Questions
Who founded Motley Crue and when?
Bassist Nikki Sixx and drummer Tommy Lee formed the band in Hollywood, California in 1981, with guitarist Mick Mars and vocalist Vince Neil joining shortly after.
Where did the name Motley Crue come from?
Reportedly, when Mick Mars played in a band called White Horse, a bandmate called the group "a motley looking crew." Mars remembered it and later adapted it, adding the metal umlauts supposedly inspired by the German beer Lowenbrau the members were drinking.
Who is in the classic lineup?
Vince Neil on lead vocals, Nikki Sixx on bass, Tommy Lee on drums, and Mick Mars on guitar.
How many records have they sold?
Over 100 million records worldwide, with nine Top 10 albums on the Billboard 200 and 22 Top 40 mainstream rock hits.
What is their only album to hit number one?
Dr. Feelgood, released in 1989, was their only studio album to reach number one, and it spent 114 weeks on the charts.
What really happened with Vince Neil’s car crash?
In December 1984, Neil crashed his De Tomaso Pantera, killing passenger Nicholas "Razzle" Dingley, drummer for Hanoi Rocks. Neil faced DUI and vehicular manslaughter charges, served 18 of 30 days in jail, and paid a 2.5 million dollar civil settlement.
Is it true Nikki Sixx was declared dead?
Reportedly, on December 23, 1987, Sixx overdosed and was declared clinically dead on the way to the hospital before a paramedic who was a fan revived him with two adrenaline shots. His "two minutes in death" inspired "Kickstart My Heart."
What inspired the song "Dancing on Glass"?
Reportedly, in February 1986 Sixx suffered a near-fatal heroin overdose in London and a drug dealer dumped his unconscious body in a dumpster, an incident that inspired the song.
What are their most famous songs?
"Kickstart My Heart," "Dr. Feelgood," "Home Sweet Home," "Girls, Girls, Girls," and "Shout at the Devil."
Did the band ever have a different singer?
Yes. John Corabi replaced Vince Neil as frontman from 1992 to 1996, and the band reunited with Neil in 1997.
What is The Dirt?
The Dirt is the band’s 2001 autobiography co-authored with Neil Strauss, which became a New York Times bestseller. A Netflix biopic directed by Jeff Tremaine was released on March 22, 2019.
Why did Mick Mars stop touring?
After 41 years, Mars retired from touring in 2022 due to ankylosing spondylitis, a hereditary inflammatory arthritis that causes spinal pain. John 5 replaced him as touring guitarist.
Which member has been in the band the whole time?
Nikki Sixx is the only constant member throughout the band’s entire history.
Didn’t they retire from touring?
They signed a "cessation of touring" agreement in 2015 and played a final show on New Year’s Eve at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, but they found a loophole and reunited for touring in 2019.
What was The Stadium Tour?
A 2022 tour where Motley Crue co-headlined with Def Leppard, Poison, and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts.
