Nikki Sixx #64

Early Life and Formation of Mötley Crüe

Nikki Sixx had a tumultuous childhood, marked by his father abandoning the family when he was young, and his mother’s frequent relocations. He was raised primarily by his grandparents. As a teenager, Sixx developed a passion for music, particularly rock, and moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music. He briefly played with bands like Sister and London before co-founding Mötley Crüe in 1981 with drummer Tommy Lee, guitarist Mick Mars, and vocalist Vince Neil.

Rise to Fame with Mötley Crüe

Mötley Crüe quickly became one of the most notorious and successful heavy metal bands of the 1980s. Their debut album, "Too Fast for Love" (1981), laid the foundation for their sound, but it was their second album, "Shout at the Devil" (1983), that propelled them to fame. The album was a commercial success and established Mötley Crüe as a major force in the heavy metal scene.

Throughout the 1980s, Mötley Crüe released a series of hit albums, including "Theatre of Pain" (1985), "Girls, Girls, Girls" (1987), and "Dr. Feelgood" (1989). Their music, characterized by hard-hitting riffs, catchy hooks, and rebellious lyrics, resonated with fans and made them one of the biggest rock bands of the decade.

However, the band's success was also marked by their wild lifestyle, which included heavy drug and alcohol use, destructive behavior, and run-ins with the law. Sixx, in particular, became infamous for his struggles with heroin addiction.

Personal Struggles and Near-Death Experience

Nikki Sixx's battle with addiction reached its peak in the late 1980s. On December 23, 1987, Sixx overdosed on heroin and was declared clinically dead for two minutes before being revived by paramedics with two shots of adrenaline to the heart. This near-death experience was a turning point for Sixx and inspired him to write the song "Kickstart My Heart," which became one of Mötley Crüe’s most famous tracks.

Despite this wake-up call, Sixx continued to struggle with addiction for several more years before finally achieving sobriety in 2001. His struggles with addiction and recovery were documented in his best-selling memoir "The Heroin Diaries: A Year in the Life of a Shattered Rock Star" (2007), which gave a raw and unflinching account of his darkest days.

Legal Issues and Arrests

Nikki Sixx's rock-and-roll lifestyle led to several legal issues and arrests over the years:

• 1984 Arrest for Public Drunkenness: In 1984, Sixx was arrested for public drunkenness after causing a disturbance at a hotel in Nashville. The incident was one of many involving the band’s notorious partying and reckless behavior.

• 1987 Heroin Overdose and Arrest: In addition to his near-fatal overdose in 1987, Sixx was arrested multiple times for drug-related offenses, including possession of heroin. His struggles with addiction often led to chaotic and dangerous situations, further fueling his reputation as a rock-and-roll bad boy.

• 1995 Arrest for Assault: In 1995, Sixx was arrested for assaulting a fan during a concert in Phoenix, Arizona. The incident occurred when the fan allegedly threw a cup of urine on stage, prompting Sixx to retaliate physically. He was fined and ordered to attend anger management classes.

Later Career and Legacy

Despite his tumultuous past, Nikki Sixx has continued to evolve as an artist and businessman. After Mötley Crüe disbanded in 2015, he focused on his side project Sixx

.M., which he formed in 2007 with guitarist DJ Ashba and vocalist James Michael. The band released several successful albums, including "The Heroin Diaries Soundtrack" (2007) and "This Is Gonna Hurt" (2011).

In addition to his music career, Sixx has become a successful author, with his books "The Heroin Diaries" and "This Is Gonna Hurt: Music, Photography and Life Through the Distorted Lens of Nikki Sixx" (2011) receiving critical acclaim. He also hosts the syndicated radio show "Sixx Sense," where he discusses music, culture, and his life experiences.

Legacy

Nikki Sixx is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in heavy metal. His contributions to Mötley Crüe’s success, his raw and honest accounts of his battles with addiction, and his continued creativity have made him a respected and enduring figure in rock music.

Sixx's life story is one of excess, redemption, and resilience. Despite his many challenges, he has managed to transform his life and career, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry and inspiring countless fans with his journey of survival and recovery.