Originally released in 27 June 1981, 'No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith' was the first live album from Motörhead during the Short, Sharp Pain In The Neck five-date tour in 1981 (actually recorded in Leeds and Newcastle - there was no London date on the tour). It was a UK No. 1 album and is often cited as one of the most essential live albums of all time.

'No Sleep 'til Hammersmith' is the band's most successful in terms of chart positioning, peaking at #1 on the UK charts, having capitalised on the preceding success of the St. Valentine's Day Massacre EP and Ace of Spades album and single. Lemmy believes its success was due to a building anticipation from their fan base for a live album, due to the band having toured so heavily in the past, but also considered it "our downfall" due to the difficulty in following up its success.

Backstage at the Leeds and Newcastle shows the band were presented with silver record and gold record for sales of Ace of Spades, a silver record for Overkill and a silver record for Please Don't Touch.

The album is listed in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.