Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx shared a rehearsal video ahead of the band’s upcoming tour dates. The video came following criticism from fans over the band’s recent live performance at the Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg, Manitoba, particularly regarding vocalist Vince Neil’s vocals. Neil suffered a stroke last year.
Sixx took to social media to offer fans a look at the band’s final rehearsal preparations before heading to Vancouver. He touched on both the upcoming festival appearance and the Carnival of Sins pre-production.
“Last day of Mötley Crüe rehearsals before we head to Vancouver for a festival,” Sixx said. “As soon as we wrap that show, it’s straight east for Carnival of Sins pre-production.”
Sixx also reflected on the experience of revisiting the band’s older material during the rehearsal process.
“It’s been a good kind of tired, and diving back into some of these older songs has been an absolute blast,” he continued. “Can’t wait to get this show in front of you all.”
The post drew mixed reactions from fans. Some remained skeptical, with one commenting, “You can rehearse all you want; it’s over,” while another wrote, “For the love of God, just stop! I’ve been a fan since day 1 but you guys were horrid 10 years ago! Opening night of the farewell tour in Grand Rapids and literally the only show I’ve ever left early from.” The band is set to continue their live schedule as they move forward with the upcoming tour.
The backlash comes at a particularly sensitive moment for the band, as Mötley Crüe continues to push forward despite the very public health challenges surrounding their frontman.
Vince Neil suffered a serious stroke on December 26, 2024 — the day after Christmas — which left his entire left side paralyzed and forced him to relearn how to walk. Doctors’ initial prognosis was grim, but Neil defied expectations and returned to the stage as part of his ongoing recovery.
Fan reactions to the Winnipeg show were sharply negative. Many described the performance as “painful to watch” and pointed directly to Neil’s vocals as the central concern. The criticism has been widespread, with long-time supporters expressing frustration that the band chose to perform before Neil’s recovery had fully stabilized.
Despite the controversy, the band kicked off a Las Vegas residency on July 4, 2026 — the same day Neil publicly revealed the full extent of his stroke and the physical rehabilitation it required. The decision to perform while Neil is still in recovery has divided the fanbase between those who admire his resilience and those who feel the band is moving too soon.
Sixx’s rehearsal video appears to be a direct response to that criticism — a signal that the band is taking the concerns seriously and putting in the work ahead of each show. Whether that effort translates to a stronger performance on stage remains to be seen. The band shows no signs of slowing down as they head into a packed schedule of live dates.
