Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx recently gave fans a rare inside look at the band’s live setlist decisions — and why certain beloved songs never make the cut. His candid comments, posted on X (formerly Twitter), sparked conversation among fans who have long hoped to hear deep cuts like “Knock ‘Em Dead, Kid” performed live again.
A Fan Asks About a Classic Song
It started with a direct question from a fan, who wrote:
“Us weirdos would love to know… Will you ever play ‘Knock ‘Em Dead, Kid’ live again?”
The track, originally featured on Mötley Crüe’s 1983 breakthrough album Shout at the Devil, remains a fan favorite. Despite its popularity, it has rarely appeared in the band’s live shows in recent years.
Sixx’s response was both honest and revealing.
“I want to so badly,” he admitted. “I’ve been asking for years but some band members don’t wanna play it.”
More Than Just One Song
According to Sixx, the problem goes beyond “Knock ‘Em Dead, Kid.” Several other tracks have been sidelined despite his desire to perform them.
He explained further:
“Same as Red Hot and Piece of Your Action etc. Disappointing for fans.”
These comments confirmed what many longtime Crüe fans have suspected — that internal disagreements within the band affect which songs make the live setlist.
Behind the Setlist Struggles
For a band like Mötley Crüe, with a catalog spanning over four decades, deciding on a setlist is always challenging. Balancing hits like “Dr. Feelgood” and “Girls, Girls, Girls” with deep cuts can be tricky, especially when not all members agree on which songs work best live.
Sixx’s frustration highlights an ongoing tension between wanting to satisfy die-hard fans and maintaining a show that appeals to broader audiences. His openness also sheds light on the fact that these decisions are not made by him alone, but collectively among the remaining band members.
Changes Within the Band
These setlist debates come during a period of major transition for Mötley Crüe. In 2022, guitarist Mick Mars retired from touring due to long-term health issues. Mars had been with the band since its founding in 1981, and his departure marked the end of an era.
Stepping into his role is guitarist John 5, best known for his work with Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson. The new lineup has brought a fresh energy to the group, but also a new dynamic that likely plays a role in how live performances are structured.
Fans and critics alike have noted that the Crüe’s shows under the new lineup are still packed with high-energy staples. However, Sixx’s remarks suggest that introducing lesser-played tracks has become more complicated with the current configuration.
Why These Songs Matter to Fans
For many fans, deep cuts like “Knock ‘Em Dead, Kid” or “Piece of Your Action” represent the raw energy of Mötley Crüe’s early days. These songs helped define the band’s signature mix of glam, grit, and heavy metal attitude in the 1980s.
Hearing them live not only adds variety to a show but also connects long-time followers with the band’s roots. Sixx’s acknowledgment that fans are disappointed reflects his own awareness of this emotional connection.
A Glimpse Into Mötley Crüe’s Future
While Nikki Sixx has been vocal about wanting to expand the setlist, it remains unclear whether the other members will reconsider. The band continues to tour globally, drawing massive crowds, and the focus often remains on delivering tried-and-true hits.
Still, Sixx’s comments give fans a reason to hope. His persistent advocacy for songs like “Knock ‘Em Dead, Kid” suggests that he hasn’t given up on the idea of bringing them back to the stage. Whether or not the rest of the band agrees remains to be seen.
The Balancing Act of Legacy Rock Bands
Mötley Crüe’s situation isn’t unique. Many veteran rock bands face similar dilemmas: should they stick to the hits that casual fans expect, or dive deeper into their catalogs for the die-hards? For Crüe, whose career spans more than 40 years, this balancing act is particularly challenging.
With John 5 now in the lineup, there may still be opportunities for creative reinvention. If the guitarist is willing to tackle some of these underplayed songs, fans could see fresh additions to the setlist in the future.
Conclusion
Nikki Sixx’s candid response on X has given fans insight into why certain classic tracks remain absent from Mötley Crüe’s live shows. While he has pushed for songs like “Knock ‘Em Dead, Kid” and “Piece of Your Action” to return, the final decision rests on the collective will of the band.
As Mötley Crüe continues its next chapter with John 5 on guitar, fans will be watching closely to see if Sixx’s wishes — and theirs — are ever granted. For now, the bassist’s honesty at least shows that the desire to keep these songs alive is still very much there.
