Motley Crue

[Üncle Snake]

Former MÖTLEY CRÜE singer (and Honorary Crew Member) Vince Neil sat down exclusively with MuchMoreMusic's Bill Welychka in Buffalo, NY last week and cleared up recent rumors of a possible reunion/farewell tour.

"Two weeks ago in L.A., Tommy (Lee), Nikki (Sixx), myself and Mick (Mars) by phone sat in a room together with all the attorneys to see if we even wanted to do this," said Neil. "The fans are asking for it and I think it's time. It's a good thing and a good time to put a 'period' on the MÖTLEY CRÜE story. After, we'll call it quits and go back to doing what we've been doing for the past few years. It'll be closure for me — and this won't go on to be seven or eight 'farewell tours' like KISS or CHER... Everyone is on board and 95% committed. It's definitely time."

With sales upwards of the 40 million mark, the band battled well-documented years of drug abuse and mounting legal troubles. Neil contends, however, that this is a wiser and healthier MÖTLEY CRÜE.

The last time the four original members toured together was 1999, before personality differences forced the band off the road. MÖTLEY CRÜE toured again in 2000 without Tommy Lee. The upcoming tour is slated to last close to two years, and will most likely commence in February 2005.#nosmileys#nosmileys

[Ponyone]

The Futon Critic is reporting that former MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer Tommy Lee will be the focus of NBC TV's latest reality entry, a half-hour unscripted comedy in which Lee will enroll in college with cameras following his every move (as first reported here on August 22). Eddie October ("Bands Reunited", "Wanda Does It") is behind the project, which is set up at NBC Universal Television and has a series commitment at the network. October and Lee will executive-produce the untitled series along with Brian Transeau, Richard Bishop and Brad Wyman with Carl Stubner co-producing.

[muthagoose]

McFarlane Toys will be releasing a MÖTLEY CRÜE action-figure "Deluxe Boxed Set" in November 2004. Several photos of the CRÜE toys can be viewed at www.mcfarlane.com/toys/product.aspx?product=2254

The brainchild of Grammy- and Emmy-winning producer/director Todd McFarlane (creator of Spawn and founder of Spawn.com), Tempe, Arizona-based McFarlane Toys has several successful music lines, including KISS, OZZY OSBOURNE, THE BEATLES' "Yellow Submarine", METALLICA, JIM MORRISON, IRON MAIDEN's "Eddie", ROB ZOMBIE, JANIS JOPLIN, ANGUS YOUNG and JERRY GARCIA. The company also produces figures from movies and sports.

[muthagoose]

The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports: "A MÖTLEY CRÜE reunion, of sorts, is taking place this week. Former CRÜE frontman Vince Neil and bassist Nikki Sixx are recording four new songs at the Palms. Sixx, who owns a record label, wrote most of the songs for the band, which sold more than 40 million records."

In related news, McFarlane Toys have officially announced the action figure box set release of the wildest rock band of the 1980s, MÖTLEY CRÜE. Vince Neil, Tommy Lee, Nikki Sixx and Mick Mars are featured in the set based on their "Shout at the Devil" album.

Under a license from Signatures Network, the MÖTLEY CRÜE action figure box set (photos) will retail for around $50-$60 and will be available at specialty stores and mass retailers in November. The set comes complete with Lee's elaborate drum set, Neil's microphone and stand, Sixx's bass and Mars' guitar.

[Üncle Snake]

MÖTLEY CRÜE/BRIDES OF DESTRUCTION bassist Nikki Sixx has confirmed a Las Vegas Review-Journal report that he is currently recording new material with CRÜE singer Vince Neil.

"Been doing alot of songwriting for both BRIDES and MÖTLEY," Sixx writes in a posting to the "Diary" section of CRÜE's official web site. "I'm in [Las] Vegas with Vince right now. He's singing on some demos. He sounds amazing, looks amazing as well. We're loving the new tunes and having a blast. No offical plans for these songs at this point but it all starts with the music, so time will tell."

[Üncle Snake]

The Las Vegas Sun is reporting that MÖTLEY CRÜE frontman Vince Neil and bassist Nikki Sixx, Nikki's wife Donna D'Errico, and local food mag publisher Michael Politz were spotted dining together at Prime (Bellagio) in Las Vegas Wednesday night (Sept. 8).

As reported here yesterday, Sixx has confirmed a Las Vegas Review-Journal report that he is currently recording new material with Neil. "[Vince is] singing on some demos," Nikki wrote in an onlin posting. "He sounds amazing, looks amazing as well. We're loving the new tunes and having a blast. No offical plans for these songs at this point but it all starts with the music, so time will tell."

[Üncle Snake]

Former MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer Tommy Lee has provided the grit for the "crunk rock" mix of the track "Roll Call" on LIL JON & THE EAST SIDE BOYZ' upcoming album, "Crunk Juice", due November 16 via TVT, according to Billboard.com.

"Crunk Juice" is the follow-up to 2002's "Kings of Crunk", which peaked at No. 14 on The Billboard 200 and has sold 2.1 million copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.


EDITOR'S NOTE: Get back to the Crue so you can be cool again Tommy.

[Ponyone]

MÖTLEY CRÜE singer Vince Neil "smoked" the four new CRÜE songs laid down last week during a recording session in Las Vegas with bassist/main songwriter Nikki Sixx. "He sang the best I've heard in in years," Sixx writes in his latest online posting. "Of course, these are demos and we're looking at recording them [properly] in the very near future."

With regards to the direction of the new material, Sixx said, "They're very MÖTLEY sounding, I'd say 'Dr. Feelgood' meets 'Shout At the Devil'. I think you're gonna freak out when you hear these. It's true rock 'n' roll. Nothing more, nothing less."

Sixx also offered the following update on his lawsuit against the Vans shoe company for allegedly using his image in an ad without his permission:

"The final deposition in the Vans lawsuit is Monday [Sept. 13]. I'm excited to take them to court. They have offered settlements but they have all been a slap in the face. I can't wait to take them to court and set straight that companies cannot and will not be allowed to use celebrities' images without permission."

[muthagoose]

MÖTLEY CRÜE/BRIDES OF DESTRUCTION bassist Nikki Sixx has posted the following message to the "Diary" section of CRÜE's official web site:

"Well, Stevo Bruno at Klown Records and I have finished up the production on the MÖTLEY demos. I feel real strong about the songs. They're on their way to Bob Rock to get his input. I look forward to re-recording the songs now that everybody will have a clear understanding of the direction of the music.

"Next up is finishing the writing for the BRIDES. Me and Tracii have so much music, now we just need to finish what weve started.
"My book deal for 'The Heroin Diaries' is done. I changed publishers half way thru the deal and am now with Simon & Schuster. There will be a DVD attached to the release of it which will feature original music. So to say I have a busy next few months is a understatment.
"I have hired the top litigator who I am using to sue Vans to dropkick Dragonfly Clothing as well. Can you believe I have to do this shit to get paid?? I seem to attract people who believe they can take advantage of me, but like Elektra Records found out.. I have the devil runnin' thru my veins and I will not allow people to rip me off.

"You must stand up for yourself if you wanna have any self-respect in business. But to be honest, it really sucks and isnt my idea of being an artist. But artists must stand up for themselves...or these companies will continue to rip off artists."

[Üncle Snake]

Billboard.com is reporting that discussions are under way for a MÖTLEY CRÜE reunion tour featuring all four original band members — Nikki Sixx, Tommy Lee, Vince Neil and Mick Mars. "We're not there yet; we're at the 20 yard line," says the source.

If it happens, the reunion will include several new songs from the band to be released in "unconventional ways," along with a full-blown tour in the first quarter of 2005. The band hasn't toured with all four original members since 1999.

[muthagoose]

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, MÖTLEY CRÜE singer Vince Neil unveiled his new look of 20 pounds lighter and brown hair replacing his dirty-blond locks at the Palms pool Sunday (Oct. 3) for the VH1 show "The Remaking of Vince Neil".

His chopper ride through the casino got nixed, so he drove the black-and-chrome Springer chopper from Count's Kustoms up to the steps of the stage. All the decals on the chopper were of Neil's favorite tattoos.

Check out Vince's new look here: www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Oct-04-Mon-2004/photos/neil.jpg

As previously reported, a video for Vince's new song "Promise Me" — a collaboration with songwriting legend Desmond Child (BON JOVI, AEROSMITH, RICKY MARTIN) — was scheduled to be filmed during Neil's appearance at The Palms Hotel & Casino yesterday.

[muthagoose]

Singer-guitarist-songwriter Stacy Jones of the Boston-based quartet AMERICAN HI-FI has collaborated with MÖTLEY CRÜE on a song for CRÜE's upcoming CD, according to an update sent out to AMERICAN HI-FI's mailing list. "Vince Neil [vocals] wasn't around, so Stacy cut the vocals while Nikki Sixx [bass] and Tommy Lee [drums] were playing," the message reads. "Dreams come true."

MÖTLEY CRÜE have already demoed at least four songs for inclusion on their next release, including "Black Roses", "Another Bad Day", "Entertain Us" and "Get Out". The material, which was recorded at studios in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, is described by Sixx as very MÖTLEY sounding, I'd say 'Dr. Feelgood' meets 'Shout At the Devil'. It's true rock 'n' roll. Nothing more, nothing less."

Discussions are currently underway for a MÖTLEY CRÜE reunion tour featuring all four original band members — Sixx, Lee, Neil and guitarist Mick Mars. A full-blown trek is expected to kick off in the first quarter of 2005. The band hasn't toured with all four original members since 1999.

[muthagoose]

MÖTLEY CRÜE guitarist Mick Mars underwent full hip replacement surgery in a minimally invasive surgical procedure Tuesday (Oct. 5) at Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. Mars has been struggling with the chronic, degenerative illness, ankylosing spondylitis.

Following the operation, surgeon Dr. Brad Penenberg said, "The surgery went extremely well and I expect him to be walking with the help of a physical therapist as early as Wednesday morning."

Allen Kovac, CEO of Tenth Street Entertainment, the band's management company, issued the following statement, "MÖTLEY CRÜE are a gang of musicians that climbed the mountain of rock to success. A healthy Mick Mars gives hope to all those who love one of rock's most passionate and aggressive bands."

According to MTV.com, individuals afflicted with Mars' illness suffer from a fusing together of some or all joints and bones of the spine. The affected area becomes inflamed and some of the bone may erode, but only about six percent of sufferers of the disease need to undergo hip-replacement surgery. The illness cannot be cured but the pain can be minimized with anti-inflammatory drugs, according to the National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society.

[muthagoose]

Maggie Stehr of the Daily Nebraskan reports: Starting today (Oct. 7), infamous MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer Tommy Lee will abandon the school of rock and rehab for UNL to film a month-long NBC reality show documenting campus life.

NBC representatives met with members of the Association of Students of the University of Nebraska on Wednesday to discuss Lee's presence on campus, said President Katie Weichman.
"Tommy Lee will be a noticeable presence on campus," she said. "Having camera crews anywhere is always a distraction, but we want the university to be portrayed as the high quality institution we think it is."

Despite the tattooed rocker's reputation, university officials promised the show would highlight how quality higher education can reform a Hollywood lifestyle.

Although network officials divulged Lee's Cornhusker status to ASUN members, university officials would not confirm his participation, citing contractual agreements.

Scott Anderson, associate professor in the school of music, said the show's producers approached him two weeks ago about letting Lee sit in on his rock history class.

But Anderson turned down the offer for practical and moral reasons, he said.

"It is well known the guy has a pornographic video on the Internet and has issues with spousal abuse," he said. "I have young kids of my own and did not want to put myself in the position of glorifying that behavior."

In a lecture class of 240 students, a camera crew would be a real intrusion for students attempting to learn, he said.
"When students are paying what they are paying for this class, this kind of character poses a major distraction that students should not be subjected to," Anderson said.

Besides attending classes, Jeff Gerard, a junior computer science major and member of the UNL Marching Band, said Lee might be waking up for 7 a.m. practices.

Wednesday morning, band directors announced Lee would audition Monday for the drum line. If selected, he would perform during halftime in the Oct. 12 football game against Baylor, Gerard said.
If Lee made the cut, he’d be treated like any other drummer, he said.
Marching band practices are every morning at 7, and the drum section meets Wednesday nights from 7:30 to 9. If Lee missed more than two practices, he would be ineligible to perform at the football game, Gerard said.

"He is not that famous anymore, so it will be like he is any other member of the band," he said. "We have been really focused in practice and having Tommy Lee there will not make a difference. If it means we have to bump into a cameraman to continue working, then we will."

[LotB]

"It is well known the guy has a pornographic video on the Internet and has issues with spousal abuse," he said. "I have young kids of my own and did not want to put myself in the position of glorifying that behavior."

"He is not that famous anymore, so it will be like he is any other member of the band,"

How cruel...

[muthagoose]

Maggie Stehr of the Daily Nebraskan is reporting that two film crews and a 20-person production team scrambled through hoards of onlookers and flashing cameras Thursday (Oct. 7), following former MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer Tommy Lee while he began taping the NBC reality show documenting his return to college.

Lee acted more like a 12-year-old set free in a toy store than an aging 42-year-old rock star. He played dress-up with the bookstore's racks of Cornhusker merchandise and stumbled through what he called "more books than he had ever seen."

"I've only been here a couple hours and already really love it," Lee said. "I am taking some cool classes and I'm excited to party, do the whole college experience."

Crews re-shot scenes of Lee holding his mountain of books because they wanted a variety of camera angles, and producers instructed students recruited from the crowd exactly how to act with Lee during filming.

Crew members spotted Holly Fricke, a sophomore fashion merchandizing major, among the crowd of wide-eyed students and wanted the "pretty girl" to help Lee find the textbooks for his history of rock, horticulture, chemistry and English courses.

Because of copyright laws, producers swapped her adidas sweatshirt for a Husker pullover, and then put Fricke in front of the camera.

"I was really nervous about being so close to Tommy Lee because he is a celebrity and Hollywood, which is so different from UNL," Fricke said. "But he acts just like someone our age.

"And of course I liked when he kissed me on the cheek."

The day was not his first taste of Nebraska, he said. Past MÖTLEY CRÜE tours made stops in Lincoln and Omaha, but tight schedules limited free time to explore the area.

"When you are playing a show, you’re in, you’re out and you don’t get a chance to stay for very long," Lee said.

[Üncle Snake]

MÖTLEY CRÜE/BRIDES OF DESTRUCTION bassist Nikki Sixx has posted the following message to the "Diary" section of CRÜE's official web site:

"I was with Mick [Mars, MÖTLEY CRÜE guitarist] today… He looks amazing. I can't believe he just had his hip replaced and he's already walking around crackin' jokes... Strong motherfucker.... He said thanks to everybody for the good wishes..."

As previously reported, Mars underwent full hip replacement surgery in a minimally invasive surgical procedure Tuesday (Oct. 5) at Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. Mars has been struggling with the chronic, degenerative illness, ankylosing spondylitis.

[muthagoose]

According to Britain's Metal Hammer magazine, the original MÖTLEY CRÜE lineup of Nikki Sixx (bass), Tommy Lee (drums), Vince Neil (vocals) and Mick Mars (guitar) will play the following U.K. dates in June 2005:

Jun. 14 – Glasgow, UK @ SECC
Jun. 15 - Manchester, UK @ MEN
Jun. 17 - Cardiff, UK @ Int'l Arena
Jun. 18 - Birmingham, UK @ NEC
Jun. 19 - Wembley, UK @ Arena

A full-blown MÖTLEY CRÜE reunion trek is expected to kick off in the first quarter of 2005. The band hasn't toured with all four original members since 1999.

[muthagoose]

Handwritten lyrics (by Nikki Sixx) for every song on MÖTLEY CRÜE's first album, "Too Fast for Love", an original concert poster from their first every show at The Starwood in Los Angeles (April, 1981), the master VHS 1981 promo video, a number of 7" promo singles (signed by all original band members). These rare, authentic, one-of-a-kind items are some of the highlights of the upcoming MÖTLEY CRÜE auction being hosted by Backstage Auctions. The items have been offered by Barbara Coffman, widow of the band's first manager/mentor, Allan Coffman, and are only part of the 125 lots offered that follow the band's earliest years, before they became an international, multi-platinum success.

According to Backstage Auctions founder Jacques van Gool, "This auction offers something more than great collectibles. The history behind many of the pieces chronicles the early years of the band's formation. Kelli van Gool, Jacques' partner/wife adds, "These items have so much meaning and value that it's a thrill for us to make this auction possible. The items being offered will be must-haves for any MÖTLEY CRÜE fan or rock collector.”<br>
The "Mötley Crüe: The Early Years Auction" begins this Sunday, October 17, and runs for one week until October 24. In addition to these items, the Coffman collection includes historic audio and video, press and promotional items, photos (many with negatives), official paperwork and documents, original art work, t-shirts, hand bills, posters, etc. The total auction is available for preview now at www.backstageauctions.com. The company site will also give interested parties information on how to participate in this and their upcoming auctions.

Backstage Auctions recently hosted a hugely successful, 300 lot auction for legendary producer Eddie Kramer. Their next offering will be items from the personal collection of Lydia Criss, rock photographer and former wife of original KISS drummer Peter Criss. That auction is currently scheduled for early November 2004.

[muthagoose]

If you go to www.muthagoose.com/downloads/cruecat.pdf ...

You can get a look at the items and starting prices for the upcoming MÖTLEY CRÜE auction being hosted by Backstage Auctions this weekend.

[muthagoose]

MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist Nikki Sixx has rejected widespread Internet reports that the band will be embarking on a reunion tour in early 2005. Writing to the "Diary" section of the band's official web site, Sixx said, "It's nice to hear that fans, bands, promoters and agents would like to see a MÖTLEY CRÜE tour. But right now I know Vince [Neil] is booking tons of live shows, Tommy [Lee] is busy promoting a book and doing his reality show and Mick [Mars] is in rehabilitation after surgery (Who knows when and if he would feel up to it even if there was a tour) It takes four guys to do it. It hasn't happened since 1999. All I know is all four of us haven't been in the same room in six years. In the world of MÖTLEY, I'd say, 'Don't hold your breath.'

"P.S.: Props to whoever made the tour ad I saw on the net. Maybe someday…"

[muthagoose]

On November 13, 2004, the first "Legends and Prodigies" concert featuring MÖTLEY CRÜE singer Vince Neil with SOUND AND FURY, a hard-rocking new band from Canada, will take place at the world-famous Key Club on Sunset Blvd., in Hollywood, CA. "Legends and Prodigies" is a new star-search contest that offers young, talented musicians (rock, R&B, hip-hop, Latin) a unique chance to be promoted via live performances and international tours together with legendary artists in their corresponding musical genres.

The event, which will feature a caviar and champagne party in the Plush Lounge (downstairs in the club), will be attended by an impressive roster of Hollywood celebrities, famous athletes, recording industry executives and international VIPs. Following the concert, there will be a private "KGB" party at one of Hollywood's most famous mansions.

A limited number of VIP passes will be available to AWARE: Alliance for Worldwide Alcohol Research and Education supporters for a donation of $1000 or more. In addition, as a special fundraising promotion, four sets of these passes, which give access to the VIP party at the Key Club and private celebrity after-party, will be auctioned off on eBay to raise funds for AWARE.

Vince Neil, the legendary rock musician, best-known as lead singer of MÖTLEY CRÜE, was the strongest advocate of selecting SOUND AND FURY for the kick-off event, because he felt the group was the next big thing coming. "I chose to perform with SOUND AND FURY because I strongly feel that this band has a big future," said Vince. "There's definitely real talent in there. It's genuine, you know. It just rocks! Bottom line is, when they get on stage, they electrify the audience."

"Legends and Prodigies" was originally planned as a promotional event for RU-21, a supplement for consumers of alcohol best known around the world as the "KGB pill." Now "Legends and Prodigies" is poised to become a premiere international event that wants to be part of the solution in countering alcohol-related social problems.

In addition to the U.S. and Canada, there are plans to launch "Legends and Prodigies" contest promotions in Great Britain, Europe, South Korea, Japan, Russia, Australia, New Zealand and South America starting early next year. This and every year a portion of proceeds from "Legends and Prodigies" will be used to promote alcohol research and awareness.

"I think alcohol awareness is an important issue and I like the idea of heavy metal doing its part to cure the ills of drinking. Call it 'Motley Cure.' And knowing the organizers, it's going to be a very cool event to say the least. So, count me in on this one," says Olympic champion and former NFL star Willie Gault, who will join NBA star Dennis Rodman and other prominent athletes at the event.

"We use our imagination and we don't cut corners. We make sure it's an experience to remember," says Kristine Harlan, a Hollywood producer and the event's chief organizer. "Winston Churchill used to say: 'I'm easily satisfied with the very best.' That pretty much is our motto."

Tickets for the event are available at: Ticketmaster, the Key Club box office, or at www.RU21.com.

[muthagoose]

Former MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer Tommy Lee recently spoke to ABC's "20/20" about the incident in 2001 when a horrible tragedy took place at his home. A boy drowned during his 5-year-old son Brandon's birthday party.

The male nanny of young Daniel Karven-Veres told Lee he was going to a rock concert, leaving the child in the care another child's nanny. "All of a sudden I hear a scream," said Lee. "I look over and I see … this girl pulling … you know, Daniel up out of the pool."

Lee said he couldn't find the nanny who was appointed to watch the boy. "And that just blew my mind that she'd left him in the pool by himself."

The boy died later that day.

"He just didn't make it. It was terrible. It was the most terrible thing I've ever seen in my life," said Lee. "The parents came here understandably, you know, very freaked out and crying, wanting to know what happened.

Lee said he sent the parents a "very heartfelt letter" but did not hear back from them. Daniel's parents then filed a $10 million negligence suit against Lee saying he should have provided more supervision at the party. A jury ruled the case in Lee's favor.

"I wish I could bring their son back. Unfortunately, it's not a possibility," said Lee.

Tommy Lee's interview with "20/20" will air tonight (Oct. 22) beginning at 10:00 p.m.

[Üncle Snake]

BRIDES OF DESTRUCTION have announced plans to go on hiatus next year while bassist Nikki Sixx concentrates on the MÖTLEY CRÜE reunion tour. In an online posting, BRIDES OF DESTRUCTION guitarist Tracii Guns (ex-L.A. GUNS) wrote, "So, what do Scot, London and I do for the next year. Well, Ill tell ya. We are gonna go tour and write more tunes for the next BRIDES album. Whos gonna play bass?? Well, of course, Stevo Bruno is gonna play bass. As we set out on our journey we will not be called the BRIDES OF DESTRUCTION. We will probably be called something like TRACII GUNS' COCKSTAR or THE STUPID FUCKS or something like that. So youll be hearing some BRIDES tunes and some GUNS hits and some other junk as well. For now this is the plan. As we all know plans can change but this is what we want to do."

[muthagoose]

There have been lots of reports recently about a MÖTLEY CRÜE reunion, which was supposed to happen this fall but got put on hold when guitarist Mick Mars had hip replacement surgery in early October. CRÜE frontman Vince Neil told Launch Radio Networks his best advice is not to hold your breath waiting for it to happen: "You know, at one point, I thought it was definitely on — now, I don't now. You know, if it happens, it happens — if it don't, it don't. I'm gonna let other people worry about it. You know, I'm not gonna change my, you know, my schedule of anything to conform with something that might or might not happen."

Neil did confirm that he's been in regular contact with bassist Nikki Sixx, and that they've been working on some new songs.

In other news, Neil's two solo studio albums, 1993's "Exposed" and 1995's "Carved In Stone", will be re-released on November 2.