Motley Crue And Their Decade Of Decadence

Some would say that they were more famous for their offstage antics rather than their music and live shows. However for a band who's personal lifestyles made it onto the headlines more than their music, they still managed to sell over 80 million records whilst continuing to sell out Arenas & Stadiums everywhere they go.

Formed in 1981, Motley Crue was on a quest to conquer the Heavy Metal market and take as many drugs, sleep with as many women and to cause merry mayhem along the way.

Nikki Sixx, the band's bass player, songwriter and the leader of the band wanted to put together a great rock 'n roll band after his time with bands such as London. He met drummer, Tommy Lee and guitarist Mick Mars who formed the nucleus of the band. However they needed a singer, Tommy suggested his old high school friend - Vince Neil. The line-up was complete.

As a four piece they started to play the local bars & clubs on the Sunset Strip. Creating an outrageous image and putting on a huge show with very little or no budget. This included their need to wear makeup and light Nikki's boots on fire. Music lovers loved them, whilst the girls liked to indulge with them.

During the 80s there was no stopping the band. Releasing classic album after classic album, which included Shout At The Devil, Girls, Girls, Girls & their biggest selling album Dr. Feelgood (sold over 6 million copies in the USA alone). With each new album came a tour bigger and more spectacular than the last, just look at the adventurous drum kits that Tommy used on those tours.

However not everything was rosy in the Motley Camp. Singer Vince got arrested for drink driving whilst killing his friend, former Hanoi Rocks drummer Razzle, in a car crash. Nikki Sixx "died" of a heroin overdose, but thanks to an adrenaline shot to the heart (inspired their song, Kickstart My Heart) he was quickly revived. Tommy constant string of women and his abusive behaviour lead to stints in jail.

In the early 90s Vince left or fired (depends on who you ask) and with the Grunge era closing in, the band failed to match their 80s heyday success. However the original four reformed the band in 2004 and have enjoyed a renewed success that not only matches the 80s, but surpasses it.

Recently the band have announced their retirement from touring and the end of the band. Unlike other bands the four members have said that they will never tour again and have signed a formal agreement which will see them being sued if they do tour again. They plan to mark this by playing one final tour that will take them into 2015 and then go their separate ways. However, we will finally see the film that's based on their New York's best selling book The Dirt. The film is currently in production.

Whatever you say about the band, you cannot deny their legendary status and influence on the 80s Hair Metal / Glam scene. Many bands tried to follow, but none succeeded - they is only one Motley Crue :)