The Band Index

Motley Crue(Mötley Crüe)

AmericasUnited StatesHard RockHeavy Metal
Community

Follow Your Favorite Band Today!

Be the first one to follow Motley Crue!

Top Motley Crue Community Posts

Loading posts...
Sponsor content

Band Timeline

1981

Formation and Early Days

Mötley Crüe was formed in Hollywood, California in 1981 by bassist Nikki Sixx and drummer Tommy Lee. Guitarist Mick Mars and lead vocalist Vince Neil joined shortly after. The band quickly established a reputation for their hedonistic lifestyles and energetic performances. Their initial sound combined hard rock and heavy metal, beginning with their debut album "Too Fast for Love" in 1981. This marked the starting point of a long and influential career in American heavy metal and glam metal genres.
1983

Rising Popularity and "Shout at the Devil"

In 1983, Mötley Crüe released their second album, "Shout at the Devil," which further elevated their status in the heavy metal scene. This album continued their hard rock and heavy metal trajectory, gaining them significant mainstream success. The band's androgynous look and hedonistic behavior made them icons of the glam metal movement that was emerging during the 1980s. Their elaborate live performances, featuring pyrotechnics and theatrics, started to become a hallmark of their concerts.
1985

Glam Metal Era Begins with "Theatre of Pain"

With the release of their third album "Theatre of Pain" in 1985, Mötley Crüe embraced the glam metal genre, characterized by a flashy and theatrical style both musically and visually. This shift aligned them with the first wave of glam metal bands in the mid-1980s. Their popularity increased notably as they became known for extravagant stage shows including flame thrower guitars and roller coaster drum kits, enhancing their reputation as showmen and innovators of live heavy metal performances.
1989

Peak Success with "Dr. Feelgood"

In 1989, Mötley Crüe released "Dr. Feelgood," their most commercially successful album and the only studio album to reach number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The album solidified their position as one of the top heavy metal bands in the world. With singles charting in the Top 20 and numerous platinum certifications, this period marked the peak of the band's commercial and critical acclaim, demonstrating their ability to blend catchy hooks with heavy metal intensity.
1992-1996

Lineup Change and New Sound with John Corabi

Following internal conflicts, lead vocalist Vince Neil left the band around 1992 and was replaced by John Corabi. The band released the self-titled album "Mötley Crüe" in 1994 with Corabi, marking a departure from their glam metal roots towards a heavier and more alternative metal sound. The album explored more aggressive and experimental styles but received mixed reviews and had less commercial success compared to earlier works. Corabi’s tenure lasted until 1996 when Vince Neil rejoined the band.
1999-2004

Drummer Changes and Hiatus

During this period, drummer Tommy Lee left the band in 1999. He was temporarily replaced by Randy Castillo and later by Samantha Maloney. This period was marked by reduced output and some instability. However, Tommy Lee returned in 2004, reuniting the classic lineup and revitalizing the band’s dynamic. This era showcased the band's resilience amidst personal and professional challenges, maintaining their relevance in the changing musical landscape.
2008

Release of "Saints of Los Angeles"

Mötley Crüe released "Saints of Los Angeles" in June 2008, their most recent studio album. The album was well-received by fans and critics alike, reflecting a return to the band's classic heavy metal and glam metal roots while integrating modern production values. This release reaffirmed their status in the heavy metal world and demonstrated their ability to adapt and remain influential decades after their formation.
2015

Planned Final Show and Legacy Preservation

On New Year's Eve 2015, Mötley Crüe performed what was intended to be their final show. The concert was a culmination of over three decades of groundbreaking performances and influential music. This event was filmed for both theatrical release and Blu-ray, preserving the band's legacy and giving fans a lasting memento. The decision to conclude their career was significant, marking the end of an era for one of heavy metal's most iconic bands.
2018-2019

Reunion and New Material

In 2018, after two-and-a-half years of inactivity, the band announced a reunion and began working on new material. In 2019, Mötley Crüe released four new songs on the soundtrack for their Netflix biopic "The Dirt," based on their best-selling autobiography. This soundtrack achieved notable commercial success, reaching the top of the iTunes All Genres Album Chart and gaining high positions on the Billboard charts worldwide. The autobiography also returned to the New York Times Best Seller list, revitalizing interest in the band.
2022

The Stadium Tour Co-headlining with Def Leppard

In 2022, Mötley Crüe embarked on their first major tour in seven years, co-headlining "The Stadium Tour" with Def Leppard across North America. The tour included special guests Poison and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, with Classless Act as the opening act. It was a major event for fans, showing the band's enduring appeal. In October 2022, longtime guitarist Mick Mars retired from touring, with John 5 joining as his replacement. The tour underscored Mötley Crüe's ongoing influence and ability to draw large crowds decades into their career.

Albums

motley-crue_1st_album
Too Fast for Love
10 tracks
1981
motley-crue_2nd_album
Shout at the Devil
11 tracks
1983
motley-crue_3rd_album
Theatre of Pain
10 tracks
1985
motley-crue_4th_album
Girls, Girls, Girls
10 tracks
1987
motley-crue_5th_album
Dr. Feelgood
11 tracks
1989
motley-crue_6th_album
Mötley Crüe
13 tracks
1994
motley-crue_7th_album
Generation Swine
14 tracks
1997
motley-crue_8th_album
New Tattoo
13 tracks
2000
motley-crue_9th_album
Saints of Los Angeles
13 tracks
2008
Sponsor content

Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Tommy Lee

2018

Piano

Background vocals

Drums (drum set)

Keyboard

Nikki Sixx

2018

Background vocals

Electric bass guitar

Keyboard

Piano

Vince Neil

2018

Harmonica

Electric guitar

Lead vocals

John 5

2022

Guitar

DJ Larceny

N/A

Turntable

Additional

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Vince Neil

1981
1992

Lead vocals

Mick Mars

2018
2022

Background vocals

Electric guitar

Tommy Lee

1981
1999

Drums (drum set)

Randy Castillo

1999
2002

Drums (drum set)

Tommy Lee

2004
2015

Drums (drum set)

John Corabi

1992
1996

Electric guitar

Keyboard

Electric bass guitar

Piano

Lead vocals

Mick Mars

1981
2015

Background vocals

Electric guitar

Nikki Sixx

1981
2015

Electric bass guitar

Vince Neil

1997
2015

Lead vocals

Story of Motley Crue

Mötley Crüe: The Kings of Glam Metal

Mötley Crüe, the iconic American heavy metal band, exploded onto the Hollywood scene in 1981. Founded by the dynamic duo of bassist Nikki Sixx and drummer Tommy Lee, the group was soon joined by guitarist Mick Mars and lead vocalist Vince Neil, forming the legendary quartet that would redefine the face of rock music.

With over 100 million albums sold worldwide, Mötley Crüe became a global force, leaving an indelible mark on the heavy metal landscape. They amassed an impressive discography, scoring seven platinum or multi-platinum certifications, nine Top 10 albums on the Billboard 200 chart (including their 1989 masterpiece, "Dr. Feelgood," which reigned supreme at number one), twenty-two Top 40 mainstream rock hits, and six Top 20 pop singles.

Known for their hedonistic lifestyle and androgynous personas, Mötley Crüe pushed boundaries and challenged norms. Their early albums, "Too Fast for Love" (1981) and "Shout at the Devil" (1983), showcased a raw, hard rock sound. However, their third album, "Theatre of Pain" (1985), marked their entry into the first wave of glam metal, solidifying their place as pioneers of the genre.

Mötley Crüe's live performances were legendary, known for their elaborate spectacle featuring flamethrower guitars, rollercoaster drum kits, and explosive pyrotechnics, including their signature "Sixx on Fire" effect. Their music and stage presence captivated audiences worldwide, leaving a lasting impression on generations of rock fans.

Their most recent studio album, "Saints of Los Angeles," was released in June 2008. In 2015, the band concluded their career with a final show on New Year's Eve, a fitting end to a legendary chapter in rock history. The concert was captured for a theatrical and Blu-ray release in 2016, ensuring that their legacy would live on for years to come.

Sponsor content

Learn more about Motley Crue

Bands you may like

More Heavy Metal Bands

Explore Heavy Metal

Discover more bands in the Heavy Metal genre and explore the diverse sounds that define this musical style.

Browse All Heavy Metal Bands

More Bands from United States

Explore United States

Discover the rich musical heritage of United States and explore bands that represent the country's unique sound and culture.

Browse All United States Bands