Mötley Crüe

Mötley Crüe

Industry	Music
Founded	1981 in Hollywood, California, United States
Founder	Nikki Sixx, Tommy Lee
Headquarters	Hollywood, California , United States
Area served	Worldwide
Key people	Nikki Sixx (bassist), Tommy Lee (drummer), Mick Mars (guitarist), Vince Neil (lead singer)
Products	Music albums, live performances

Mötley Crüe is a heavy metal group from the United States, established in 1981 in Hollywood, California by bassist Nikki Sixx and drummer Tommy Lee. Shortly thereafter, guitarist Mick Mars and lead singer Vince Neil joined the lineup. The band has achieved global sales exceeding 100 million records, earning seven platinum or multi-platinum awards. They have secured nine albums within the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 chart—highlighted by their sole number one studio album, 1989's Dr. Feelgood. Additionally, they boast twenty-two mainstream rock hits in the Top 40 and six pop singles reaching the Top 20.

Distinguished by their indulgent lifestyles and gender-fluid appearance, Mötley Crüe evolved from their hard rock beginnings on their initial two albums, Too Fast for Love (1981) and Shout at the Devil (1983), to become pioneers of glam metal with Theatre of Pain (1985). Their concerts are renowned for extravagant elements such as guitars that emit flames, drum kits designed like roller coasters, pyrotechnic effects, and moments where Sixx is set aflame. Their most recent studio release, Saints of Los Angeles, came out in 2008. The band’s intended farewell concert occurred on December 31, 2015, which was recorded for both theatrical distribution and Blu-ray release.

Following a hiatus lasting approximately two and a half years, Neil revealed in September 2018 that Mötley Crüe had reunited and was developing new music. On March 22, 2019, they contributed four fresh tracks to the soundtrack of the Netflix biographical film The Dirt, adapted from their bestselling memoir. This soundtrack topped the iTunes All Genres Album Chart, reached number three on both the Billboard Top Album and Digital Album sales charts, climbed to number ten on the Billboard 200, and entered the global Top 10 rankings. Their autobiography also reappeared on the New York Times Best Seller list, placing sixth in Nonfiction Print and eighth in Nonfiction Combined Print & E-Book categories. In summer and fall of 2022, Mötley Crüe embarked on their first significant tour in seven years, co-headlining a North American circuit alongside Def Leppard.

Throughout their history, the band has experienced multiple personnel shifts with Sixx remaining as the sole continuous member. Notable changes include lead vocalist John Corabi, who took over from Neil between 1992 and 1996, as well as drummers Randy Castillo and touring musician Samantha Maloney, who substituted after Lee left in 1999; Lee rejoined the group in 2004. In October 2022, after performing live for over four decades with the band, Mars retired from touring; his successor became John 5, previously associated with David Lee Roth, Marilyn Manson, and Rob Zombie.

1981–1983: Formation and Too Fast for Love

The band was formed in early 1981 when former Suite 19 guitarist and lead singer Greg Leon teamed up with drummer Tommy Lee to create a new musical group. Lee, impressed by bassist Nikki Sixx from the band London, invited him to join despite Leon’s doubts about Sixx’s bass proficiency. After Leon departed, Lee and Sixx brought in guitarists Robin Moore (also known as Jeff Gill) and Bob Deal (later Mick Mars), with Mars earning the role after responding to an advertisement in The Recycler. While auditioning vocalists, including O'Dean Peterson, Lee eventually reached out to Vince Neil, a high school acquaintance familiar from the local scene. Neil initially declined but accepted on April 1, 1981. Their debut performance took place at the Starwood nightclub on April 24.

The name "Mötley Crüe" originated from an anecdote shared by Mars and was enhanced with metal umlauts proposed by Neil to embody their rebellious persona. Apart from brief interruptions, the lineup of Neil, Sixx, Lee, and Mars remained stable until October 2022.

Allan Coffman served as their first manager. The band independently released the single "Stick to Your Guns/Toast of the Town" under their own Leathür Records label, distributed through Greenworld Distribution. Their initial album, Too Fast for Love, self-produced, came out on November 10, 1981, moving approximately 20,000 units. Coffman and assistant Eric Greif organized a Canadian tour while negotiating contracts with major labels; they eventually signed with Elektra Records in early 1982. Producer Roy Thomas Baker remixed the album for its re-release on August 20, 1982, aligning with their touring schedule.

During the "Crüesing Through Canada Tour '82," various orchestrated publicity stunts attracted media attention: customs officials seized their spiked stage costumes as potential weapons; Neil's carry-on containing adult magazines was confiscated for being "indecent"; and a fabricated bomb threat made headlines. Furthermore, Lee's act of throwing a television out of a hotel window resulted in the band being banned from Edmonton. Despite financial setbacks, this tour marked their first exposure to international press.

In 1983, management transitioned from Coffman to Doug Thaler and Doc McGhee, renowned for managing Bon Jovi and Kiss. Legal disputes followed: Greif filed lawsuits against all involved parties while Coffman faced litigation from investors after repeatedly mortgaging his home to finance band activities; he ultimately declared bankruptcy.

1983–1991: Breakthrough and struggles with addiction

The band achieved national recognition in the United States following their performance at the US Festival on May 29, 1983. Their sophomore album, Shout at the Devil, released on September 26, 1983, represented their mainstream breakthrough and eventually earned quadruple platinum status. The album caught the attention of Ozzy Osbourne, leading to Mötley Crüe supporting him on his 1984 tour. Known for their backstage antics and glam metal style, the band gained considerable notoriety.

In December 1984, Vince Neil was involved in a fatal automobile accident resulting in a DUI and manslaughter conviction; he served an 18-day jail sentence and faced a $2.5 million lawsuit.

Their third album, Theatre of Pain (released June 21, 1985), dedicated to Nicholas "Razzle" Dingley who had passed away, marked a shift toward glam metal and peaked at number six on Billboard, ultimately achieving quadruple platinum certification. However, tensions during recording were high due to Neil's accident and Nikki Sixx’s worsening addiction; retrospectively, the band considered this album creatively lacking.

During the ensuing world tour in February 1986 in London, Sixx experienced a near-fatal heroin overdose that inspired the track "Dancing on Glass."

Their fourth studio effort, Girls, Girls, Girls (released May 15, 1987), debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart. Sixx remarked that it might have topped the chart if not for competition from Whitney Houston's label. Adopting a biker-inspired image for this release, the band nonetheless grappled with personal challenges that impacted the album’s overall quality.

On December 23, 1987, Sixx overdosed on heroin but was revived by emergency responders; this incident inspired "Kickstart My Heart" from their 1989 release Dr. Feelgood, which became their first U.S. number one album. Following this event, Sixx entered rehabilitation in January 1988 leading to canceled tour dates.

In 1988, Matthew Trippe filed a lawsuit alleging he was hired as Sixx’s stand-in during hospitalization; this case concluded in 1993 when Trippe withdrew his claim.

Managers Thaler and McGhee intervened by halting European touring due to concerns over the band's hazardous lifestyle; subsequently all members entered rehab simultaneously.

After rehabilitation, Mötley Crüe reached new heights with Dr. Feelgood (released September 1, 1989), produced by Bob Rock in Vancouver through separate sessions aimed at reducing interpersonal conflict. Steven Tyler contributed backing vocals during production. The album reached number one on October 14 and remained on charts for over two years. Band members attributed its creative strength to their sobriety. Both its title track and "Kickstart My Heart" received Grammy nominations for Best Hard Rock Performance but did not win. The album secured Favorite Hard Rock/Metal Album at the American Music Awards.

In 1989, McGhee was dismissed due to disagreements related to the Moscow Music Peace Festival, leaving Thaler as sole manager.

Mötley Crüe embarked on their most extensive world tour spanning late 1989 into much of 1990—a commercial success though physically demanding. In April 1990, drummer Tommy Lee suffered a concussion during a stage stunt accident.

On October 1, 1991, they released their inaugural compilation album titled Decade of Decadence 81–91, which peaked at number two on Billboard 200; this project catered primarily to fans while they prepared new material.

1992–2003: A Decade of Challenges

In February 1992, following the release of Decade of Decadence, Neil departed from the band during a time when numerous 1980s glam metal acts were experiencing decline amid the surge of grunge and alternative genres. Whether Neil left voluntarily or was dismissed remains disputed; Sixx maintains Neil quit, whereas Neil contends he was let go. Reflecting in 2000, Neil remarked, "The situation was mishandled foolishly. Management allowed one of the biggest bands globally to disintegrate."

Stephen Shareaux from Kik Tracee was initially considered as a successor, but ultimately John Corabi, formerly of Angora and The Scream, assumed the role. The band's 1994 self-titled album reached number seven on the Billboard charts but underperformed commercially, partly due to Neil's absence and a shift in musical style. Corabi later proposed reinstating Neil, believing that he would always be recognized as the band's definitive voice; this suggestion contributed to Corabi's dismissal in 1996. He noted that his album was the first by the band not to achieve platinum status, which caused considerable concern internally. Meanwhile, Neil pursued solo projects with moderately successful releases such as Exposed (1993) and the less acclaimed Carved in Stone (1995).

Following a 1996 feature in Rolling Stone, negotiations led by managers Allen Kovac and Bert Stein facilitated a reunion with Neil in 1997. The band agreed to "put egos aside" and released Generation Swine, which debuted at number four but did not meet commercial expectations due to insufficient label promotion despite a performance at the American Music Awards.

By 1998, Mötley Crüe's contract with Elektra had ended, granting them complete control over their future endeavors and ownership of all their master recordings—a rare feat within the music industry. They reportedly exerted pressure on Elektra until the label surrendered these rights. Subsequently, they established their own imprint, Mötley Records.

Late that year saw the release of Greatest Hits, which included two new songs: "Bitter Pill" and "Enslaved". In 1999, remastered versions of all their albums were reissued under the "Crücial Crüe" banner, featuring demos and previously unreleased material. That same year brought forth Supersonic and Demonic Relics, an updated compilation containing B-sides and remixes, as well as their inaugural official live album, Entertainment or Death. They also embarked on a co-headlining tour alongside Scorpions.

In 1999, Lee exited to focus on his solo ambitions amid escalating friction with Neil. His replacement was Randy Castillo, a longtime associate who had played with Ozzy Osbourne. The group released New Tattoo in July 2000; however, Castillo became ill prior to touring, prompting Hole's Samantha Maloney to step in for the Maximum Rock tour with Megadeth. Castillo succumbed to cancer in March 2002, resulting in a hiatus for the band.

During this break, Sixx engaged in side projects including 58 and Brides of Destruction. Neil appeared on VH1's reality series The Surreal Life and featured in a special highlighting his solo career and fitness pursuits. Mars faced health struggles with ankylosing spondylitis and withdrew from public life in 2001 for treatment. Lee formed Methods of Mayhem while continuing solo performances.

In 2001, the band collaborated with Neil Strauss on an autobiography titled The Dirt, which depicted Mötley Crüe as "the world's most notorious rock band." The book remained within the top ten of The New York Times Best Seller list for ten consecutive weeks and reappeared following its film adaptation in 2019.

In 2003, two comprehensive box sets were issued: Music to Crash Your Car To: Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, encompassing their entire discography. These titles attracted criticism due to perceived insensitivity related to references surrounding Neil’s manslaughter conviction connected to a fatal car accident involving Razzle.

2004–2007: Reunion and Revival

In England, promoter Mags Revell advocated for a Mötley Crüe reunion, positioning himself as a representative of the fanbase. Following discussions with the band's management, Sixx revealed in September 2004 that he and Neil were working on new songs. By December, the original lineup confirmed a reunion tour, highlighted by their dramatic arrival in a hearse at an event held at the Hollywood Palladium. The tour officially commenced on February 14, 2005, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Released in February 2005, the compilation album Red, White & Crüe featured a blend of classic hits alongside three fresh tracks: "If I Die Tomorrow", "Sick Love Song" (co-written by Sixx and James Michael), and a rendition of the Rolling Stones' "Street Fighting Man". Despite some debate regarding Lee and Mars's roles on the new recordings, a VH1 documentary confirmed Lee’s involvement. The Japanese version included an additional track titled "I'm a Liar (and That's the Truth)". The album peaked at No. 6 on the charts and achieved platinum status.

On New Year's Eve 2004, Mötley Crüe performed live on The Tonight Show, where Neil’s use of explicit language triggered an FCC investigation. NBC responded by banning the band from future appearances, prompting Mötley Crüe to file a lawsuit alleging discriminatory treatment. This legal matter was eventually resolved privately, allowing the band to return to network television.

Throughout 2005, Mötley Crüe appeared in the animated-comedy parody Disaster!, which served as introductory films during their Carnival of Sins tour. This tour extended through the year and was later commemorated with a live album and DVD released in 2006. During the autumn of that year, they re-recorded "Home Sweet Home" featuring Chester Bennington from Linkin Park, with proceeds benefiting Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

In 2006, Mötley Crüe co-headlined the Route of All Evil Tour alongside Aerosmith, incorporating performances by artists from Lucent Dossier Experience. Plans by Paramount Pictures and MTV Films to adapt their autobiography The Dirt into a feature film fell through due to production delays. In June 2007, they embarked on a short European tour. Concurrently, Neil, Mars, and Sixx initiated legal action against Lee's manager Carl Stubner concerning contracts related to Lee's reality television appearances, which allegedly damaged the band's reputation; this lawsuit was later resolved.

In 2007, Sixx released his bestselling memoir The Heroin Diaries: A Year in the Life of a Shattered Rock Star, chronicling the Girls, Girls, Girls tour and his near-fatal overdose in 1987. At the same time, his side project Sixx:A.M. launched The Heroin Diaries Soundtrack, serving as a musical companion to the book.

2008–2010: Saints of Los Angeles Era

From January 24 to 28, 2008, Vince Neil hosted the Motley Cruise event featuring bands such as Ratt, Skid Row, and Slaughter.

On June 11, 2008, Mötley Crüe along with manager Burt Stein initiated lawsuits against each other concerning management fees and related disputes in Nevada. By July 2009, both sides reached an "amicable" global settlement.

The band’s ninth studio album, Saints of Los Angeles, debuted in Japan on June 17 and was released in the United States on June 24, 2008. Initially titled The Dirt after their autobiography, it was distributed in the US by Eleven Seven Music, which also assumed control over their back catalog distribution.

The lead single "Saints of Los Angeles" earned recognition as iTunes’ top Rock track of 2008 and received a Grammy nomination for Best Hard Rock Performance. Remarkably, it premiered as downloadable content for the Rock Band video game platform, marking Mötley Crüe as the first group to launch a single exclusively through a gaming medium. Sales via Rock Band surpassed those from conventional streaming services. Additionally, nearly all tracks from Dr. Feelgood were made available as downloadable content for the game, except for one song.

Between July and August 2008, Mötley Crüe headlined the Crüe Fest festival with support acts including Buckcherry, Papa Roach, Trapt, and Sixx:A.M.. Later that year they toured alongside Hinder, Theory of a Deadman, and The Last Vegas.

In May 2009, they guest-starred on FOX’s series Bones, performing "Dr. Feelgood". The band also appeared at June’s Download Festival.

Mötley Crüe led Crüe Fest 2 from July through September 2009 with support from Godsmack, Theory of a Deadman, Drowning Pool, and Charm City Devils. The tour celebrated two decades since Dr. Feelgood by performing it in its entirety every night alongside releasing a special deluxe edition.

In 2010, Mötley Crüe co-headlined Ozzfest with artists such as Ozzy Osbourne and Rob Halford. That year Vince Neil unveiled his third solo album along with an autobiography titled Tattoos and Tequila.

2011–2015: The Final Tour and Retirement from Live Performances

In 2011, Mötley Crüe embarked on a joint mid-year tour alongside Poison and special guests New York Dolls, celebrating their respective 30th and 25th anniversaries. Later that year, on August 30, the band revealed plans for a United Kingdom tour featuring co-headliners Def Leppard and special guests Steel Panther, commencing in December.

February 2012 saw Mötley Crüe starring with supermodel Adriana Lima in a commercial for the Kia Optima aired during Super Bowl XLVI. That same month, they initiated their inaugural concert residency at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. By March, the group announced a collaborative tour with Kiss, scheduled from July through September. Throughout spring and summer of 2013, they toured across Canada with support from Big Wreck and returned to Las Vegas for a second residency later that year.

On January 28, 2014, the band declared their intention to retire from touring, unveiling a final North American tour initially planned for 70 dates with special guest Alice Cooper. This farewell tour kicked off on July 2 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They also signed a "cessation of touring agreement," which prohibited any further tours under the Mötley Crüe name beyond 2015. Bassist Nikki Sixx expressed intentions to release new material gradually instead of full albums, adapting to evolving music consumption trends.

During this farewell tour, the band introduced a new track titled "All Bad Things." The first North American leg concluded on November 22, 2014, with a performance in Spokane, Washington.

On January 15, 2015, announcements confirmed that Mötley Crüe would wrap up their career with international dates across Japan, Australia, Brazil, and Europe. This was followed by a second North American leg culminating in shows at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on December 27 and three consecutive nights at Staples Center on December 28, 30, and 31. In May of that year, Mötley Crüe and Alice Cooper revealed plans for a dozen European concerts.

The band appeared on the main stage at the Rock in Rio festival on September 19, 2015.

Their final officially promoted performance occurred at the Staples Center on New Year's Eve, December 31, 2015. This event was subsequently made available as a concert film entitled Mötley Crüe: The End.

2018–2022: Reunion, The Dirt Biopic, and Resumption of Touring

In 2017, lead vocalist Vince Neil stated that Mötley Crüe was "completely done." Yet on September 13, 2018, Neil announced via Twitter that the band was recording four new songs; bassist Nikki Sixx confirmed these tracks were intended for the adaptation of their autobiography into the film The Dirt. Neil clarified that despite their prior agreement to cease touring, they planned to continue producing new music.

Netflix released The Dirt biographical film along with an accompanying soundtrack featuring eighteen songs on March 22, 2019. Directed by Jeff Tremaine and produced by Julie Yorn and Erik Olsen—with executive production by Rick Yorn and co-production by Allen Kovac (the band's manager and CEO of Eleven Seven Label Group)—the movie stars Daniel Webber as Vince Neil, Iwan Rheon as Mick Mars, Douglas Booth as Nikki Sixx, and Machine Gun Kelly portraying Tommy Lee. Pete Davidson appears as record executive Tom Zutaut. Rolling Stone characterized the film as an unfiltered depiction of Mötley Crüe's ascent from Sunset Strip metal icons to arena headliners. It covers significant milestones such as touring with Ozzy Osbourne and the Theatre of Pain era.

The soundtrack’s lead single "The Dirt (Est.1981)" debuted on February 22, 2019. It included two additional new songs—"Ride With the Devil" and "Crash and Burn"—alongside a cover of Madonna's "Like a Virgin," complemented by fourteen classic Mötley Crüe tracks. Produced by Bob Rock (known for producing Dr. Feelgood), it was released under Mötley Records and Eleven Seven Music labels. The album achieved a peak position of number ten on the Billboard Top 10 chart—the band's first Top 10 placement in over ten years.

In 2019, a documentary episode aired on Reelz focusing on their legacy; however, Neil and Sixx publicly criticized its representation and threatened legal action.

Speculation about a reunion tour involving Def Leppard and Poison emerged in November 2019 following Guns N' Roses' successful reunion tour. The band responded cautiously to an online petition advocating their return. On November 18, Rolling Stone confirmed that all members had agreed to reunite for a tour by exploiting a loophole in their "Cessation of Touring" contract. This was officially confirmed through a press release accompanied by a video destroying their previous agreement. On December 4, it was announced that Mötley Crüe would join Def Leppard, Poison, and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts for The Stadium Tour scheduled for summer 2020. Additionally in December, Mick Mars revealed plans to release his debut solo album in spring 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused The Stadium Tour to be postponed initially to summer–fall of 2021 and then again delayed until 2022. In January 2022, Nikki Sixx reassured fans via Twitter that despite concerns about the Omicron variant, the tour would proceed mid-June as planned. The band toured Europe alongside Def Leppard in 2023.

In November 2021, Mötley Crüe sold their entire back catalogue to BMG Rights Management.

By September 2022, Vince Neil announced intentions for another U.S. tour in 2023 but dismissed plans for additional studio albums, emphasizing that they had become "strictly a touring band."

2022–present: Mick Mars' Retirement and the Cancelled Release

On October 26, 2022, Mick Mars stepped down from touring activities due to health complications, with John 5 announced as his touring substitute the very next day. By April 2023, John 5 had been officially integrated as a permanent band member. In December of that year, Nikki Sixx revealed that the group intended to keep touring for at least another eight years.

In April 2023, Mars filed a lawsuit against the band, claiming efforts were made to oust him; however, the band refuted these claims, stating he voluntarily ceased touring. Later in the same month, Mötley Crüe disclosed plans to create new music alongside producer Bob Rock, explicitly excluding Mars from forthcoming projects. By May 2023, recording sessions for a new album had concluded and mixing was underway. In June, Tommy Lee confirmed intentions for a stadium tour in 2024 and shared that three new tracks had been completed. September saw John 5 reveal a fresh song named "Dogs of War" as well as a cover version of the Beastie Boys’ "(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)".

In April 2024, the band inked a deal with Big Machine Records and released "Dogs of War," marking their first new track in five years and debuting John 5’s contributions. Neil indicated that additional music might be released later in 2024 or in 2025, favoring singles over a full album release. Lee expressed a preference for issuing material as a "time stamp" reflecting current moments rather than committing to a complete album. Sixx confirmed that two more singles were prepared for launch. The EP Cancelled officially dropped on October 4, 2024.

Metallica

During the early 1980s, rivalry brewed between Mötley Crüe and Metallica over supremacy within the Los Angeles metal scene. James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich openly criticized local heavy metal bands, including Mötley Crüe. Prior to a 1982 performance, Ulrich reportedly yelled "Fuck Mötley Crüe!" outside the Troubadour club, prompting Nikki Sixx to give chase. Dave Mustaine, formerly of Metallica, dismissed glam metal as "Gay LA Music." Nonetheless, Metallica respected the production quality and commercial impact of Mötley Crüe’s 1989 album Dr. Feelgood, subsequently enlisting its producer Bob Rock for their own self-titled release in 1991.

The conflict reignited in 1997 when Ulrich accused Mötley Crüe of employing backing tracks during their American Music Awards performance; Sixx responded online by criticizing Metallica’s Load album and changes in their musical style and image. In an unusual turn in 2003, Sixx expressed sympathy toward Metallica’s St. Anger album despite previous tensions. Both Tommy Lee and former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted appeared on the 2006 reality series Rock Star: Supernova, collaborating in a supergroup formed through a televised competition for a lead vocalist.

In 2011, Hetfield downplayed fan insults aimed at Mötley Crüe during an event in Mexico City but found them amusing. The feud resurfaced in 2015 when Lee shared a meme mocking Ulrich on social media. Vince Neil initially claimed ignorance of any dispute but abruptly ended a radio interview when questioned about it. By 2017, relations seemed to improve as Hetfield appeared on Sixx’s radio program Sixx Sense. In 2021, Sixx commended Metallica’s longevity and praised several of their albums during an interview.

Guns N' Roses

Guns N' Roses initially served as the opening act for Mötley Crüe in 1987, but tensions intensified in 1988 after Vince Neil accused then-Guns N' Roses guitarist Izzy Stradlin of assaulting his wife at the Cathouse club. The dispute reached a boiling point during the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards when Neil struck Stradlin onstage following Guns N' Roses’ victory for 'Best Metal Video.' Subsequently, frontman Axl Rose issued threats toward Neil, sparking public confrontations between the two throughout 1990 and 1991. Neil even proposed a physical fight, potentially held at Madison Square Garden, an idea reportedly supported by Eddie Van Halen and Sammy Hagar, although it never came to fruition.

Stradlin eventually extended an apology to Neil, yet Guns N' Roses’ 1991 song "Shotgun Blues" was interpreted as a jab at Neil. Relations between members of both bands improved when they collaborated on the reality series Rockstar: Supernova. Nonetheless, friction reemerged in 2009 when Neil criticized Rose’s management style and the commercial reception of Chinese Democracy. In 2014, after Revolver magazine crowned Rose as "The World's Greatest Singer," Neil made a sarcastic comment on Twitter but quickly removed it.

Godsmack

The rivalry between alternative metal group Godsmack and Mötley Crüe began during Godsmack’s stint as a supporting act on Mötley Crüe’s 2009 Crüe Fest 2 tour. Sully Erna, Godsmack’s lead vocalist, and drummer Shannon Larkin attribute the discord to Mötley Crüe’s treatment of opening bands and Godsmack’s audience, many of whom would leave venues soon after their performance. In a 2011 interview, Larkin explained that Mötley Crüe’s security imposed strict limitations on Godsmack’s backstage guests, creating tension despite mutual admiration for the iconic band.

Erna is believed to have penned the 2010 song "Cryin' Like a Bitch" targeting Nikki Sixx due to frustrations with his conduct during the tour, although Larkin contends it was inspired by former San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers. Sixx accused Godsmack of attempting to gain publicity through his radio platform amid accusations that the track was a direct diss. The feud escalated again in 2015 when Erna publicly insulted Sixx, labeling him an "old, fat, washed-up has-been," and challenged him to a fight. Sixx retorted by calling Erna immature and declared that Mötley Crüe would decline future festival appearances if scheduled alongside Godsmack.

This prominent dispute underscores the complexities and interpersonal dynamics inherent in touring arrangements within the rock music scene.

Steel Panther

Following their 2011 tour with Def Leppard, comedic glam metal band Steel Panther became embroiled in a feud with Mötley Crüe. While members of Steel Panther acknowledge Mötley Crüe as a significant influence, they reported experiencing hostility during the tour, particularly from Nikki Sixx and Tommy Lee. Guitarist Satchel claimed that Lee’s antagonism stemmed from rumors involving him and singer Michael Starr with Lee’s then-girlfriend. Starr also commented on Mötley Crüe’s ongoing feud with Godsmack, suggesting that Sully Erna could physically overpower Sixx. In 2015, Starr criticized Mötley Crüe for taking themselves too seriously compared to Steel Panther’s humorous approach; Sixx responded in 2016 by emphasizing his earnest dedication to music.

In 2018, Satchel mentioned that some animosities persisted among bands following their shared tour. The tension escalated further in 2019 when Starr joked about bringing back Vince Neil from the 1980s era, provoking Sixx to attack him via Twitter. Steel Panther countered by posting a 1994 interview where Mötley Crüe mocked Neil’s weight, highlighting the ongoing nature of their rivalry. Despite these conflicts, Steel Panther members continue to acknowledge Mötley Crüe’s influence during interviews.

Mick Mars

On October 27, 2022, guitarist and co-founder Mick Mars declared his retirement from live performances after a 41-year career, citing complications from ankylosing spondylitis, a progressive form of arthritis that impeded his ability to continue touring. Soon after, John 5, known for his work with Rob Zombie, was announced as Mars' touring substitute. In a March 2023 interview, Carmine Appice implied that Mars had lost enthusiasm for touring, a statement that Nikki Sixx publicly contested.

In April 2023, Mars voiced dissatisfaction with the band's severance arrangement, claiming his royalty share was reduced to 7.5% following his departure and alleging he was effectively pushed out due to health issues. On April 7, he initiated legal action in Los Angeles County Superior Court over unpaid royalties, contending that the band lowered his touring royalties from 25% to 5%. The band referenced a 2008 contract stipulating that members who leave would not be entitled to full earnings from live shows or merchandise.

Mars' legal representative accused the group of withholding current financial records and described their behavior as "bullying," including coercing Mars into selling his remaining interests in the band. Nikki Sixx expressed regret regarding the lawsuit but extended public support to Mars. Additionally, Mars accused fellow members of previous legal troubles and alleged reliance on backing tracks during concerts.

In a July 2023 interview with Rolling Stone, Mars revealed his decision to cease communication with other band members and affirmed his intention to seek complete royalty payments. As of September 2023, the legal dispute remained ongoing.

John Corabi

Following Vince Neil's exit in 1992, Mötley Crüe recruited John Corabi as lead vocalist for their 1994 self-titled record. The band's stylistic changes during Corabi's tenure received mixed responses from fans. While working on their seventh album, Generation Swine, creative disagreements emerged between Corabi and Nikki Sixx; Corabi criticized Sixx’s leadership and songwriting skills, whereas Sixx questioned Corabi’s compositional contributions. Despite bringing on manager Allen Kovac in 1994, negative reactions toward Corabi and the album strained the band's reputation, culminating in Corabi's dismissal during the Generation Swine sessions. Pressure from management and fans led to Vince Neil's reinstatement. In 1997, Corabi filed suit against the band over removed songwriting credits. He later collaborated with Sixx in the supergroup Brides of Destruction in 2003 but publicly criticized Sixx’s leadership and musicianship. Following Mick Mars’ 2023 lawsuit, Corabi expressed support for Mars and criticized the band's financial practices.

Musical Style and Legacy

Mötley Crüe's sound is predominantly rooted in heavy metal, glam metal, and hard rock. According to AllMusic, they excel at merging pop melodies with heavy metal theatrics. Their self-titled album (1994) incorporated elements of alternative metal and grunge, while Generation Swine (1997) introduced industrial rock influences.

Martin Popoff’s The Top 500 Heavy Metal Songs of All Time includes seven tracks by the band. Mötley Crüe achieved tenth place on MTV’s Top 10 Heavy Metal Bands list and ninth on VH1’s All Time Top Ten Metal Bands. Loudwire ranked them as the 22nd greatest metal band. Spin positioned Shout at the Devil as the 11th finest metal album. In 2013, LA Weekly named them third among hair metal bands. Rolling Stone placed Too Fast For Love at number 22 among top metal albums.

The group was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006.

The tribute compilation Nashville Outlaws, released in 2014, featured country artists such as Rascal Flatts, LeAnn Rimes, and Darius Rucker covering Mötley Crüe songs. This album debuted at number two on the Billboard Country Album chart and reached number five on the overall Billboard 200.

Band lineup

Present members

• Nikki Sixx – bass guitar, keyboards, backing vocals (1981–2002, 2004–2015, 2018–present)
• Tommy Lee – drums, percussion, piano, backing vocals (1981–1999, 2004–2015, 2018–present)
• Vince Neil – lead singer, occasional guitarist (1981–1992, 1996–2002, 2004–2015, 2018–present)
• John 5 – guitar, backing vocals (2023–present; touring 2022–2023)

Past members

• Greg Leon – lead vocals, guitar (1981)
• Mick Mars – guitar, backing vocals (1981–2002, 2004–2015, 2018–2023; not touring 2022–2023)
• Michael White – lead vocals (1981)
• John Corabi – lead vocals, guitar, bass, piano (1992–1996)
• Randy Castillo – drums (1999–2002; deceased)

Former touring musicians

• Emi Canyn – backing vocals (1987–1991; deceased 2017)
• Donna McDaniel – backing vocals (1987–1991)
• Jozie DiMaria – dancer (1999, 2005–2006)
• Pearl Aday – backing vocals (2000)
• Samantha Maloney – drums (2000–2002)
• Will Hunt – drums (2006, 2007, 2008; filled in for Tommy Lee)
• Morgan Rose – drums (2009; filled in for Tommy Lee)
• Allison Kyler – backing vocals, dancer (2011–2015)
• Annalisia Simone – backing vocals, dancer (2011)
• Sofia Toufa – backing vocals, dancer (2012–2015)
• Glen Sobel – drums (2015; filled in for Tommy Lee)
• Hannah Sutton – backing vocals, dancer (2022–2024)
• Laura D'Anzieri – backing vocals, dancer (2022)
• Bailey Swift – backing vocals, dancer (2022)
• Tommy Clufetos – drums (2022; filled in for Tommy Lee)
• Ariana Rosado – backing vocals, dancer (2023–2024)

Albums

Studio releases

• Too Fast for Love (1981)
• Shout at the Devil (1983)
• Theatre of Pain (1985)
• Girls, Girls, Girls (1987)
• Dr. Feelgood (1989)
• Mötley Crüe (1994)
• Generation Swine (1997)
• New Tattoo (2000)
• Saints of Los Angeles (2008)

Tours and residencies

Concert tours

• Anywhere, USA Tour (1981)
• Boys in Action Tour (1981–1982)
• Crüesing Through Canada Tour (1982)
• Shout at the Devil Tour (1983–1984)
• Welcome to the Theatre of Pain Tour (1985–1986)
• Girls, Girls, Girls Tour (1987)
• Dr. Feelgood World Tour (1989–1990)
• Monsters of Rock Tour (1991)
• Anywhere There's Electricity Tour (1994)
• Live Swine Listening Party Tour (1997)
• Mötley Crüe vs. The Earth Tour (1997)
• Greatest Hits Tour (1998–1999)
• Maximum Rock Tour (1999)
• Welcome to the Freekshow Tour (1999)
• Maximum Rock 2000 Tour (2000)
• New Tattoo Tour (2000)
• Red, White & Crüe ... Better Live Than Dead Tour (2005)
• Carnival of Sins Tour (2005–2006)
• Mötley Crüe Tour (2007)
• Crüe Fest Tour (2008)
• Saints of Los Angeles Tour (2008–2009)
• Crüe Fest 2 Tour (2009)
• The Dead of Winter Tour (2010)
• Ozzfest Tour (2010)
• Glam-A-Geddon Tour (2011)
• Mötley Crüe 30th Anniversary Tour (2011)
• Mötley Crüe England Tour (2011)
• European Tour (2012)
• The Tour (2012)
• North American Tour (2013)
• The Final Tour (2014–2015)
• The Stadium Tour (2022)
• The World Tour (2023)
• The Return of the Carnival of Sins (2026)

Residencies

• Mötley Crüe Takes On Sin City (2012)
• An Intimate Evening In Hell (2013)
• The Las Vegas Residency (2025)