Würzel
| Michael Burston | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Würzel |
| Born |
23 October 1949 Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England |
| Died | 9 July 2011 (aged 61) |
| Genres | Heavy metal, hard rock, rock and roll, ambient |
| Occupation(s) | Guitarist |
| Instruments | Gibson Les Paul |
| Years active | 1983-2011 |
| Associated acts | Motörhead |
Michael Burston (23 October 1949 – 9 July 2011), commonly known by the stage name Würzel, was an English musician and formerly a guitarist in the British heavy metal band Motörhead. He played on six studio albums, and two live albums.
Before joining Motörhead in 1984, Burston had been a corporal in the Army, serving in Germany and Northern Ireland with the 1st Battalion of the Gloucestershire Regiment, and had played in the bands Bastard and Warfare. Joining another relatively unknown guitarist, Phil Campbell at a Motörhead audition, both were hired. The new four-piece line-up made its debut recording a backing track for The Young Ones on 14 February 1984.
Burston acquired the nickname Würzel whilst in the Army, being compared to the character Worzel Gummidge due to his scarecrow-style hair and bumpkin-like manner. Motörhead singer Lemmy encouraged Würzel to add an umlaut to the 'U' in his name, for heavy metal effect.
Würzel saw a number of changes to the line-up in the band, each involving the drummer, until he left in 1995. Although he played on Sacrifice, he left the band before the tour. He was not replaced and Motörhead reverted to a three-piece. He had made a few guest appearances with the band: at the 2008 Download Festival and at the 2009 Guilfest, as well as a few other appearances on the band's 2008 UK tour.
In 1987 Würzel recorded his first solo E.P., "Bess", that was not so far removed from the Motörhead sound, but also allowed for slightly different ideas. The E.P. included the instrumental title track, two Rock pieces, 'Midnight in London' and 'People Say I'm Crazy', and an instrumental Jazz Rock-orientated track, 'E.S.P.'.
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