As MÖTLEY CRÜE prepare to revisit one of the most celebrated eras of their live history, bassist NIKKI SIXX is offering new insight into how the band built the lineup for their upcoming anniversary tour. In a recent interview, Sixx explained why EXTREME and TESLA were ultimately chosen as support acts—and why availability, humility, and songwriting mattered more than legacy or ego.
In a recent interview with Lyndsey Marie of the 93X radio station, Nikki Sixx spoke in detail about MÖTLEY CRÜE’s upcoming The Return Of Carnival Of Sins tour. The trek celebrates two major milestones: the 20th anniversary of the band’s groundbreaking 2005–2006 Carnival Of Sins tour and the group’s 45th anniversary as one of rock’s most enduring acts.
The Live Nation–produced tour will span 33 cities and officially launch on July 17, 2026, in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, at the Pavilion at Star Lake. Joining MÖTLEY CRÜE on the road will be Extreme and Tesla, two bands whose catalogs helped define hard rock across multiple decades.
While many fans immediately praised the lineup, Sixx revealed that assembling the tour package was far from simple. When asked how EXTREME and TESLA were selected, he offered a refreshingly candid explanation.
Transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET
“It’s who’s available, which is not easy. And who’s still around, which is really not easy.”
According to Sixx, the challenge went beyond scheduling conflicts. In fact, deeper issues prevented several potential collaborators from joining the tour.
“There’s a few bands that we actually talked to about getting back together to do this tour with us, and there’s a couple of bands I just couldn’t get ’em to understand that it would be better for the fans than their egos.”
That mindset, Sixx suggested, played a decisive role. Ultimately, MÖTLEY CRÜE prioritized the audience experience over nostalgia-driven reunions that came with complications.
Despite those obstacles, timing finally aligned in the band’s favor.
“And so we try. And just TESLA and EXTREME both were available, and we couldn’t believe it.”
The outcome exceeded expectations.
“We were so happy because that’s just — from the opening chords of EXTREME to the last chords of MÖTLEY CRÜE, it’s really good songwriting.”
For Sixx, strong songwriting remains the foundation of any great live experience. That philosophy guided the final decision more than genre labels or image.
“And I just love good songs.”
He went on to explain that musical style has never been a limitation for him.
“Whether it’s done METALLICA style, RAMMSTEIN style, Norah Jones style — I don’t care — Al Green style, MÖTLEY CRÜE style, a great song is a great song.”
That wide-ranging appreciation reflects how MÖTLEY CRÜE continue to approach their live shows even after decades on the road. Rather than focusing on excess alone, the band aims to create an immersive, sing-along experience that connects generations of fans.
“And it’s just gonna be a night of just singing everything.”
That sentiment aligns closely with what Carnival Of Sins originally represented. When the tour first launched in the mid-2000s, it stood out not only for its spectacle but also for its celebration of the band’s entire catalog. Songs from across MÖTLEY CRÜE’s career were given equal weight, creating a setlist that felt both nostalgic and inclusive.
Now, nearly two decades later, The Return Of Carnival Of Sins is being positioned as more than a revival. Instead, it is being framed as a full-circle moment—one that honors the past while embracing the present.
Choosing EXTREME and TESLA reinforces that vision. Both bands remain active, respected, and capable of delivering performances that resonate with longtime fans as well as newer listeners. Their inclusion also ensures musical consistency throughout the night, allowing the energy to build organically rather than reset between sets.
From a broader perspective, Sixx’s comments highlight a reality many veteran acts face today. While legacy matters, collaboration only works when priorities align. For MÖTLEY CRÜE, that alignment begins and ends with the fans.
As ticket sales approach and production plans continue to take shape, anticipation for the 2026 tour continues to grow. With milestone anniversaries, a carefully chosen lineup, and a renewed focus on songwriting and connection, The Return Of Carnival Of Sins is shaping up to be one of the band’s most meaningful tours in years.
