When JAKE E. LEE reflected on his experience preparing for OZZY OSBOURNE’s final event “Back to the Beginning,” one humorous comment unexpectedly reignited an old debate: the reputation of NIKKI SIXX as a bassist.
While discussing the pressure he felt learning the “Ultimate Sin” solo, Lee joked that on bad practice days he sounded less like himself and more like Nikki Sixx.

He said:

“Some days I’d pick the guitar up and I go, ‘Yeah, I can do it.’ But then there’d be other days where I sounded like Nikki Sixx playing bass.”

The comment, delivered with humor, has been interpreted by some fans as a playful jab. However, when placed in proper musical context, it opens the door to a much deeper discussion about Sixx’s role in MÖTLEY CRÜE, his approach to songwriting, and why many professional musicians argue that Sixx deserves far more credit for his musicianship than he often receives.

Why the Joke Stuck — And Why It’s Also Misleading

Jake E. Lee wasn’t attacking Sixx’s musicianship; the joke simply played into a long-standing internet stereotype about Sixx being “more of a songwriter than a bassist.”
Yet the musicians who actually work with Sixx tell a completely different story.

A perfect example comes from ERIC SINGER, drummer for KISS, who recently praised Sixx’s long-time friend GENE SIMMONS by describing what makes a bassist dependable:

“He doesn’t speed up; he doesn’t slow down… Gene is so easy to play with, it’s, like, effortless.”

These qualities — consistency, timing, steadiness — are exactly the qualities Nikki Sixx brings to MÖTLEY CRÜE. His style was never meant to be flashy; it was designed to anchor the band’s sound. And that approach is what allowed the band’s wild energy, high-gain guitars, and chaotic stage presence to stay cohesive.

Nikki Sixx: The Songwriter Who Built MÖTLEY CRÜE’s Sound

One reason Sixx is misunderstood is because he wears many hats. Although he is the bassist onstage, he has also been the primary songwriter and conceptual force behind MÖTLEY CRÜE since their earliest days.

Sixx wrote or co-wrote many of the band’s biggest hits, including:

• “Home Sweet Home”
• “Kickstart My Heart”
• “Shout at the Devil”
• “Wild Side”
• “Live Wire”
• “Dr. Feelgood”

These aren’t just popular Crüe songs; they’re rock anthems that shaped the genre.
In the studio, Sixx often guided arrangements, contributed guitar ideas, and helped produce the band’s signature tone. His bass lines were tailored to serve the song first — a trait that many professional musicians admire.

As producer Tom Werman once said about Sixx’s writing:

“Nikki had the vision. He understood what made a Mötley Crüe song work.”

This ability is a skill in itself. Many bassists play fast; few build careers that change the landscape of rock.

Technique vs. Purpose: Why Sixx’s Playing Works

Nikki Sixx’s bass style has always been defined by:

✔ steady timing
✔ driving rhythm
✔ minimalistic patterns
✔ focus on complementing the guitar tone
✔ creating space for vocals and drums

This approach is common in hard rock and glam metal. The goal is not to compete with the guitars but to ground them. Much like Cliff Williams of AC/DC, Sixx understands the importance of a disciplined, supportive low-end.

Professional musicians frequently emphasize that restraint can be harder than showing off.
Frank Bello of ANTHRAX famously said:

“A great bassist is the one the band depends on — not the one trying to take over the song.”

This perfectly describes Nikki Sixx.

Why Jake E. Lee’s Comment Should Be Seen as a Compliment

Although Lee’s joke was humorous, the comparison isn’t an insult. In fact, Lee went on to describe his struggles as a psychological hurdle, not a commentary on Sixx’s abilities.

He explained how practicing the “Ultimate Sin” solo sometimes felt impossible:

“Some days I’d pick the guitar up and I go, ‘Yeah, I can do it.’ But then there’d be other days where I sounded like Nikki Sixx playing bass.”

His point wasn’t that Sixx lacks skill — it was that on those rough days, Lee felt like he wasn’t playing like himself.

Moreover, Sixx has never claimed to be a virtuoso. He has always said his job is to drive the rhythm, write the songs, and bring the energy that defined MÖTLEY CRÜE.

And if we’re being honest, not every iconic bassist is a technical whirlwind.
Consider:

• Gene Simmons (KISS)
• Duff McKagan (GUNS N’ ROSES)
• Nikki Sixx (MÖTLEY CRÜE)

All are respected for their contributions, tone, songwriting, and stage presence more than technical flash — yet they are essential to their bands’ identities.