Mötley Crüe, the legendary glam metal band, has been consistently making headlines since their massive North American Stadium Tour alongside Def Leppard last year. The tour proved to be a commercial success, ranking among the highest-grossing live runs of the year. Building on this triumph, Mötley Crüe decided to expand their tour globally, which, true to their style, was not without controversy.
- Global Expansion and Lineup Change:
Following their initial success, the band faced a setback when their classic guitarist, Mick Mars, stepped down from the lineup due to health issues. He was replaced by the talented six-string virtuoso John 5. While the transition initially appeared amicable, Mars filed a lawsuit against his former bandmates, alleging that they had withheld information about the group’s sources of income. Mars also accused bassist Nikki Sixx of “gaslighting” him into believing that his cognitive and motor skills were deteriorating significantly.
- Preparation for the European Leg and Criticisms:
As Mötley Crüe prepared for the European leg of their worldwide tour, rumors circulated regarding their extensive use of backing tracks and complaints about lead vocalist Vince Neil’s performances. These controversies heightened scrutiny around the band’s live shows, resulting in increased attention and criticism.
- Unexpected Reviews and Nikki Sixx’s Response:
Given the charged atmosphere surrounding the band’s performances, it comes as no surprise that people were particularly attentive and quick to criticize any missteps. However, bassist Nikki Sixx recently shared his lighthearted thoughts on a negative review of one of their recent gigs, defying expectations. Sixx took to Threads and humorously discussed an email he received from a venue, appreciating its honest nature. Nikki said:
“I read a honest complaint email from one of the venues about us today. It was pretty spot on. Said we were sexist pigs needing a shower flaunting half naked woman around on stage. Said we were too loud and said F*ck too much during the family oriented show as well…and this is us being good.”
Mötley Crüe’s worldwide tour has been marked by controversies, lineup changes, and critical scrutiny. Despite legal drama and ongoing complaints, bassist Nikki Sixx responded with good humor to a negative review, offering a glimpse into the band’s unconventional performances. As Mötley Crüe continues their tour, fans and critics eagerly anticipate future developments, embracing the enigmatic and controversial nature of this iconic glam metal group.
