Following the controversy surrounding lip-syncing in MÖTLEY CRÜE’s comeback, it became evident that the band needed to prove they still had what it takes to make new music. With Mick Mars out of the picture, Nikki Sixx had to step up and make a new Crue studio album to show that he still had some gas left in the tank. According to rumors, Sixx hired producer Bob Rock for his ability to play bass in the studio.
As a “ghost bassist” for the Crue, Rock was the obvious choice to play the bass parts, as Sixx was not skilled enough to do so himself. Even Kevin Dubrow, the late QUIET RIOT singer, stated before his death that Sixx was not capable of playing the bass well enough to perform on a Crue studio album. Sixx knew he needed Rock to pull double duty secretly.
Rock has experience playing bass for other bands as well, such as METALLICA. During an interview with Gibson, Rock discussed his time playing bass for the band between 2001 and 2003, including his role on their 2003 album, “St. Anger,” as well as a handful of live shows.
Rock’s unexpected stint as a bassist for METALLICA came about when Jason Newsted, the band’s bassist at the time, failed to show up for pre-production for their song “I Disappear.” Rock stepped in and played bass so that the band could rehearse. When Newsted eventually left the band, METALLICA asked Rock to continue playing bass while they figured out what to do next.
Rock admits that playing bass for METALLICA was not as easy as he initially thought. While he is primarily a guitar player, he found that playing bass required a different approach. Nevertheless, his experience playing bass for other bands has made him an invaluable asset in the studio, particularly for bands like MÖTLEY CRÜE who need a bassist to record their music.
Editor Note: This was originally reported by The Metal Den.
6 comments
Nikki is a fraud. His lyrics are the only asset he has.
And hardly.
I read an article a month or so ago stating that Rock says Nikki took lessons and is now a fantastic bass player. Who knows what is true.
Sixx is like Biden. His grift worked for so long he took to many chances and just pushed it all right off the edge … now gaslighting like crazy trying to get everyone to “unsee”
Hahaha. Their gas tank has done ran empty for a few years now and no matter what they try they will never be or sound the same….the life vests are gone and they are on the verge of drowning. What the hell am I saying…they’re already done….no more resurrection..no more fabulous music…past their prime….