'til Hammersmith
No Sleep ’til Hammersmith is the first live album by Motörhead. Released on 27 June 1981, it peaked at #1 on the UK album charts. It was followed by the release of the single "Motorhead" on 11 July, which peaked in the UK singles chart at #6.-History:With the exception of "Iron Horse / Born To...
(1981), Nö Sleep at All
No Sleep at All
Nö Sleep at All is the second official live album by the British band Motörhead, following 1981's No Sleep 'til Hammersmith. It was recorded on 2 July 1988 at a Giants of Rock Festival performance in Hämeenlinna, Finland.-History:...
(1988), Everything Louder than Everyone Else
Everything Louder Than Everyone Else
Everything Louder than Everyone Else is the third live album by the British band Motörhead. The title refers to a remark repeated by Ian Gillan of Deep Purple on their Made in Japan live album: "Could we have everything louder than everything else?". Recorded at a show in Hamburg, Germany on May...
(1999), Live at Brixton Academy
Live at Brixton Academy (Motörhead album)
Live at Brixton Academy is the fourth official live album by the British band Motörhead. Recorded at their 25th anniversary concert on October 22, 2000 at the Brixton Academy, London, UK. Various guests made appearances, including Queen's Brian May and ex-Skunk Anansie guitarist Ace...
(2003) and Better Motörhead than Dead: Live at Hammersmith
Better Motörhead than Dead: Live at Hammersmith
Better Motörhead than Dead: Live at Hammersmith is the title of the British band Motörhead's latest live album. It was released on July 16, 2007, and features the recording of Motörhead's 30th anniversary show at the Hammersmith Apollo on June 16, 2005.- Track listing :All songs written by Eddie...
(2007).
It was the first song that Phil Campbell
Phil Campbell (musician)
Philip Anthony Campbell has been the lead guitarist of the British heavy metal band Motörhead since 1984. He is also the former guitarist of Persian Risk.-Early life and career:...
and Wurzel
Würzel
Michael Burston commonly known by the stage name Würzel, was an English musician and formerly a guitarist in the British heavy metal band, Motörhead....
played with the band – on the Bambi
Bambi (Young Ones episode)
"Bambi" was the seventh episode of British sitcom The Young Ones. It was written by Ben Elton, Rik Mayall and Lise Mayer, and directed by Geoff Posner. It was first aired on BBC2 on 8 May 1984...
episode of The Young Ones
The Young Ones (TV series)
The Young Ones is a British sitcom, first broadcast in 1982, which ran for two series on BBC2. Its anarchic, offbeat humour helped bring alternative comedy to television in the 1980s and made household names of its writers and performers...
. The lineup is particularly rare until 1987: Lemmy, Campbell, Wurzel and Taylor. Taylor had already left the band by the time the filming started, but kept to his promise of making the performance.
In September 1993 WGAF Records re-released the original 1980s track on CD-single, cassette single, 12" vinyl picture sleeve and picture disc versions, the song was coupled with "Louie Louie", "Dirty Love", and "Ace of Spades (The CCN Remix)", and although the band were not too pleased with the CCN Remix version, this single peaked at No. 23 in the UK charts.
Single track listing
- "Ace of Spades" (Lemmy, Eddie ClarkeEddie ClarkeEdward Allan Clarke better known as "Fast" Eddie Clarke, is a guitarist who was a member of British heavy metal bands Fastway and Motörhead.-Early days:...
, Phil Taylor) - "Dogs" (Lemmy, WürzelWürzelMichael Burston commonly known by the stage name Würzel, was an English musician and formerly a guitarist in the British heavy metal band, Motörhead....
, Phil CampbellPhil Campbell (musician)Philip Anthony Campbell has been the lead guitarist of the British heavy metal band Motörhead since 1984. He is also the former guitarist of Persian Risk.-Early life and career:...
, Taylor) - "Traitor" (Lemmy, Würzel, Campbell, Taylor)
Cover versions
- The song was played live by the Scottish pop-rock band Del AmitriDel AmitriDel Amitri were a Scottish pop-rock guitar band, formed in Glasgow, Scotland in 1983. The band grew out of Justin Currie's Jordanhill College School band and came together after teenager Currie placed an advertisement in the window of a music store asking for people who could play to contact him...
and a live recording featured on the Bonus Live Disc in the two disc CD set of Hatful of RainHatful of Rain (album)Hatful of Rain is the fifth album by Del Amitri, released in September, 1998. It is a compilation of their greatest hits.- Trivia :The single "Don't Come Home Too Soon" was the Official Team Scotland Song for World Cup '98.-Track listing:... - The American hardcore punk band Blood for BloodBlood for BloodBlood for Blood is a hardcore band from Boston, Massachusetts. Formed by Shane Flannery in 1994, motivated by the hardcore scene in Boston and New York City at the time. In 1997 they were signed to Victory Records...
covered the song as a hidden track on their album Livin' in Exile, and has been featured on several Motörhead tribute albums. - The Southern American punk metal band The Cooters covered "Ace of Spades" on their 2005 album "Chaos or Bust."
- The song is covered by the American band, "Crowbar"
- This song has been covered by The Reverend Horton HeatThe Reverend Horton HeatThe Reverend Horton Heat is the stage name of American musician Jim Heath as well as the name of his Dallas, Texas-based psychobilly trio. Heath is a singer, songwriter and guitarist....
during live performances. - A Dutch version of "Ace of Spades" (Called "Schoppen Aas") is covered by the Dutch Hard Rock band Peter Pan SpeedrockPeter Pan SpeedrockPeter Pan Speedrock is a Dutch band from Eindhoven. It was founded in 1997 by guitarist Peter van Elderen. He was joined by drummer Bart Nederhand and bass player Bob Muileboom in making their first self titled album. After this album Muileboom was replaced by Bart Geevers, who would stay to be a...
. Dikke Dennis performs the vocals on this version. - Southern Metal band He Is LegendHe Is LegendHe Is Legend is a hard rock band formed in Wilmington, North Carolina who signed to Tragic Hero Records in 2009. The band consists of vocalist front man Schuylar Croom, guitarist Adam Tanbouz, drummer Steven Bache, bassist Matt Williams....
has covered the song live. - The song has been covered by the band WeenWeenWeen is an American alternative rock group. They formed in 1984 in New Hope, Pennsylvania when central members Aaron Freeman and Mickey Melchiondo met in an eighth grade typing class. Ween has a large cult underground fanbase despite being generally unknown in American pop music...
at live concerts. - The Swedish Viking metalViking metalViking metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music characterized by its galloping pace, keyboard-rich anthemic sound, bleakness and dramatic emphasis on lyrical themes of Norse mythology, Norse paganism, and the Viking Age...
band BathoryBathory (band)Bathory was a Swedish heavy metal band, formed by Quorthon in 1983. They are regarded as pioneers of both black metal and viking metal. Quorthon remained the main songwriter and member of Bathory for more than two decades. Bathory was permanently ended after Quorthon's death in 2004...
covered it with a much slower pace than the original. - German thrashThrash metalThrash metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that is characterized usually by its fast tempo and aggression. Songs of the genre typically use fast percussive and low-register guitar riffs, overlaid with shredding-style lead work...
/black metalBlack metalBlack metal is an extreme subgenre of heavy metal music. Common traits include fast tempos, shrieked vocals, highly distorted guitars played with tremolo picking, blast beat drumming, raw recording, and unconventional song structure....
band SodomSodom (band)Sodom is a German Thrash metal trio from Gelsenkirchen, formed in 1981.Along with the bands Kreator and Destruction, Sodom is considered one of the "big three" of Teutonic thrash metal...
did a cover on their 2003 live album One Night in BangkokOne Night in Bangkok (album)One Night in Bangkok is a live album by the German thrash metal band Sodom, recorded in Bangkok, Thailand.-Disc one:# "Among the Weirdcong" – 5:03# "The Vice of Killing" – 4:22# "Der Wachturm" – 3:04# "The Saw Is the Law" – 3:36# "Blasphemer" – 2:46...
, with the same bass/vocal, guitar, drums setup as Motörhead. - Swedish metal band Drain STHDrain STH-Biography:Noted today for their Seattle/Grunge sound, Stockholm all female quartet Drain STH have undergone many direction changes in both musical style and image. Guitarist Flavia Canel and drummer Martina Axén have been together in many acts starting with punk band Livin' Sacrifice...
released a 5:02 cover version as a bonus track on the 1998 reissue of the album Horror WrestlingHorror WrestlingHorror Wrestling is the first studio album by the Swedish all-female alternative metal band Drain STH, released on June 5, 1996...
. - Hayseed DixieHayseed DixieHayseed Dixie is an American band which began in the autumn of 2000 with the release of their first album, A Hillbilly Tribute to AC/DC. The band performs a mixture of cover versions of hard rock songs and original compositions in a style that is a unique fusion of bluegrass and rock music and are...
, a satirical bluegrass band has covered the song. - The German metal band J.B.O.J.B.O.J.B.O. is a heavy metal band from Erlangen, Germany. J.B.O. was founded in 1989 by Vito C. and Hannes "G.Laber" Holzmann and is known for parodies of rock and pop songs...
covered the Song in an unplugged Version called "Ace of Spades umgepflügt" (Ace of Spades plowed up) - The Shop AssistantsThe Shop AssistantsShop Assistants were an indie pop band from Edinburgh, Scotland, formed in 1984, initially as Buba & The Shop Assistants. After achieving success with independent releases they signed to Chrysalis Records sublabel Blue Guitar, releasing their only album in 1986...
recorded a version for a John PeelJohn PeelJohn Robert Parker Ravenscroft, OBE , known professionally as John Peel, was an English disc jockey, radio presenter, record producer and journalist. He was the longest-serving of the original BBC Radio 1 DJs, broadcasting regularly from 1967 until his death in 2004...
session in 1986. - British rock band StereophonicsStereophonicsThe Stereophonics are a Welsh rock band now living in turners x that formed in 1992 in the village of Cwmaman in Cynon Valley, Wales. The band currently comprises lead vocalist and guitarist Kelly Jones, bassist and backing vocalist Richard Jones, drummer Javier Weyler, guitarist and backing...
often briefly incorporate the chorus of the song into live performances of their single The Bartender and the ThiefThe Bartender and the Thief"The Bartender and the Thief" is a 1998 single by British rock band the Stereophonics. It was the first single taken from their second album Performance and Cocktails. It was released on 9 November 1998 and reached #3 in the UK charts....
. - British House musicHouse musicHouse music is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in Chicago, Illinois, United States in the early 1980s. It was initially popularized in mid-1980s discothèques catering to the African-American, Latino American, and gay communities; first in Chicago circa 1984, then in other...
duo Basement JaxxBasement JaxxBasement Jaxx are a British electronic dance music duo from London, England consisting of Felix Buxton born 1971 and Simon Ratcliffe born 1 December 1969. They first rose to popularity in the late 1990s...
often mashupMashup (music)A mashup or bootleg is a song or composition created by blending two or more pre-recorded songs, usually by overlaying the vocal track of one song seamlessly over the instrumental track of another...
Ace of Spades with Lil LouisLil LouisLil Louis is the stage name used by Chicago-born house-music producer and DJ Louis Sims. He scored a number of hits on the Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart in the 1980s and 1990s, three of which hit #1....
Chicago houseChicago houseChicago house is a style of house music, a genre of electronic dance music which emerged in Chicago in the mid-1980s. Stylistically, Chicago house has no widely accepted definition, but generally includes the first house music productions by Chicago-based artists throughout the 1980s, and any later...
track Blackout as part of their live performances. - Anglo-French band The Barking Dogs made a folk/ska-punk version which became their traditional concert finale. It is featured on The Barking Dogs Live on Woof Trade Records and several versions can be seen on YouTube.
- The song was covered by Tokyo YankeesTokyo YankeesTokyo Yankees is a Japanese metal band that formed in Tokyo in 1988. After peaking in popularity in the early 1990s and going on hiatus in 1995, the band reformed in 2000. Vocalist Soichiro "Ume" Umemura died in 2007 after nearly twenty years fronting the band...
with hideHide (musician), better known by his stage name hide , was a popular Japanese musician. He was primarily known for his work as lead guitarist of the heavy metal band X Japan from 1987 to 1997...
and PataPataPata may refer to:* Pata , an Indian weapon* Pata , a Japanese guitarist* Pata, Sulu, a Philippine municipality* Pata, a village in Apahida Commune, Cluj County, Romania...
at Extasy Summit 1991. - The Northern Irish punk rock band, Stiff Little FingersStiff Little FingersStiff Little Fingers are a punk rock band from Belfast, Northern Ireland. They formed in 1977, at the height of the Troubles. They started out as a schoolboy band called Highway Star , doing rock covers, until they discovered punk. They split up after six years and four albums, although they...
, have been known to cover it live. Stating before hand that "it's one of those songs that you either love or hate, and we f**king love it". Lead singer, Jake BurnsJake BurnsJake Burns is a singer and guitarist, and is best known as the frontman of Stiff Little Fingers.-Career:...
, usually finishes playing it by promising to "learn the one day" - The band Radio Cult released a cover of the song on their album "Grooves from the Grave" in 2008.
- The Canadian motorgrass band Jughead covered their song on "Uncorked" in 1994. They claim that Lemmy said that theirs is the only cover version that he ever liked.
- The song has been covered by the frank on their album "Blackfalds Revisited" in 2005.
- An Acid TechoAcid technoAcid techno is the term used to describe a style of techno that developed out of late 1980s Chicago Acid house. Acid house was essentially house music made with a specific sound, obtained by using very distinctive instruments created mainly by Roland, such as the TB-303 for bass and lead sounds,...
cover was produced in the summer of 1998 by the "DDR & The Geezer" (Dave Lalouche & Guy McAffer) for the AA side of the 2nd release from C.O.S.H.H. - It has been covered by Macedonian ska-funk band SuperhiksSuperhiksSuperhiks is a Macedonian ska-punk and reggae band with occasional swing, Latin and Balkan folk music elements from Skopje, Republic of Macedonia. They gained international prominence after appearing on MTV France, MTV Israel and MTV Adria...
on live performances. - The song has been covered by Polish Thrash band Acid DrinkersAcid DrinkersAcid Drinkers are Polish thrash metal band formed in September 1986 in Poznań. Acid Drinkers were formed on September 21, 1986 consisting of Tomasz "Titus" Pukacki and Robert "Litza" Friedrich . The band's style from back then to present is thrash metal, with influences of heavy metal...
on their 1994 album Fishdick. - The song was covered by Welsh Glam Metal band TigertailzTigertailzTigertailz are a glam metal band hailing from Cardiff, Wales. They are most famous for their 1990 album, Bezerk, which made the Top 40 in the UK Albums Chart, and spawned a couple of successful singles...
on their live 2011 album Berzerk Live Burnin' Fuel from dates in Cardiff, Newcastle and Stockholm in 2010. - The song was covered by Ukrainian kozak-rock band HaydamakyHaydamakyHaydamaky may refer to:* Haidamakas, an 18th-century Ukrainian rebellion against the Polish nobility* Haydamaky...
on several live performances. The song will be released as one of the tracks in the next HaydamakyHaydamakyHaydamaky may refer to:* Haidamakas, an 18th-century Ukrainian rebellion against the Polish nobility* Haydamaky...
's album, presumably in the 2nd half of 2011. - Covered by The Twistin' Tarantulas. A Detroit band with a hybrid sound of Jump-Blues and Rockabilly with a modern Punk edge. On the album "Attack of the Twistin' Tarantulas" (2004)
Video games
- The song was featured in the popular skateboarding game Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3, often abbreviated to THPS3, is a skateboarding video game in the Tony Hawk's series. It was developed by Neversoft and published by Activision in 2001 for the Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo 64, Game Boy Color, PlayStation 2, and PlayStation. In 2002, it was published for the...
. - A cover version of "Ace of Spades", containing an extended guitar solo in the climax of the song, was featured in the 2005 music video game Guitar Hero for PlayStation 2PlayStation 2The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan...
. It was included in a downloadable 3-song pack for the Xbox 360Xbox 360The Xbox 360 is the second video game console produced by Microsoft and the successor to the Xbox. The Xbox 360 competes with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
version of its successor, Guitar Hero IIGuitar Hero IIGuitar Hero II is a music video game developed by Harmonix Music Systems and published by RedOctane. It is the second installment in the Guitar Hero series and is the sequel to Guitar Hero...
, as well. - The song also appears in 2K Sports Baseball title The BigsThe BigsThe Bigs is an arcade-style baseball video game for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Wii and PlayStation Portable. It was released in June 2007 in North America, and in October in Europe...
. - A re-recording of the song, "Ace of Spades '08", is in the setlist of Rock Band 2Rock Band 2Rock Band 2 is a music video game developed by Harmonix Music Systems. It is the sequel to Rock Band and is the second title in the series. The game allows up to four players to simulate the performance of popular songs by playing with controllers modeled after musical instruments...
, Rock Band UnpluggedRock Band UnpluggedRock Band Unplugged is an expansion of the Rock Band series of music video games released for the PlayStation Portable. The game is developed by Backbone Entertainment in conjunction with Harmonix Music Systems and is distributed by MTV Games and Electronic Arts...
, Rock Band for iPhone, and Guitar Hero: MetallicaGuitar Hero: MetallicaGuitar Hero: Metallica is a music video game developed by Neversoft and distributed by Activision. The game was released in North America on the PlayStation 3, Wii, and Xbox 360 on March 29, 2009 and on PlayStation 2 on April 14, 2009, with a European release in May 2009...
. - "Ace of Spades" also appears in the PlayStation 2 karaoke game SingStar Amped.
- The song appears in a trailer for Mercenaries 2: World in FlamesMercenaries 2: World in FlamesMercenaries 2: World in Flames, often abbreviated as Mercs 2, is a video game developed by Pandemic Studios and published by Electronic Arts. It is the sequel to 2005's Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction, and it was released in the United States on August 31, 2008 and in Europe on September 5,...
. - A mixed version appears in the 2009 music video game DJ HeroDJ HeroDJ Hero is a music video game, developed by FreeStyleGames and published by Activision as a rhythm game spin-off of the Guitar Hero franchise. It was released on October 27, 2009 in North America and on October 29, 2009 in Europe...
. - One of the abilities of a champion called Mordekaiser from the online computer game League of LegendsLeague of LegendsThe BetFred League of Legends was a darts tournament featuring some of the legends of the game of darts which commenced in May 2008. The tournament is broadcast on Setanta Sports in the United Kingdom....
is named Mace of Spades after this song (all other abilities are named after heavy metal songs aswell).
Television
- In an episode of the Men Behaving BadlyMen Behaving BadlyMen Behaving Badly is a British comedy that was created and written by Simon Nye. It follows the lives of Gary Strang and his flatmates, Dermot Povey and Tony Smart It was first broadcast on ITV in 1992...
television sitcom, Gary and Tony play air guitarAir guitarPlaying air guitar is a form of dance and movement in which the performer pretends to play rock or heavy metal-style electric guitar, including riffs, solos, etc. Playing an air guitar usually consists of exaggerated strumming and picking motions and is often coupled with loud singing or lip-synching...
to the track. - In the Black BooksBlack BooksBlack Books is a British sitcom television series created by Dylan Moran and Graham Linehan and produced by Nira Park, first broadcast on Channel 4 from 2000 to 2004...
episode Party (the last of series 3) the three main characters have a very drunken dancing competition to a portion of this song, with no clear winner (everyone just gets tired out and sits down, nursing their drinks). - The song was chosen to appear in the documentary Metal: A Headbanger's JourneyMetal: A Headbanger's JourneyMetal: A Headbanger's Journey is a 2005 documentary directed by Sam Dunn with Scot McFadyen and Jessica Wise. The film follows 31-year-old Dunn, a Canadian anthropologist, who has been a heavy metal fan since the age of 12...
. - In comedy Give My Head PeaceGive My Head PeaceGive My Head Peace was a satirical television comedy series on BBC Northern Ireland that pokes fun at political parties, paramilitary groups and the sectarian divide in Northern Ireland...
episode Canada, the beginning scene the alarm clock shows 5:59 then it turns to 6:00 and Ace of Spades starts playing full blast, from Uncle Andy's radio station, thus waking everybody in the house. - The song was used in the majority of the Creamy Muck Muck scenes of the CBBCCBBCCBBC is one of two brand names used for the BBC's children's television strands. Between 1985 and 2002, CBBC was the name given to all the BBC's programmes on TV for children aged under 14...
children's programme, Dick and Dom in da BungalowDick and Dom in da BungalowDick and Dom in da Bungalow was a CBBC children's entertainment television series presented by the duo Dick and Dom...
. - The song was used in Episode 1 of the fourth seriesTop Gear (series 4)The fourth series of Top Gear began on May 9, 2004, and concluded on August 1, 2004. The series contained 10 episodes. The series was subsequently followed by one "Best Of Top Gear" special, charting the best moments from the series, and "Stars In Fast Cars", a Sport Relief charity special, which...
of BBC's motoring show, Top GearTop Gear (current format)Top Gear is a British television series about motor vehicles, primarily cars. It began in 1977 as a conventional motoring magazine show. Over time, and especially since a relaunch in 2002, it has developed a quirky, humorous style...
, that featured the Lotus ExigeLotus ExigeThe Lotus Exige is a two-door, two-seat sports car made by Lotus Cars. It is essentially a coupé version of the Lotus Elise, a mid-engined roadster in production since 1996....
attempting to avoid missile lock from an Apache helicopter. - The song is often played in the background in previews of Sports TonightSports TonightSports Tonight was an Australian sports information program broadcast on Network Ten . The program was broadcast on Weeknights at 10.30 pm; at 11.00pm , Fridays at 12.00am , and on Sunday from 7:30pm AEDT Sports Tonight was an Australian sports information program broadcast on Network Ten (and on...
, an Australian news programme on Network TenNetwork TenNetwork Ten , is one of Australia's three major commercial television networks. Owned-and-operated stations can be found in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, while affiliates extend the network to cover most of the country...
, Australia. - The Hayseed DixieHayseed DixieHayseed Dixie is an American band which began in the autumn of 2000 with the release of their first album, A Hillbilly Tribute to AC/DC. The band performs a mixture of cover versions of hard rock songs and original compositions in a style that is a unique fusion of bluegrass and rock music and are...
cover version was used as a background tune in the British antiques daytime gameshow Bargain HuntBargain HuntBargain Hunt is a British television programme in which two pairs of contestants are challenged to buy antiques at a fair and then sell them in an auction for a profit. It has aired on BBC One since 13 March 2000 in a daytime version and from 22 August 2002 to 13 November 2004 in a primetime version...
. - The song was used at the beginning and end of the series 3 SkinsSkins (TV series)Skins is a BAFTA award-winning British teen drama that follows a group of teenagers in Bristol, South West England, through the two years of college. The controversial plot line explores issues such as dysfunctional families, mental illness , adolescent sexuality, substance abuse and death...
episode, "Cook" (302), and Cook's younger brother is seen playing the song on Rock Band 2 towards the beginning of the series 4 SkinsSkins (TV series)Skins is a BAFTA award-winning British teen drama that follows a group of teenagers in Bristol, South West England, through the two years of college. The controversial plot line explores issues such as dysfunctional families, mental illness , adolescent sexuality, substance abuse and death...
episode, "Cook" (403). - The band performed the song on episode 7Bambi (Young Ones episode)"Bambi" was the seventh episode of British sitcom The Young Ones. It was written by Ben Elton, Rik Mayall and Lise Mayer, and directed by Geoff Posner. It was first aired on BBC2 on 8 May 1984...
of The Young OnesThe Young Ones (TV series)The Young Ones is a British sitcom, first broadcast in 1982, which ran for two series on BBC2. Its anarchic, offbeat humour helped bring alternative comedy to television in the 1980s and made household names of its writers and performers...
. - In the final episode of Nathan BarleyNathan BarleyNathan Barley is a Channel 4 sitcom written by Charlie Brooker and Chris Morris, starring Nicholas Burns, Julian Barratt and Claire Keelan. The series of six weekly episodes began broadcasting on 11 February 2005 on Channel 4...
the song is used when Pingu is the subject of firework prank - In Charlie Brooker's ScreenwipeCharlie Brooker's ScreenwipeCharlie Brooker's Screenwipe is a British television review programme broadcast on BBC Four by Charlie Brooker. The programme contains reviews of current shows, as well as stories and commentary on how television is produced.-Format:...
, he used the music as a replacement for the theme tune of Question TimeQuestion TimeQuestion time in a parliament occurs when members of the parliament ask questions of government ministers , which they are obliged to answer. It usually occurs daily while parliament is sitting, though it can be cancelled in exceptional circumstances...
in a sketch. - In Breakout KingsBreakout KingsBreakout Kings is an American drama television series created by Nick Santora and Matt Olmstead, which airs on the A&E network. The series premiered on March 6, 2011. The series was picked up for a second season on July 6, 2011, which is expected to begin in 2012.-Premise:In order to catch escaped...
in the episode Paid in Full when a hitman targets a victim in a tattoo shop.
Film
- The song was used in the movie Grosse Pointe BlankGrosse Pointe BlankGrosse Pointe Blank is a 1997 American Black comedy film, directed by George Armitage, and starring John Cusack and Minnie Driver.In 2000, readers of Total Film magazine voted Grosse Pointe Blank the 21st greatest comedy film of all time. The film's soundtrack features mainly independent music hits...
, during a gunfight in a convenience store between hitman Martin Blank (John CusackJohn CusackJohn Paul Cusack is an American film actor and screenwriter. He has appeared in more than 50 films, including The Journey of Natty Gann, Say Anything..., Grosse Point Blank, The Thin Red Line, Stand by Me, Con Air, Being John Malkovich, High Fidelity, Serendipity, Runaway Jury, The Ice Harvest,...
) and another hitman sent after him, a teenager is playing an arcade game to the sound of Ace of Spades at maximum volume in his headphones and escapes unharmed, completely oblivious to the destruction unfolding around him. - The song is featured in the opening credits of Zombie NightmareZombie NightmareZombie Nightmare is a 1986 zombie-slasher film directed by Jack Bravman. This movie was filmed in the suburbs of Montreal, Canada. It stars Jon Mikl Thor.-Plot:...
which was featured in the movie-mocking television show Mystery Science Theater 3000Mystery Science Theater 3000Mystery Science Theater 3000 is an American cult television comedy series created by Joel Hodgson and produced by Best Brains, Inc., that ran from 1988 to 1999....
in 1994. - The song is used in the introductory scene for the "Tremor Brothers" in the movie Smokin' AcesSmokin' AcesSmokin' Aces is a 2006 crime film, written and directed by Joe Carnahan. It stars Jeremy Piven as a Las Vegas magician turned mafia informant and Ryan Reynolds as the FBI agent assigned to protect him...
, as well as in the original teaser trailer. - The song appears in the 2007 Judd ApatowJudd ApatowJudd Apatow is an American film producer, director, and screenwriter. He is well known for his work in comedy films, especially for films he has been involved with throughout the latter half of the 2000s. He is the founder of Apatow Productions, a film production company that also developed the...
comedy Superbad starring Seth RogenSeth RogenSeth Rogen is a Canadian stand-up comedian, actor, producer, screenwriter, and voice artist. Rogen began his career doing stand-up comedy during his teen years, winning the Vancouver Amateur Comedy Contest in 1998. While still living in his native Vancouver, he landed a small part in Freaks and...
and Jonah HillJonah HillJonah Hill Feldstein , known professionally as Jonah Hill, is an American actor, producer, screenwriter, and comedian. Hill is best known roles for his roles in Superbad, Knocked Up, and Get Him to the Greek. He made his theatrical debut in I Heart Huckabees, alongside Jason Schwartzman and Dustin...
. - The song appears in the 2007 film Shoot 'Em UpShoot 'em upShoot 'em up is a subgenre of shooter video games. In a shoot 'em up, the player controls a lone character, often in a spacecraft or aircraft, shooting large numbers of enemies while dodging their attacks. The genre in turn encompasses various types or subgenres and critics differ on exactly what...
during the shootout in Mr. Smith's hideout. It appears on the film's soundtrack as well.
Adverts
- The song is used in the 1998 Golden WonderGolden WonderGolden Wonder is a British company that manufactures snack foods, most notably crisps.-History:Founded in Stoneyburn in 1947 by the Scottish bakery owner William Alexander, the company was named after the Golden Wonder potato. The company was acquired by UK-based Dalgety plc in 1987...
Pot NoodlePot NoodlePot Noodle is a brand of ramen-style instant noodle snack foods, available in a selection of flavours and varieties. Its dehydrated mixture consists of wide noodles, textured soya pieces, assorted dried vegetables and flavouring powder. The product is prepared by adding boiling water, which softens...
, the 2000 IKEAIKEAIKEA is a privately held, international home products company that designs and sells ready-to-assemble furniture such as beds and desks, appliances and home accessories. The company is the world's largest furniture retailer...
furniture, the 2003 Clark'sC&J ClarkC. and J. Clark International Ltd, trading as Clarks, is a British, international shoe manufacturer and retailer based in Street, Somerset, England...
Marathon Boy, and the 2005 Walkers CrispsWalkers (snack foods)Walkers is a British snack food manufacturer operating mainly in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland and to a lesser extent on the European continent. They are best known for manufacturing crisps. They hold 47 per cent of the British crisp market...
television advertisements. - The song was used in commercials for 2K Sports2K Sports2K Sports is a subsidiary of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. It comprises a single development studio, Visual Concepts, which was purchased from Sega in the year 2005. 2K Sports mainly develops and publishes American sports video games such as NBA 2K series...
' video game, The BigsThe BigsThe Bigs is an arcade-style baseball video game for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Wii and PlayStation Portable. It was released in June 2007 in North America, and in October in Europe...
. - In a recent AT&TAT&TAT&T Inc. is an American multinational telecommunications corporation headquartered in Whitacre Tower, Dallas, Texas, United States. It is the largest provider of mobile telephony and fixed telephony in the United States, and is also a provider of broadband and subscription television services...
Wireless commercial, "The Ace of Spades" is sung by a guy in bar who has no signal for his cellphone – the premise is that his friend has tried to call him over 30 times because he has managed to get Motörhead tickets for the show later that night. - In October 2010 Motörhead slowed the song down to half its normal speed and was used for an advert for Kronenbourg 1664 'Slow' campaign.
- The song was used in the commercial of the Formula One GP from Brazil of 2011
Other
- Between 8 pm and 2 am on 9 November 2005 at The Boat nightclub in Toronto, the song was played 128 times consecutively.
- After a 15 year career with the network, DJ Simon MayoSimon MayoSimon Mayo is an English radio presenter who has worked for BBC Radio since 1981. As of January 2010, Mayo is presenter of Simon Mayo Drivetime on BBC Radio 2 and, with Mark Kermode, presenter of Kermode and Mayo's Film Reviews on BBC Radio 5 Live.In 2008, Mayo was recognised as the "radio...
played the song to end his final show on BBC Radio 1BBC Radio 1BBC Radio 1 is a British national radio station operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation which also broadcasts internationally, specialising in current popular music and chart hits throughout the day. Radio 1 provides alternative genres after 7:00pm including electronic dance, hip hop, rock...
in 2001. The comedian, Noel FieldingNoel FieldingNoel Fielding is a British artist, comedian and actor. He is known for his roles as Vince Noir in The Mighty Boosh, which he co-writes with comedy partner Julian Barratt, and as team captain on the music panel show Never Mind the Buzzcocks.-Stand-up comedy:Noel Fielding performed regularly as a...
, described the song as the sound of his childhood, as his parents would play it constantly. - In the play "The Lieutenant of Inishmore", the character Davey sings the song to drown out his sister Mairead's Irish rebellion song.
- In the AchewoodAchewoodAchewood is a webcomic created by Chris Onstad in 2001. It portrays the lives of a group of anthropomorphic stuffed toys, robots, and pets. Many of the characters live together in the home of their owner, Chris, at the fictional address of 62 Achewood Court. Another address used in the strip is 11...
strip for 4 February 2009, Lyle Gabriel parodies the song with the phrase, "ACE OF GRADES!".
External links
- Video clip of 6 November 1980 Top of the Pops broadcast of the song (RealPlayerRealPlayerRealPlayer is a cross-platform media player by RealNetworks that plays a number of multimedia formats including MP3, MPEG-4, QuickTime, Windows Media, and multiple versions of proprietary RealAudio and RealVideo formats.-History:...
required – right click to play).