By Thomas Semioli

In the rock and roll profession, you can rest assured that you’re on the hallowed path to fame, fortune, fornication, and immoral immortality if the critics (duh) despise you…which brings us to…

…an individual who created one of the most influential bands in the history of rock and roll. Yet the “establishment” will never, never, ever admit it.

Though recognized more for their outrageous image and debauched reputation for excess, Motley Crue, co-founded by the former Frank Carlton Serafino Feranna Jr., will forever define the vital ‘80s metal era by way of their exceptional song-craft, musicianship, and studio work. It ain’t rocket science – it’s rock and roll! And Crue delivered the goods, pushing the music industry to its most profitable zenith.

Heaven (and hell) forbid another generation of George Michael, the Pet Shop Boys….thank you Crue for that reason alone. (Full Disclosure: I’ve never purchased Motley Crue music.)

Nikki Sixx, the band’s primary songwriter and visionary, guided this crew through a decade plus of platinum albums, arena-filling tours, and entertaining videos which set the template for modern hard rock.

Overcoming a horrific childhood, Sixx absorbed the essence of what made The Beatles, Queen, Sir Elton, Alice Cooper, and David Bowie great – a visually provocative persona with music to match. Crue concerts were bona-fide events. Their records were fun, subversive, occasionally reflective, and above all, dangerous. What more can rock and roll ask for?

As a bassist Sixx was all meat-and-potatoes – heavy riffs and pocket grooves to support the songs. Outside of the Crue, Nikki embarks various endeavors as an author, producer, radio host, photographer, and entrepreneur.  His musical side-projects reflect the glory of Crue, but that’s a chemistry than cannot be replicated.

Millions love ‘em – millions hate ‘em… but that’s rock and roll for ya…

Nikki Sixx Sound & Vision

“Girls Girls Girls” https://youtu.be/d2XdmyBtCRQ

“Dr. Feelgood” https://youtu.be/trGX3ET3jTQ

“Saints of Los Angeles” https://youtu.be/IR2QmRJNS4w

“Hooligan’s Holiday” https://youtu.be/6FU0z52y6R4

SIXX AM “Life is Beautiful” https://youtu.be/UJIDbxGrRqc