The Birthday Party is a 1985 live video by Motörhead. It features the band's 10th anniversary show at the Hammersmith Odeon in London, England. During the performance of "Motörhead" the band were joined onstage by all of the past members (with the exception of Larry Wallis, who appeared at the first of the two anniversary shows but not at the second, which was when the concert was recorded), and Thin Lizzy bassist Phil Lynott.
It was also released in CD format in 1990 by Enigma Records, albeit with an edited track listing and running order. A DVD reissue was published on 2007 by SRP.
Contents
Critical reception
As per Kerrang! reviewer, the production was primarily characterized by a discernible lack of atmospheric resonance. Although the live performances in the previous year had been regarded as formidable, the video format failed to sustain that momentum. The visual narrative suffered from performative redundancy; the essential stage dynamics were established within the initial two compositions, which rendered the subsequent material superfluous. By the concluding performance of the titular track, "Motorhead", the production's pacing became problematic, as the duration significantly exceeded the limits of engaging content.Furthermore, the technical execution of the highly anticipated "all-star jam" — featuring the collective’s former members — was demonstrably substandard. Obscured by poor cinematography and inept editing (specifically the premature placement of closing credits), this pivotal historical moment failed to provide the intended viewer satisfaction, resulting in profound frustration. In light of the commercial and critical success surrounding the Orgasmatron era, the release of such a deficient product appeared strategically ill-advised. It represented a departure from the band’s established standards of quality and suggested a lack of discernment in their promotional output at that time.
Personnel
Band
Lemmy – bass guitar, vocals
Phil Campbell – guitar
Würzel – guitar
Pete Gill – drums
Guests
"Fast" Eddie Clarke – guitar ("Motörhead")
Brian "Robbo" Robertson – guitar ("Motörhead")
Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor – drums ("Motörhead")
Lucas Fox – playing guitar, not drums ("Motörhead")
Phil Lynott – bass guitar ("Motörhead")
Wendy O. Williams – vocals on "No Class"