Mötley Crüe’s Nikki Sixx recently acknowledged the influence of Cliff Williams‘ ‘simple dirty AC/DC baselines’ on shaping his own distinct sound. In a recent tweet, Sixx expressed gratitude for these baselines’ impact on his musical style, particularly in combination with power pop and punk bands.
Sixx’s tweet revealed his early admiration for the bass guitar and appreciation for the straightforward yet gritty nature of AC/DC’s basslines. He credited Williams as instrumental in developing his signature approach. One song in particular, ‘Primal Scream,’ is a prime example of the fusion of styles that defines Sixx’s bass playing.
Nikki Sixx’s words about how Cliff Williams shaped his sound read:
“Thank you. I fell in love with bass when I was really young and loved those simple dirty basslines from AC/DC, lots of power pop and punk bands. I like to hold it tight in the pocket and then release it into fills and melodic runs. ‘Primal Scream’ is a perfect example.”
Ultimately, the impact of Cliff’s simple and dirty baselines on Nikki’s bass playing highlights the power of cross-pollination between artists and genres. As musicians continue to tap into various influences in the genre, they create their own unique voices, which helped shape Nikki’s.
Thank you. I feel in love with bass really young and loved those simple dirty baselines from Ac/Dc,lots of power pop and punk bands. I like to hold it tight in the pocket and then release into fills and melodic runs. Primal Scream is a perfect example.
— 📷 (@NikkiSixx) May 19, 2023
