Mötley Crüe

**Mötley Crüe** is an American hair metal band, formed in Los Angeles, California in 1981 by bassist Nikki Sixx

The band has become one of the most successful and well known hair metal bands of all time.

## History

### Foundation & Early Years (1981 - 1983)

Mötley Crüe was formed on January 17th, 1981 when bassist Nikki Sixx left his previous band and began rehearsing with drummer Tommy Lee and guitarist Mick Mars. The group soon needed a vocalist, so they recruited Vince Neil, Lee's former high school friend. The four called themselves "Mötley Crüe" and had their first gig on April 24th, 1981. After gaining popularity as a new hair metal group on the sunset strip in Los Angeles, the band released their debut album, Too Fast for Love, in November of 1981. It was released independently, but they later got signed to Elektra Records in early 1982. Doc McGhee also became their manager.

After gaining a lot more popularity and fanbase, Mötley Crüe released their breakthrough album, Shout At The Devil, in September of 1983. This album set them on the course of becoming true rockstars. Soon, Mötley Crüe became well known for their backstage antics, outrageous clothing, extreme high-heeled boots, heavily applied make-up, and seemingly endless abuse of alcohol and drugs as well.

### Razzle Incident & Nikki's "death" (1984 - 1987)

As the band became increasingly popular, it also had its fair share of controversies. On December 8th, 1984, Vince Neil was drunk driving with Hanoi Rocks drummer Razzle as his passenger, and after an unexpected crash, Razzle was killed. Neil was charged with DUI and manslaughter, and was sentenced to 30 days in jail. Later, in June of 1985, they released their third album, Theatre of Pain*,* as a dedication to Razzle. The band did a world tour in 1986 promoting this album.

Then in 1987, they released their fourth album, Girls, Girls, Girls, where they adopted a biker aesthetic.

On December 23rd, 1987, Nikki Sixx suffered a fatal heroin overdose, and was announced clinically dead on the way to the hospital by the paramedics. But, one of the paramedics who happened to be a Crüe fan, revived Sixx with two shots of adrenaline.

### Rehab (1989)

In the aftermath of Sixx's overdose, the band entered drug rehab. After this, they released their fifth album, Dr. Feelgood, which is said to be one of their best. This album featured their most popular song: "*Kickstart My Heart*".

### Corabi Years & Decline (1992 - 2000)

Due to the 1990s arriving and the rise of grunge, hair metal was becoming less and less popular. This led Vince Neil to leave the band in 1992 to focus on his solo work and family life. The band then hired new singer John Corabi in 1992 and released their self-titled sixth album with him on vocals. The album had generally negative reviews, with the fans wanting Neil back.

Vince Neil returned to the band in 1997, with whom they released their seventh album, *Generation Swine*. Despite the reunion, this album was a commercial failure.

Tommy Lee quit in 1999 to pursue a solo career. In 2000, the band released New Tattoo with Randy Castillo on drums.

### Reunion and New Success (2004 - 2015)

In 2004, all the band members finally got back together again and started touring once again. They released their ninth album, Saints of Los Angeles*,* in 2008 and it was received with generally mixed reviews. The band soon found new success with the younger generations discovering and enjoying their music.

In 2015, the band decided they were finally done with it all, and embarked on a final tour titled *The End*.

### Second Reunion & New Tours (2019 - Present)

After the success of their 2019 Netflix movie biopic *The Dirt,* the Crüe decided that maybe they weren't done just yet. In 2022, they embarked on The Stadium Tour with fellow hair metal band Def Leppard.

In October 2022, Mick Mars had to leave the band due to his continuing health problems, so he's been replaced with guitarist John 5

Currently in 2023, they are on their World Tour, once again with Def Leppard.

## Discography

#### Studio Albums

1. Too Fast for Love (1981)
2. Shout At The Devil (1983)
3. Theatre of Pain (1985)
4. Girls, Girls, Girls (1987)
5. Dr. Feelgood (1989)
6. Mötley Crüe (1994)
7. *Generation Swine* (1997)
8. New Tattoo (2000)
9. Saints of Los Angeles (2008)

## Members

#### Current Lineup

* Lead Vocals: Vince Neil (1981 - 1992, 1997 - Present)
* Lead Guitar: John 5(2022 - Present)
* Bass: Nikki Sixx (1981 - Present)
* Drums: Tommy Lee (1981 - 1999, 2004 - Present)

##### Former Members

* Lead Guitar: Mick Mars (1981 - 2022)
* Lead Vocals: John Corabi (1992 - 1996)
* Drums: Randy Castillo (1999 - 2002)