Tommy Lee recently responded to claims made by guitarist Johnny Jetson regarding their past work together. His statement was shared on Instagram.
Jetson claims to have been the original guitarist in Tommy Lee’s Methods of Mayhem project. He posted about his experience working with the band, which featured Snoop Dogg, and reflected on the circumstances surrounding his departure.
“Most people don’t realize or remember I was the original guitarist in Tommy Lee’s Methods of Mayhem, which at the time featured Snoop Dogg and was tentatively called The Outsiderz,” Jetson said. “Tommy and I got along well, and we were coming up with great songs. However, the people around Tommy convinced Tommy he needed a guitarist who could play a 7-string guitar.”
Jetson was eventually replaced while touring with Space Age Playboys. He explained that he was fine with his departure because the whole project, band, sound, and vibe was turning to shit.
“I was eventually replaced while out on the road with Space Age Playboys. Which was fine by me because the whole project, band, sound, and vibe was turning to shit,” Jetson continued. “But seriously, it’s time those people heard from me. Snoop you still owe me $40, and Tommy, your friends are not cool. Actually, I have no hard feelings and wish all of them well, kind of.”
Tommy Lee’s response to the claims was dismissive. “I have no idea who TF this is?? Johnny Jetson?? Or his dog Elroy,” Lee replied.
Methods of Mayhem was formed in 1999 by Tommy Lee, who had temporarily quit his position as Mötley Crüe’s drummer. To understand the significance of Jetson’s claims, it’s important to examine the history of Methods of Mayhem and its early years. Lee created the band on the eve of his divorce from Pamela Anderson, channeling pent-up frustration resulting from jail stints, run-ins with the law, and tabloid coverage, according to Wikiwand.
The band emerged from Lee’s collaboration with rapper TiLo (Tim Murray). Per Last.fm, the original lineup featured various guitarists including Kai Marcus, Phil X, Danny Lohner, Ken Andrews, and Scott Phaff. Tommy Lee handled vocals, rhythm guitar, drums, and percussion.
The self-titled debut album was released in late 1999 and achieved gold certification. It featured an impressive array of guest appearances including Snoop Dogg, Fred Durst, The Crystal Method, and others. Notable tracks included “Ill Behavior,” which featured Snoop Dogg and former Nine Inch Nails drummer Chris Vrenna, demonstrating the high-profile collaborations that defined the project’s early success.
The band’s debut showcased a rap metal style that drew critical acknowledgment from Lee’s former Mötley Crüe bandmate Nikki Sixx. In 2000, Sixx conceded: “It’s pretty good for what it is…I guess you’d call it rap-rock.”
The original incarnation of Methods of Mayhem disbanded in September 2000, just over a year after its formation, as documented by Wikipedia. The band toured extensively in 2000, including performing on the Ozzfest lineup. Lee eventually rejoined Mötley Crüe and pursued solo albums and reality television appearances, leaving the Methods of Mayhem chapter seemingly closed until the band reunited in 2009 with a new lineup.
Jetson’s claims about his involvement in the band’s early days align with the documented timeline of Methods of Mayhem’s original incarnation. His assertion that he was replaced while on the road with Space Age Playboys falls within the band’s active period before its 2000 disbandment. This lends credibility to his account of the band’s internal dynamics during that turbulent era.
