Nikki Sixx celebrates his 66th birthday this year, an extraordinary milestone considering his tumultuous past, which includes surviving
multiple drug overdoses in his twenties. Equally remarkable is the fact that 2024 marks 43 years since Mötley Crüe released Too Fast For Love,
their iconic debut album. In a career riddled with near-death experiences and setbacks, it’s a testament to their resilience that the band is not
only still active but stronger than ever. Currently on tour across the U.S., Mötley Crüe has also released their first new music in five years, the
three-track EP Cancelled. Cancelled is a significant return for Mötley Crüe, marking the band’s first new release in half a decade. Sixx
reflected on the evolution of the band’s approach to music, saying, “It’s not about the old-school grind of touring for two years,
coming home burnt out, and starting another album. Now, we follow the creativity and figure out how to fit it into the band.” He continued,
noting that the music industry has changed dramatically: “It’s a different world now—back then, you needed a new album to tour. Today,
fans just want the hits and a good time.” Sixx shared the inspiration behind Cancelled, which came to him during a tour stop in Brazil. After
reading an article about cancel culture, he penned some rough lyrics, which he described as a “rhyming scheme” rather than traditional
lyrics. The band then experimented with the idea during a soundcheck, with guitarist John 5 contributing to the groove. “It’s not such a big
commitment,” Sixx explained. “If it sucks, we toss it. If it works, we roll with it.” While the music industry has shifted, Sixx’s family offers him a
unique perspective on how music is consumed. “My kids range in age from five to thirty-three,” he said, describing how his children’s musical
tastes differ. “I’m listening to everything from Dua Lipa with my youngest to Prince and Led Zeppelin with my older kids.”
Mötley Crüe’s dynamic has also changed with the departure of guitarist Mick Mars, who left the band due to health issues. Sixx expressed deep
empathy for Mars but emphasized the band’s need to continue evolving. “When Mick left, we had to make a choice,” he said. “We made the
right decision with John 5. We wish Mick the best.” The addition of John 5 has brought a new creative energy to the band, but Sixx maintains
that the band’s success is rooted in its collective vision. “We’ve become very self-sufficient,” he said, emphasizing the importance of making
decisions that align with the band’s long-term goals. The band’s latest music video, Dogs of War, features eye-popping CGI and was
directed by Nick DenBoer. Sixx praised DenBoer’s wild creativity, saying, “He’s a crazy person in the best way. We gave him free rein, and the result
was something unexpected and exciting.” Looking back on the band’s incredible journey, Sixx reflects on how they’ve managed to
maintain their success over four decades. “It’s about balance now,” he says, contrasting it with the band’s early years, which were driven by the
pursuit of the “magic high” of success. “We’ve learned when to say yes and when to say no. That’s how we’ll keep going for the next few years and beyond.”
Mötley Crüe may have outlasted countless other rock bands, but with a renewed sense of balance and creativity, they’re proving that they’re still at the top of their game.