“I couldn’t work with John Lennon and Paul McCartney. I’d end up being beaten to death”: When we locked horns with Lemmy to talk Motörhead, Marshalls and why he wouldn’t fit in with one of his favorite bands

British Rock musicians Paul McCartney (left) and John Lennon (1940 - 1980), of the group the Beatles, perform on the set of 'The Ed Sullivan Show' at CBS's Studio 50, New York, New York, February 8, 1964. .

Born Ian Fraser Kilmister on Christmas Eve, 1945, Lemmy kicked off his career as a rhythm guitarist in the Rockin' Vickers, a band that achieved moderate local success around its base in Blackpool, England. But he really carved his name into the tree of rock by working as a roadie for the Jimi Hendrix Experience in 1967.

“When Jimi performed, he was magic,” Lemmy told Rolling Stone. “You would watch him and space and time would stop. After he played, we would have to repair his fuzzboxes because he’d just stomp all over them.”