MOTORHEAD proved themselves the ace of Swindon’s Oasis as they hammered the headbanging crowd into submission last night.

The rock gods took to the stage to thundering applause from the 2,000-strong audience and launched into a frenetic set spanning three decades of heavy metal classics.

The band’s frontman Lemmy Kilmister may be eligible for a bus pass but proved he can still whip up a crowd as he strode on stage and barked into the mike “We are Motorhead – and we play rock and roll”, before launching into 1982 hit Iron Fist.

Before long the crowd was a sea of hands forming the classic “rock on” gesture and headbanging to 30 years worth of hits.

The band’s newer material was also warmly received – including a track whose title starts with “Rock out with your...” and ends in a manner unsuitable for this family publication.

A band as well travelled as Motorhead will naturally be masters at inciting audience participation and so it proved – as the band repeatedly urged the concert-goers to prove they were the “loudest ******* crowd in the world”.

Motorhead – made up of original axeman and vocalist Lemmy, with guitarist Phil Campbell and drummer Mikkey Dee – were playing their first gig in Swindon and branded the audience “crazy” for baying the band to turn up the volume.

Toby Simons, 20, from Highworth was delighted that a “living legend” such as Lemmy had agreed to play Swindon.

He said: “This is the best catch the Oasis have ever had and it’s the first time I’ve been really excited about a band that were playing here.

“I’d heard they were a great live band but I’ve never had the chance to see them before. I think they’re amazing.”

For Jez and Terri Kersey, from West Swindon, it was the third time they had seen the band.

“They still have so much energy and obviously love what they’re doing,” said Terri, 46. “They have such a good back catalogue I don’t know how they can choose one setlist.”

For Jez, 47, the secret of Motorhead's appeal was simple.

“Lemmy rocks,” he said. “He’s a true rock god.”

The band were supported by Welsh rockers Straight Lines, 80s all-girl heavy metal outfit Girlschool and punk rockers The Damned .