TOMMY LEE is looking ahead to MÖTLEY CRÜE’s massive 2026 return with confidence, nostalgia, and a renewed sense of purpose. In a recent conversation featured on Fox 32 Chicago, the drummer opened up about why the band chose to revive its iconic Carnival Of Sins tour and what their decades-long impact means to him personally.
With the band preparing for The Return Of Carnival Of Sins Tour, Lee reflected on the original 2005–2006 run — a tour famous for wild stage design, theatrical energy, and over-the-top production. The upcoming revival aims not only to honor the past but also to introduce the experience to fans who never had the chance to witness it the first time around.
“The original Carnival Of Sins tour was absolutely insane.”
Lee didn’t hold back when describing just how outrageous the original run was. It wasn’t just a concert — it was an immersive rock-and-roll circus filled with larger-than-life visuals, pyrotechnics, and moments fans still talk about nearly two decades later.
He said:
“Well, first of all, the original ‘Carnival Of Sins’ tour was absolutely insane. The production was — it was a carnival, and it was insane. So we’re bringing that back, because there’s so many fans out there that never got to experience that.”
His comment highlights the band’s awareness of a major shift within their fanbase. More families and younger concert-goers now attend their shows, which inspired MÖTLEY CRÜE to resurrect one of their most beloved touring productions.
A Multi-Generational Fanbase: The Band’s Greatest Gift
Although the production of the tour remains a major talking point, Lee made it clear that the most meaningful aspect of MÖTLEY CRÜE’s career has been the ability to reach multiple generations of listeners.
He shared:
“And I was just telling somebody else, my favorite thing in the whole world is that our music has transcended. And there’s nothing cooler on the planet than seeing somebody out there and they got their son or their daughter on their shoulders, singing, ‘Shout, Shout, Shout.’”
For Lee, those moments are more than sentimental. They represent something rare: a band whose influence now stretches far beyond the era they came from. Seeing kids — some as young as elementary school age — scream along to songs released decades before they were born is proof that MÖTLEY CRÜE remains an essential part of rock culture.
“We’re gonna be around for quite a long time.”
Lee also discussed how these multigenerational moments remind him that the band’s legacy is not fading — it’s growing.
He reflected:
“As a musician, I’m looking out there while I’m playing. I’m, like, ‘Man, that kid’s, like, nine years old. What the hell?’ That just tells me that we’re gonna be around for quite a long time.”
For a band that began in 1981, longevity has always been part of their story. They’ve experienced breakups, reunions, farewell tours, comebacks, and even a Netflix biopic. However, this new era appears to be defined not by farewells but by rebirth — something Lee feels energized by.
Why Reviving Carnival Of Sins Matters Now
The decision to bring back Carnival Of Sins was not random. According to Lee, the band wanted to give longtime supporters and brand-new fans an experience that captures the essence of who MÖTLEY CRÜE is — visually, musically, and emotionally.
The original production featured carnival themes, acrobatics, giant props, and dramatic stage illusions. In 2026, fans can expect upgraded technology, new effects, and modern enhancements while still keeping the spirit of the original tour intact.
Lee’s excitement for the revival signals that the band is committed to delivering a massive rock spectacle, not just a nostalgic retread.
The 2026 Tour: Dates, Cities, and Special Guests
The band officially announced The Return Of Carnival Of Sins Tour earlier this year, revealing an ambitious schedule that runs nearly the entire summer. According to the announcement:
- The tour kicks off July 17, 2026,
- And wraps on September 26, 2026,
- For a total of 33 North American dates.
Joining MÖTLEY CRÜE on the road are TESLA and EXTREME, two bands whose reputations in hard rock and glam metal make them perfect partners for a nostalgic-yet-modern rock extravaganza.
Fans can expect a powerful triple bill celebrating some of the most influential rock acts of the past four decades.
Carnival Of Sins: A Tour Built on Fan Energy
One theme Lee returned to repeatedly was that MÖTLEY CRÜE continues to thrive because of their fans — whether longtime supporters from the ’80s or children discovering the music for the first time.
According to Lee, the band’s success is not just about albums or stage shows but the emotional connection forged during performances.
It’s the experience of fans singing “Shout at the Devil,” “Kickstart My Heart,” and “Dr. Feelgood” together — regardless of age — that fuels the band.
Lee believes that these shared moments prove the band still belongs onstage and will continue to have a place in the culture for years to come.
A Celebration of the Past With Eyes on the Future
As MÖTLEY CRÜE prepares for 2026, the return of Carnival Of Sins feels less like a nostalgia tour and more like a celebration of their enduring place in rock history. With TOMMY LEE, NIKKI SIXX, VINCE NEIL, and JOHN 5 carrying the music forward, the band appears ready to embrace both their legacy and a new wave of fans.
Lee’s comments reflect a sense of gratitude and renewed energy — a fitting tone for a band entering yet another era of reinvention.
