The Phases of Motley Crue Part I
Too Fast For Love (1981-1982)
Young and inexperienced. Tommy Lee was not even done with high school. It is weird to see the Crue not covered in tattoos. Vince Neil’s hair was so platinum it was nearly white. On the record Vince Neil sounds like he has not hit puberty. The backup vocals sound like a junior high boys choir. Their clothing is common for a Los Angeles wanna-a-be rockstar. This was the making of a legendary band who would one day just rock music forever.
From left to right: Nikki Sixx (bass), Mick Mars (guitar), Vince Neil (lead vocals), Tommy Lee (drums)
Shout at the Devil (1983-1984)
This album was the band’s “black” album. It is dark and wicked. The pentagram on the cover of the album scared several people especially parents. Every song on this album is dirty and raw. The music for She’s Got the Looks Too Kill, is hilarious. It starts out with the band members holding flaming torches while wrangling up a bunch of women. You can tell that the Crue only had enough money to spend on leather pants, makeup, and hairspray.
From left to right: Nikki Sixx (bass), Vince Neil (lead vocals), Mick Mars (guitar), Tommy Lee (drums)
Theater of Pain (1985-1986)
This phase is my least favorite. It looks they were going for an Alice Cooper/David Bowie look. If Vince Neil did not have biceps he would have past as a girl. I am not the only who thinks that, Areosmith wrote and released a song after Vince Neil named Dude Looks Like a Lady. The music video Home Sweet Home, takes place in three cities. The band is performing live in front of thousands of people. The camera shows crazy members of the audience for instance one girl had to be carried off stage because she would not let go of Vince Neil. Even though I think the look did not suit them, this album was the starting point of success for the Crue.
From left to right: Nikki Sixx (bass), Vince Neil (lead vocals), Mick Mars (gutair), Tommy Lee (drums)
Cans of Hairspray 