Former Godsmack drummer Shannon Larkin has issued a public apology to Mötley Crüe’s Nikki Sixx. The controversy arose after Larkin claimed Sixx was using backing tracks during live performances. Sixx had previously responded with a sharp message suggesting Larkin may have been motivated by jealousy over the band’s success.
In a heartfelt and candid statement, Larkin clarified that he never intended to single out Sixx maliciously. He explained that his comments were taken out of context and that he used Sixx merely as an example during a broader discussion about backing tracks in live shows.
“I put my two cents in it, and then where I messed up and started this f*cking drama is I used Nikki Sixx as an example of someone that I’ve seen singing at a mic and then walking away from it and his vocal’s still going or whatever, or the bass thing, whatever it is. And I called him out, I guess, but I didn’t… Like I said, it was taken out of context because I was talking about the whole thing and then I kind of said, ‘Like Nikki Sixx does when he’s at the mic,'” Larkin said.
Larkin then directed his words personally to Sixx, expressing genuine remorse and deep respect for the rock icon.
“So I wanna make an open letter to Nikki Sixx. And I’m looking at Nikki Sixx, I’m looking at you, and I’m talking to you. You’ll probably never see this. And I didn’t think you’d ever even respond or hopefully wouldn’t see the thing, but I had nothing to do with that,” he continued. “That’s why I’m apologizing. I was not doing that to attack you. I had f*cking your first record on Leathür Records [Mötley Crüe’s original record label]. I have nothing but respect for you. You’re a legend, and you deserve all the accolades that you’ve gotten and every award and all those gold records, platinum records, all that shit — you deserve all that.”
Larkin was also clear that his original comments were not meant as an attack on the use of backing tracks in general. He noted that the practice is widespread in the industry.
“I made the mistake, which I’m apologizing for, sincerely too. Look at my eyes talking to you, because I’m sorry. I used you as an example. I’m one of those guys that’s I’m on the… I don’t do the tracks, but I have nothing against bands that do. And fuck, 80% of bands probably run the tracks. I don’t give a f*ck,” he said. “I wasn’t trying to get publicity, and you’re so famous, though, that I mentioned you in a sentence just as an example, and I shouldn’t have done that ’cause people take the track thing negatively. But I was being on the fence about the whole issue and just giving my opinion on what I felt.”
He went on to emphasize that he has no interest in feuds and reiterated his sincerity throughout.
“I don’t like beefs. I don’t like that L.A. f*cking, like how you guys all hate each other and shit. Beefs suck, and I don’t want to be in a beef. And I didn’t do this for f*cking publicity. I don’t give a f*ck. I walked away from this shit,” Larkin said. “I’m sincere when I say I have utmost respect for you, and you deserve everything that you have and got… It just popped in my head because it was just an obvious example. I’m sorry for that.”
Larkin closed his statement with a final, direct message to Sixx, urging him to take the apology at face value.
“I hope you see it and just f*cking take me for real and know that I am sorry for saying it, for using you like that. But it wasn’t for what you think it was for, for this f*cking press and attention… I was not starting shit… And so, for what it’s worth, you don’t know who I am, but you can sleep at night knowing I do respect you, and I didn’t mean to call you out like that. That was bullshit. Anyway, f*ck it. I’m done. I’ve been talking to you, man, and I’m sorry. And that’s the truth.”
The dispute unfolded rapidly over the course of just a few days, drawing significant attention from the rock community and reigniting a long-standing debate about the use of pre-recorded elements in live performances.
The controversy originated during a livestream on Larkin’s official YouTube channel, where he discussed his personal preference for performing without click tracks or pre-recorded elements. While making his case, he referenced Sixx and Mötley Crüe as a specific example. This decision quickly escalated into a public feud. Sixx fired back on X, formerly Twitter, dismissing Larkin’s credibility and taking a pointed shot at his standing in the industry. “It’s funny how so many B- and C-level bands seem to spend more time talking about us than writing songs people actually remember,” Sixx wrote. “Maybe it’s jealousy, maybe it’s insecurity, maybe ticket sales are a little slow.” Sixx later doubled down, calling Larkin a “hater” and adding, “Maybe he needs to take a nap before he does more press.”
Larkin delivered his apology during a Facebook Live stream on June 29. He made it clear that the remarks were never intended as a calculated publicity move. He stressed that he personally prefers to perform without tracks but holds no judgment toward artists who choose otherwise. He acknowledged that the vast majority of touring acts today incorporate some form of pre-recorded material into their live shows.
Larkin served as the drummer for Godsmack from 1998 until 2018, contributing to several of the band’s studio albums across two decades. Since departing from the group, he has remained active in the music world through interviews, livestreams, and occasional guest appearances. He has not taken on a permanent role with a major act since leaving Godsmack.
As of now, Nikki Sixx has not issued a formal response to Larkin’s apology. Mötley Crüe has also remained silent on the matter. The band’s public-facing reaction was handled entirely through Sixx’s personal social media accounts. The feud appears to have wound down on Larkin’s end, though whether Sixx will publicly acknowledge or accept the apology remains an open question.
