Few songs explode out of the speakers the way Motörhead’s “Ace of Spades” does. From the opening snare roll to the frantic hi-hat groove that follows, Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor delivers one of the rawest, most chaotic, and unmistakable drum performances ever captured on tape. It’s fast, it’s aggressive, and it helped redefine what heavy music could be in 1980.
In this episode, Drumeo’s Brandon Toews breaks down the drumming that powered Motörhead’s signature anthem. We’ll explore the story behind the song, Phil’s iconic grooves and fills, the gear he used, and how his jazz-influenced approach created a sound that countless metal drummers still chase today.
Whether you first heard “Ace of Spades” in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3, caught the band performing on "The Young Ones", or spun the vinyl until it wore out, this breakdown will give you a whole new appreciation for Phil Taylor’s drumming and the legacy Motörhead left behind.