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If you grew up in the 80s as a teen, chances are you were a pretty big fan of Mötley Crüe. The band was formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1981. These guys were all over MTV during the mid-1980s. Throughout their career, they have released nine studio albums, several compilations, and live albums. Mötley Crüe has undergone various line-up changes, with bassist Nikki Sixx and drummer Tommy Lee being constant members. The band initially rose to fame with its debut album Too Fast for Love in 1981 and subsequently achieved massive success with Shout at the Devil in 1983. Mötley Crüe’s popularity peaked in the 1980s, with albums like Theatre of Pain (1985), Girls, Girls, Girls (1987), and Dr. Feelgood (1989). The band’s turbulent history includes multiple break-ups and reunions, with the original lineup reuniting in 2004 after a six-year hiatus. The group announced a farewell tour in 2014-2015 but reunited in 2018.
Nikki Sixx
Nikki Sixx, born Frank Carlton Serafino Feranna Jr. on December 11, 1958, is a founding member and the primary songwriter of Mötley Crüe. He has been with the band since its inception in 1981. Sixx’s songwriting skills were central to the band’s albums, including hits like Shout at the Devil, Girls, Girls, Girls, and Dr. Feelgood. Apart from Mötley Crüe, Sixx formed the band Sixx:A.M. in 2007, which became known for songs like “Life is Beautiful.” He has also worked as a radio host, photographer, and author, with his autobiography “The Heroin Diaries: A Year in the Life of a Shattered Rock Star” gaining significant attention.
Tommy Lee
Tommy, Tommy, Tommy, you have been so much fun to watch over the years. Tommy Lee, was born Thomas Lee Bass on October 3, 1962. He is known for his energetic drumming style and on-stage antics; Lee has been with the band since its formation. Lee formed the rap-metal band Methods of Mayhem and released several solo albums, including “Never a Dull Moment” (2002) and “Tommyland: The Ride” (2005). Lee also gained attention for his TV appearances and tumultuous personal life which we have had fun watching
Mick Mars
Mick Mars, born Robert Alan Deal on May 4, 1951, is the lead guitarist for Mötley Crüe. Mars joined the band in 1981 after placing an advertisement in a local newspaper that Nikki Sixx and Tommy Lee responded to. Known for his blues-influenced guitar playing, Mars contributed significantly to the band’s sound on albums like Too Fast for Love and Shout at the Devil. Despite battling health issues, he remained with the band throughout its active years. Mars has also worked on various side projects and collaborations with other artists.
Vince Neil
Vince Neil, born Vincent Neil Wharton on February 8, 1961, is the lead vocalist for Mötley Crüe, joining the band in 1981. Neil left the band in 1992 but rejoined in 1997. Outside Mötley Crüe, he released solo albums, including Exposed in 1993 and Carved in Stone in 1995. Neil also ventured into business, owning several establishments and participating in reality television shows.
John Corabi
John Corabi served as Mötley Crüe’s lead vocalist from 1992 to 1996. He replaced Vince Neil and recorded the self-titled album “Mötley Crüe in 1994 with the band, which marked a departure from their typical glam metal style. Corabi’s time with the band was short-lived, as Neil returned in 1996. Corabi has since worked with several other bands, including The Scream, Union, and ESP (Eric Singer Project), and released solo material.
Randy Castillo
Randy Castillo was Mötley Crüe’s drummer from 1999 to 2000, replacing Tommy Lee. Before joining Mötley Crüe, Castillo was known for his work with Ozzy Osbourne. With Mötley Crüe, he recorded the album “New Tattoo” in 2000. Unfortunately, his time with the band was cut short due to his illness, and he passed away in 2002.
Samantha Maloney
Samantha Maloney temporarily played drums for Mötley Crüe during the “Maximum Rock” tour in 2000, filling in for Randy Castillo who was battling cancer. Before joining Mötley Crüe, Maloney was a member of Hole and later worked with bands like Eagles of Death Metal and Peaches.
Greg Leon
Greg Leon was briefly associated with Mötley Crüe as a guitarist before the band achieved fame. He played with them in their early days after the departure of original guitarist Robin Crosby, who left to join Ratt. Leon’s tenure with Mötley Crüe was short-lived; he didn’t record any studio albums with the band. Despite this, his involvement is a notable part of their early history. Leon went on to form the Greg Leon Invasion, a band that played in the Los Angeles area, showcasing his guitar skills and musical versatility.
Michael White
Michael White, a vocalist, also had a short stint with Mötley Crüe. He was involved with the band around the time when they were searching for a lead singer before eventually settling on Vince Neil. While White didn’t record any albums with Mötley Crüe, his brief association with them is part of their formative history. Following his time with Mötley Crüe, Michael White continued his music career, notably with Michael White & The White, a band known for its Led Zeppelin tribute performances and original material.
Complete List Of Mötley Crüe Band Members article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023
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