Wyoming’s Biggest Metalhead Mourns the Loss of Lemmy

Radio listeners in Cheyenne know Nick Dodgson as "Nick the Midas Guy." He operates two Midas service shops in the Capital City; he's actively involved in community events; and he hosts the weekly "Kar Gab" show on AM 650 KGAB.

Not only is Nick a well renowned gear head, he's also one of the biggest metalheads in the Cowboy State.

Before moving to Wyoming 23 years ago, Nick spent much of his youth in England. His love affair with heavy metal began in 1979, when he saw Motorhead live in concert at the legendary Leas Cliff Hall in Folkstone Kent. It's a show that he'll never forget.

"It was an old 1920s concert hall constructed for classical music. Seems fitting now that I look back on it. Nothing quite matches up to the first time my ears got blown off," Dodgson recalled.

Nick ended up following the band all over the United Kingdom and Europe. He can't remember the exact number of Motorhead shows he's attended, but he estimates he's seen them close to 50 times.

His love for the band didn't end when he moved the states. Every time a Motorhead tour came within driving distance, he was there. He last saw Lemmy at the Fillmore Auditorium in Denver on their Motorizer Tour. He had planned to see them again earlier this year before health problems forced the band to cancel their appearance at the 2015 Riot Fest.

Not only was he influenced by Motorhead's music, Lemmy's love for vintage motorcycles also helped inspire Nick's passion for classic cars and bikes.

"The picture of him on his Triumph was one of the reasons for my love of Triumph motorcycle. That sticks with me today. The bike, the man and the music all had something in common. They were loud, in your face and a little (or maybe a lot) dirty and nasty."

When Nick heard the news that Lemmy had died this week, he mourned the loss of his hero with a fitting tribute. He grabbed an old vinyl record, poured a glass of Jack Daniel's and cranked up his favorite song.

"One thing that still gets me going when I need a kick up the arse is 'Overkill' played at mega volume. God knows how many speakers have been damaged by that song."

As Lemmy says in Nick's favorite song, the "only way to feel the noise is when it's good and loud."