Tommy Lee #105

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Tommy Lee was born to a Greek mother and an American father who was a U.S. Army serviceman. The family moved to California when Lee was a child. He developed an interest in drumming at a young age and received his first drum kit as a teenager. Lee dropped out of high school to pursue a career in music and played in various bands before forming Mötley Crüe with bassist Nikki Sixx in 1981.

Rise to Fame with Mötley Crüe

Mötley Crüe quickly rose to fame in the 1980s as one of the most successful and notorious bands in the glam metal scene. Their debut album, Too Fast for Love (1981), and subsequent releases like Shout at the Devil (1983), Theatre of Pain (1985), and Dr. Feelgood (1989) became huge commercial successes. Known for their wild antics, hard-partying lifestyle, and outrageous stage performances, Mötley Crüe became one of the defining bands of the era.

Lee's drumming was a significant part of the band's sound, and he became known for his energetic performances and innovative drum solos, including his famous rotating drum kit.

Personal Life and Legal Issues

Tommy Lee's personal life has been highly publicized, particularly his relationships and legal issues.

• Marriage to Heather Locklear: Lee married actress Heather Locklear in 1986. The couple was a high-profile pair throughout the late 1980s, but they divorced in 1993.

• Marriage to Pamela Anderson: Lee's most famous relationship was with actress and model Pamela Anderson, whom he married in 1995 after knowing her for just four days. The couple had two sons together, but their relationship was tumultuous and highly publicized. A private sex tape of the couple was stolen and released without their consent, leading to a massive media frenzy.

• 1998 Arrest and Jail Time: In 1998, Lee was arrested for spousal abuse after an altercation with Anderson. He pleaded no contest to the charges and was sentenced to six months in jail. The incident and subsequent legal issues led to their divorce, although the couple had an on-and-off relationship for years afterward.

• Other Legal Issues: Lee has had several other run-ins with the law, including arrests related to assault and incidents of public intoxication. His legal troubles have often been intertwined with his volatile relationships and lifestyle.

Later Career and Mötley Crüe Reunions

Despite the controversies, Lee has remained active in music. After Mötley Crüe's initial breakup in 1999, he pursued solo projects and formed the band Methods of Mayhem, blending rock with rap and electronic music. He also released solo albums and collaborated with various artists.

Mötley Crüe reunited several times over the years for tours and new music, including their "Final Tour" in 2014-2015, which was billed as their last. However, the band reunited again in 2019 for a stadium tour.

Media Appearances and Personal Life

Tommy Lee has also appeared in reality TV shows, including Tommy Lee Goes to College (2005), and has been featured in various documentaries about Mötley Crüe, most notably the 2019 Netflix biopic The Dirt, based on the band's autobiography.

In recent years, Lee has continued to release music, including his 2020 solo album Andro. He has also been outspoken about his struggles with substance abuse and efforts to maintain sobriety.

Legacy

Tommy Lee is considered one of rock's most iconic drummers, known for his technical skills and flamboyant persona. His life has been marked by significant musical achievements, wild controversies, and numerous legal issues. Despite the ups and downs, Lee's impact on rock music and pop culture remains substantial.