Lemmy, Ozzy and Slash to feature in new Documentary about Hollywood Bar & Grill The Rainbow

When Lemmy passed in 2015, it was hard to believe he’d actually gone. Knowing that we’d never see him grace a stage again, or a screen was not an easy future to behold. A documentary released in 2010 called, Lemmy, took an in-depth look into the world of one of the most iconic and influential Metal icons of all time. Many bands and musicians claim that they simply would not be around today if it wasn’t for the hellraising fuck you attitude and lifestyle that Lemmy carved out into the world we see around us today. Little did we know that 4 years after his passing we’d be treated to another insight into his life. This time focusing on his home away from home, the infamous Rainbow Bar & Grill in West Hollywood, Los Angeles.


Not only do we get another look into Lemmys’ life, but the new documentary due to be released this year will also feature Slash, Ozzy Osbourne, Lita Ford, Gene Simmons and more. Opening in 1972, The Rainbow Bar & Grill is packed full of Rock N Roll history, founded by the late Mario Maglieri, it’s one of the most hallowed meccas’ for Rock fans around the globe. If Lemmy wasn’t on tour you could usually find him at the bar playing his favourite slot machine.

The Rainbow documentary is set to be released October 29th 2019 and seems to have been in the making for quite some time.

The documentary will also take a look at the famous Whisky A Go-Go that once saw the mighty Guns N’ Roses almost rip the place to shreds back in April of 1986. The Whiskey was known as the place to be if you wanted to get your band noticed in the 80s. WIth scattered spandex lining the street’s, Jack Daniels flowing freely and enough hairspray to ignite half of downtown Los Angeles, the Whisky has probably seen more rock bands grace its stage than any other venue on Earth.

The Rainbow is also said to have appeared in a number of 80s Rock and Metal songs. WASP, L.A. Guns, and Guns N Roses have all tipped their hats to the iconic bar, as well as having being featured in music videos. Everyone from Alice Cooper, Dave Grohl, Led Zeppelin, Ozzy, AC/DC, Billy Idol, ZZ Top, Mötley Crüeand of course, Motörhead themselves have stepped through the doors of The Rainbow. It was party central. During the 70s and 80s, the parking lot would play host to 0ver 300 rock fans all trying to get in on the fun. Even Elvis Presley frequented the joint.

Former owner of The Rainbow even had to kick Axl Rose and David Lee Roth off the premises several times for reckless behaviour. “Axl Rose was thrown out of here about 11 times. David Lee Roth was also a loyal customer, and he was tossed out about 13 times. They were probably trying to break a record.” says the late Mikeal Maglieri. “We started putting memorabilia on the walls from the get-go. Later we started taking snapshots at the front door, and we’d hang them on the walls. There are layers after layers of photos. The Sunset Strip is where people got noticed. They weren’t going to get noticed in Silver Lake or out at the beach or in Orange County. If you weren’t playing the Whisky, Gazzari’s, or the Troubadour, then you were hanging at the Rainbow. Just last night Slash was sitting here, and Ozzy was here four hours ago”

Although Lemmy obviously will not be around to see the documentary, he’ll no doubt be happy his memory is living one. Motörhead has also been nominated to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for 2020, however, the nomination only includes an early line up of Motörhead with Lemmy Kilmister, ‘Fast’ Eddie Clarke and Phil ‘Philthy Animal’ Taylor, all of whom have now sadly passed away. So, a little pointless. Also, somewhat disrespectful to ignore the years of dedication Phil Campbell and Mickey Dee pledged to Lemmy and the Motörhead name.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame isn’t exactly a beloved ceremony. Many music fans don’t even acknowledge the awards and call it a joke. Lemmy probably wouldn’t have been too fussed either way.

Order the documentary here