Buckle up because you’re in for some surprises…
Mötley Crüe, the American hard rock band, is known for their wild antics, high-energy concerts, and rebellious anthems that defined a generation. However, behind the provocative and scandalous image lies a talented band with a story full of twists and turns.
Ready to dive into the behind-the-scenes world of Mötley Crüe? Hold on tight, because we’re about to reveal 7 secrets you might not know about this legendary band, which has just released a new music video titled “Dogs of War” after a long hiatus.
Also read: 5 Things You Need to Know About Mothica, the Gothic Artist Captivating the Internet
1-Nikki Sixx Overdosed, Then Got High Again
The hit song “Kickstart my Heart” was inspired by Nikki Sixx’s overdose. In 1987, Nikki took such a high dose of heroin that he overdosed and was clinically dead for 2 minutes in an ambulance. Paramedics gave him several adrenaline shots and managed to revive him. Soon after being admitted to the hospital, Steemit reports that Nikki ripped out his tubes, escaped from the hospital, found a way home, and then resumed taking drugs.
2-Nikki Sixx Got Beaten Up by Undercover Biker Cops
According to Louder, after a night at the Rainbow with Lita Ford, Nikki Sixx noticed some bikers harassing girls on the street and decided to intervene. When he asked one of the bikers to calm down, the biker blew him off. In response, Sixx took off his metal belt and struck the guy in the face. However, the bikers turned out to be undercover cops, so they broke his cheekbone and dragged him to jail. Despite this altercation, it inspired the song “Knock ‘Em Dead, Kid.”
3-Mick Mars Joined the Band Through a Classified Ad
The story of Mötley Crüe began in January 1981 when Nikki Sixx (bass) and Tommy Lee (drums) started rehearsing with Greg Leon (vocals and guitar). After Greg left the band, the duo recruited Mick Mars. To find work, Mick Mars had placed an ad in the magazine The Recycler, stating: “Loud, rude, and aggressive guitarist seeks band.”
4-Multiple Acts of Vandalism
During their 1986 tour in Switzerland, Vince Neil and Tommy Lee bought flare guns, which they tested in their hotel room. As a result, they set fire to the bed and shattered all the elevator windows in the hotel. This incident is just one example of many acts of vandalism committed by Mötley Crüe throughout their career.
5-Vince Neil Caused the Death of the Hanoi Rocks Drummer
According to Pixbear, on December 8, 1984, Vince Neil hosted a party at his home in Los Angeles, California. When the alcohol supply ran low, Mötley Crüe’s lead singer offered to take Nick ‘Razzle’ Dingley, drummer of the glam metal band Hanoi Rocks, in his ’72 Ford Pantera to restock. On their way back, Vince Neil, visibly drunk, collided head-on with another car. Nick ‘Razzle’ Dingley died instantly. As a result of the accident, Vince Neil was sentenced to 20 days in jail.
6-Vince Neil’s Daughter Tragically Died at Age 5
In 1995, Skylar, Vince Neil‘s daughter, died of stomach cancer at the age of 5. Vince Neil dedicated “Skylar’s Song” to her on his second solo album, “Carved in Stone” (1995).
7-A Fan Sued the Band for Hearing Loss
After one of Mötley Crüe‘s concerts, a fan sued the band, claiming he suffered hearing loss due to the show. However, the judge dismissed his complaint, stating that the fan knew the concert would be loud.