A converted 19th century barn in South-West Hertfordshire may not seem the likeliest of locations for the recording of a heavy metal classic but that was what happened during two months in 1980.

The late Lemmy Kilmister and his band Motorhead used Jackson’s Studios in August and September of that year to record their most successful commercial album, Ace of Spades, of which the title track is widely regarded as one of the greatest hard rock songs of all-time.

That alone is enough to assure the Maple Cross studios of a place in music history, but its heritage runs much deeper than that.

Recording at the studios in February 1964Recording at the studios in February 1964 (Image: Watford Observer)

Originally used by popular bandleader and DJ Jack Jackson during the 1930s and 40s, the studios were handed over to his sons, John and Malcolm, who turned them into a commercial venture.

Elton John – when he was Reg Dwight – Dr Feelgood, Eddie & The Hotrods and Tom Robinson were among the famous artists who recorded at the studios which had previously been visited by a Watford Observer photographer on February 1, 1964.

John, left, and Malcolm Jackson at work in their studiosJohn, left, and Malcolm Jackson at work in their studios (Image: Watford Observer)

John’s daughter, Sally Freeman, has confirmed that her father – wearing the jumper and trousers – and her uncle, who has the darker hair, are in these wonderful archive photos, but the family is not sure who the band is.

Do you recognise the group?Do you recognise the group? (Image: Watford Observer)

If you think you recognise them, please let us know using the comments facility below.