Former VINCE NEIL bassist ROBBIE CRANE has offered rare insight into VINCE NEIL’s solo years, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes pressures that ultimately pushed the singer back toward MÖTLEY CRÜE. In a new interview, CRANE reflected on loyalty, industry expectations, and a deeply emotional chapter surrounding the loss of NEIL’s daughter, SKYLAR.
Speaking with The Hair Metal Guru, ROBBIE CRANE explained that while VINCE NEIL was fully committed to his solo career at the time, outside forces consistently undermined that effort. According to CRANE, management and label pressure played a significant role in shaping the narrative that NEIL belonged only in MÖTLEY CRÜE.
The constant push to return to MÖTLEY CRÜE
Early in the conversation, ROBBIE CRANE wanted to make one point absolutely clear. Despite being deeply involved in VINCE NEIL’s solo band, he never encouraged NEIL to abandon his roots.
Transcribed by The Hair Metal Guru:
“I want to clarify this first. The minute Vince was out of Mötley Crüe to the time he rejoined, there wasn’t a minute that I was like, ‘Bro, you got to go back to Mötley Crüe.’ Like, this is all fun and games and all that sh-t but dude, that’s your band. That’s Mötley Crüe,” CRANE said.
Although CRANE personally believed MÖTLEY CRÜE was always VINCE NEIL’s true musical home, he emphasized that the pressure did not come from bandmates or close collaborators.
“And I just always felt like he should be back in Mötley Crüe,” he continued.
Instead, the real tension came from those positioned as decision-makers around NEIL’s career.
Management and label support that never materialized
According to ROBBIE CRANE, many of VINCE NEIL’s so-called managers treated the solo career as a temporary distraction rather than a legitimate artistic direction.
“But a lot of these people that came on as his quote unquote managers would be like you know oh that’s great that you had your solo thing funsies but you need to be back in Mötley Crüe.”
While CRANE agreed that MÖTLEY CRÜE was ultimately where NEIL belonged, he found it troubling that those same people failed to support the solo project in any meaningful way.
“And I agreed with that but they never supported his solo thing.”
This lack of backing created an environment where VINCE NEIL’s individual efforts were effectively dismissed before they had a chance to stand on their own.
Complicated obligations with WARNER BROTHERS
In addition to management pressure, ROBBIE CRANE explained that contractual obligations further complicated VINCE NEIL’s situation. The singer was still tied to WARNER BROTHERS, which also housed MÖTLEY CRÜE’s catalog.
“And he had this obligation to Warner Brothers and thankfully it was on WEIA and it was Electro Warner Atlantic or Warner Electra Atlantic.”
Because everything existed under the same corporate umbrella, the solo project was never truly independent.
“So, it was Electra, Mötley Crüe. It was all the same house.”
While CRANE made it clear he held no personal resentment over the arrangement, he believed it had a damaging psychological effect on NEIL.
Feeling diminished outside the band
From ROBBIE CRANE’s perspective, the most troubling part of the situation was how VINCE NEIL was made to feel during that period.
“But it was and I don’t begrudge in that because it didn’t hurt me in any way. I just felt like they made Vince feel like he was nothing without Mötley Crüe.”
That sentiment, according to CRANE, was deeply unfair given NEIL’s work ethic and dedication during his solo years.
“And I don’t think that was fair.”
He then described NEIL’s commitment in detail.
“Because I thought he did a fantastic job being the first guy in and the last guy out every day, whether it was writing sessions or recording or rehearsal.”
Rather than treating the solo project casually, VINCE NEIL approached it with discipline and professionalism.
“He was always the first guy there and the last guy out and very committed to it.”
A tragic turning point: the loss of SKYLAR NEIL
As the interview progressed, ROBBIE CRANE reflected on the most devastating period of VINCE NEIL’s life—the death of his young daughter, SKYLAR. According to CRANE, the tragedy occurred while they were finishing a record, bringing an emotional weight that cannot be overstated.
“So Vince, after Skylar had passed, we were just finishing the record and he had reached out to me and said, ‘Man, I wrote this song for Skylar and you know, I need help finishing it.’”
What followed was an intensely emotional studio session.
“So we got together at the recording studio up here at Cornerstone.”
With the help of another collaborator, the song came together quickly.
“And Brent came in and had another part. So the three of us finished that song like in 10 minutes.”
Grief that changed everything
Despite the speed with which the song was completed, ROBBIE CRANE made it clear that the emotional toll on VINCE NEIL was overwhelming.
“That time was so sad. Vince was terrible. Terrible. Terrible.”
From CRANE’s perspective, NEIL’s pain was both visible and understandable.
“I mean, I think that and rightfully so. I think really it messed with him and who wouldn’t it?”
The experience marked a profound turning point, not just personally, but creatively and professionally as well.
A complicated chapter in VINCE NEIL’s career
Looking back, ROBBIE CRANE’s reflections paint a nuanced picture of VINCE NEIL’s solo era. While the music itself mattered, the emotional and industry pressures surrounding it shaped the outcome just as much.
Rather than failing due to lack of effort, the solo career existed within an environment that constantly pointed NEIL back toward MÖTLEY CRÜE, even when he was giving everything he had to his own work.
For fans, CRANE’s comments offer deeper understanding into why VINCE NEIL ultimately returned to his original band. More importantly, they highlight the human cost of grief, expectation, and identity within the music industry.
