Get ready to have your mind blown: Pennywise, the legendary Cali punk band, has just dropped a cover of Motörhead's iconic 'Ace of Spades,' and it's a game-changer. But here's where it gets controversial: is it even possible to improve on perfection? Pennywise seems to think so, and they’ve done it by staying remarkably true to the original while infusing it with their signature punk energy. This track is part of the highly anticipated tribute album Killed By Deaf – A Punk Tribute to Motörhead, set to release on October 31st, and it’s already sparking debates among fans.
What makes this cover so compelling is how effortlessly Pennywise navigates the thin line between punk and metal that Motörhead famously straddled. As guitarist Fletcher Dragge explains, 'Ace of Spades' was the track that blurred those genre boundaries back in the day. 'If you saw someone wearing a Motörhead patch in the punk scene, you knew they were cool,' Dragge recalls. 'That song wasn’t just metal—it was punk rock through and through.' And Pennywise’s rendition? It’s a roaring, no-holds-barred tribute that feels both familiar and fresh.
And this is the part most people miss: Motörhead wasn’t just a metal band; they were a bridge between worlds. Dragge’s reflection on his early punk days highlights this perfectly. 'Motörhead was the one metal band that punk rockers respected,' he says. 'They were the exception to the rule.' This unique position is what makes Killed By Deaf such a fitting tribute, as it brings together punk heavyweights like Rancid, The Bronx, Lagwagon, FEAR, and GBH to honor the band that defied categorization.
The album also includes a jaw-dropping surprise: a previously unreleased collaboration between Lemmy and The Damned on the track 'Neat Neat Neat,' which was teased when the album was announced in September. It’s a must-hear for any fan of either band.
So, here’s the big question: Does Pennywise’s cover of 'Ace of Spades' live up to the original? Or does it carve out its own space in music history? Stream it below and decide for yourself. And while you’re at it, pre-order Killed By Deaf here to secure your copy of this punk-meets-metal masterpiece. But beware: once you start listening, you might just find yourself arguing with friends about which version reigns supreme. Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’re ready for the debate!
