Nikki Sixx recently shared an emotional reflection on Mötley Crüe’s 45th anniversary. He addressed his bandmates and fans in a heartfelt statement posted on X (formerly Twitter). Sixx also thanked Mick Mars in his message after his recent criticism of how the guitarist handled his exit.
The bassist’s message focused on the humble beginnings of the legendary rock band. He reflected on memories from their early days in North Hollywood.
“As time rolls on, you forget the little things—the small, throwaway moments that years later turn out to be the birth of something that changes you… and a lot of other people’s lives,” Sixx said. “Back then, I was pretty much living in a dilapidated house just off Lankershim Boulevard in North Hollywood. Falling apart. Barely hanging on.”
He continued to describe the modest conditions where the band’s foundation was laid.
“Worth noting, though—it did have a waterbed and an old rotary Bakelite phone, so yeah, we were doing just fine,” he said. “That was the house where I showed a 17-year-old Tommy Lee a pile of songs that would later end up on our debut album. It’s where we first met Mick Mars. It’s where we dreamed, jammed, argued, laughed, and tried to turn noise, attitude, and fun into something you could actually explain.”
Sixx reflected on the band’s early rehearsals and the process of finding their complete lineup.
“We rehearsed like madmen. Burned through a few singers before we finally met Vince Neil,” he said. “That house—four broke, ratty kids with nothing but ideas and nerve—was where the name Mötley Crüe was born. Along with about a million other stories that probably shouldn’t be told in polite company.”
The message concluded with gratitude toward his bandmates, including Mick Mars, and appreciation for their creative journey.
“The bottom line is this: we all start somewhere. And most of the time, we have no clue what’s about to come out of those first moments,” Sixx said. “In that house, Mötley Crüe was born 45 years ago. I hope you’ve enjoyed the ride as much as we have. Proud to be part of this band. Thank you to Vince, Tommy, and Mick for decades of loud, dangerous, honest music. I still go back and look at those old lyrics and wonder how the hell I had the balls at that age to play and say what we said—and nobody ever questioned us. Complete creative freedom. Thank you. And God bless the Children of the Beast.”
This anniversary reflection comes at a significant time for the band. They continue to celebrate their enduring legacy in rock music.
Fans also noticed Nikki Sixx’s change of tone about Mars. Sixx recently said about his former bandmate, “Read this LA Times article and find out how Mick Mars lied to you to try to hurt the band. Why would he betray you and us? Money?” He continued, “Wow—Read it and find out what happened to him and his dirty lawyers in arbitration,” he continued. “I’m actually ashamed of him. So should you be too—More to be revealed soon.”
Loudwire reported that the band officially formed on January 17th, 1981, when Nikki first jammed with drummer Tommy Lee. Guitarist Mick Mars and singer Vince Neil joined shortly after. This timeline aligns with Sixx’s nostalgic recollection of those early days in the North Hollywood house where their musical partnership began.
The band’s recent activities have been marked by both triumph and challenges. Blabbermouth noted that Mötley Crüe recently completed a Las Vegas residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM, which ran from September 12 through October 3, 2025. However, the residency had to be rescheduled from its original spring 2025 dates due to vocalist Vince Neil’s stroke around Christmas 2024.
Despite these health challenges, the band has maintained their commitment to their fans and their music. Metal Wani highlighted that Sixx’s anniversary message reflects not only on the band’s humble beginnings but also on their remarkable journey from four broke kids with nothing but ideas and nerve to becoming one of rock’s most enduring acts.
The bassist’s emotional tribute serves as a reminder of the band’s resilience. It highlights the deep bonds formed during those early days in North Hollywood. His gratitude toward his bandmates, including the specific mention of Mick Mars, highlights the lasting relationships that have sustained Mötley Crüe through 45 years of rock and roll history.
