:Mötley Crüe

{{main|Too Fast for Love}}

The nucleus of the group first came together in early 1981, when former Suite 19 guitarist/lead vocalist, and one-time member of Quiet Riot and Dokken, Greg Leon and drummer Tommy Lee decided to form a new band.{{cite web |url=http://www.sleazeroxx.com/interviews/leon.shtml |title=Greg Leon interview |publisher=Sleaze Roxx |date=March 25, 2007 |access-date=October 15, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719085910/http://www.sleazeroxx.com/interviews/leon.shtml |archive-date=July 19, 2011 |url-status=live}}{{cite web | url=https://www.guitarworld.com/features/greg-leon-motley-crue | title="I wanted to put a great band together like Rainbow, Deep Purple or Humble Pie. Nikki Sixx simply was not capable. So I told Tommy, 'If this is the guy you want, I'm leaving'": Before Mick Mars, Greg Leon was Mötley Crüe's original guitarist | date=October 24, 2023 }} They attended the farewell gig of a popular local band called London, and Lee was already impressed by the image and stage presence of their bassist, Nikki Sixx. Even before meeting Sixx, Lee claims he had posters of London on his bedroom walls.{{cite book |last1=Lee |first1=Tommy |title=Tommyland |date=2005 |publisher=Atria Books |isbn=978-0743483445}} "Tommy just loved how Nikki looked", recalled Leon. "He was gung-ho about him, saying, 'This is the guy we should get'." Sixx auditioned twice but Leon felt he was "awful", telling Lee "He looks great. He's great on stage. But he can't play bass at all."{{cite web |last1=Daly |first1=Andrew |title=Before Mick Mars, Greg Leon was Mötley Crüe's original guitarist |date=October 24, 2023 |url=https://www.guitarworld.com/features/greg-leon-motley-crue |publisher=GuitarWorld.com |access-date=12 December 2023 |archive-date=December 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212170646/https://www.guitarworld.com/features/greg-leon-motley-crue |url-status=live }}

Lee subsequently became friends with Sixx and went to his Hollywood home to listen to new material he was working on. The music had been rejected by his London bandmates for being too heavy, and Lee says he immediately began banging on the table in time with the music and "everything just seemed to mesh". Lee subsequently hired Sixx for the new band, prompting guitarist/vocalist Leon to quit in protest. "I never played a show with Nikki Sixx. Tommy and I played together many times, but I was gone as soon as Nikki entered the picture. But they couldn't find a guitar player or singer initially, so they kept calling me. But I refused," Leon has said of his time in the band. Sixx and Lee began a search for new members and soon met guitarists Robin Moore (Jeff Gill){{Cite web |url=https://www.answers.com/Q/How_was_Jeff_Gill_related_to_the_band_Motley_Crue_I_was_told_he_played_or_helped_form_or_was_manager_of_the_band_in_the_beginning_years |title=How was Jeff Gill related to the band Motley Crue I was told he played or helped form or was manager of the band in the beginning years? |website=Answers.com |access-date=January 18, 2021 |archive-date=November 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106135858/http://www.answers.com/Q/How_was_Jeff_Gill_related_to_the_band_Motley_Crue_I_was_told_he_played_or_helped_form_or_was_manager_of_the_band_in_the_beginning_years |url-status=live}} and Bob Deal, better known as Mick Mars, after answering an advertisement that he placed in The Recycler that read: "Loud, rude and aggressive guitar player available". Mars auditioned for Sixx, Moore and Lee, and was subsequently hired while Moore was fired at the same session according to the band's biography The Dirt.{{cite web |last1=Wake |first1=Matt |title=10 Rock Classifieds That Changed Music History |url=https://www.laweekly.com/10-rock-classifieds-that-changed-music-history/ |website=L.A. Weekly |date=February 24, 2015 |access-date=3 January 2020 |archive-date=January 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103193534/https://www.laweekly.com/10-rock-classifieds-that-changed-music-history/ |url-status=live}}

Although a lead vocalist named O'Dean Peterson was auditioned,{{cite magazine |url=https://loudwire.com/motley-crue-too-fast-for-love-anniversary/ |title=37 Years Ago: Mötley Crüe Release Too Fast for Love |first=Joe |last=Divita |magazine=Loudwire |date=November 10, 2018 |access-date=March 25, 2019 |archive-date=March 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325101249/https://loudwire.com/motley-crue-too-fast-for-love-anniversary/ |url-status=live}}{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=G3Bb4LYafKsC&q=%22O%27Dean%22+motley+crue&pg=PA380 |page=380 |first=Cesare |last=Rizzi |title=Enciclopedia della musica rock. 3. 1981–1989, Volume 3 |isbn=88-09-01796-X |publisher=Giunti Editore Firenze Italy |year=2000 |language=it |access-date=November 18, 2020 |archive-date=February 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202225656/https://books.google.com/books?id=G3Bb4LYafKsC&q=%22O%27Dean%22+motley+crue&pg=PA380 |url-status=live}} Lee had known Vince Neil from their high school days at Charter Oak High School in Covina, California,{{cite news |title=It's not end of the line for Vince Neil |url=https://www.heraldpalladium.com/features/it-s-not-end-of-the-line-for-vince-neil/article_c10fbf58-860f-54d5-ba44-c54446595a12.html |newspaper=The Herald Palladium |access-date=June 17, 2019 |archive-date=June 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617170228/https://www.heraldpalladium.com/features/it-s-not-end-of-the-line-for-vince-neil/article_c10fbf58-860f-54d5-ba44-c54446595a12.html |url-status=live}} and the two had performed in different bands on the garage band circuit. Upon seeing him perform with the band Rock Candy at the Starwood in Hollywood, California, Lee suggested they have Neil join the band. At first Neil refused the offer.

On the same day as Mars, lead vocalist Michael White, who previously played with Nikki Sixx in London, joined the band.The Dirt: Confessions of the World's Most Notorious Rock Band, by Mötley Crüe and Neil Strauss (pp. 36–37), {{ISBN|0-06-098915-7}} But White eventually ended up leaving also.

As the other members of Rock Candy started to think about moving in more of a New Wave direction and became involved in outside projects, Vince Neil grew anxious to try something else.{{cite web |title=Mötley Crüe's Vince Neil |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/621038/mtley-cres-vince-neil/ |website=MTV |access-date=3 January 2020 |archive-date=January 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103194808/http://www.mtv.com/news/621038/mtley-cres-vince-neil/ |url-status=dead}} Lee asked again; Neil was hired on April 1, 1981, and the band played its first gig at the Starwood nightclub on April 24.{{cite web |title=On the Eve of Mötley Crüe's Final Shows, a Look Back at Their Very First Gig |url=https://www.laweekly.com/on-the-eve-of-mtley-cres-final-shows-a-look-back-at-their-very-first-gig/ |website=LA Weekly |date=December 30, 2015 |access-date=June 17, 2019 |archive-date=June 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617132120/https://www.laweekly.com/on-the-eve-of-mtley-cres-final-shows-a-look-back-at-their-very-first-gig/ |url-status=live}}

{{Quote box

| quote = I wanted a band that would be like David Bowie and the Sex Pistols thrown in a blender with Black Sabbath.

| source =  —Nikki Sixx{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-06-22-ca-5662-story.html |title=It's Not a Reunion |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=June 22, 1997 |access-date=December 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221030433/http://articles.latimes.com/1997-06-22/entertainment/ca-5662_1_motley-crue-bracelets/2 |archive-date=December 21, 2016 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}

| width = 25%

| align = right

| style = padding:10px;

}}

The newly formed band did not yet have a name. Neil has said that he told his bandmates that he was "thinking about calling the band Christmas". The other members were not very receptive to that idea. Then, while trying to find a suitable name, Mars remembered an incident that occurred when he was playing with a band called White Horse, when one of the other band members called the group "a motley looking crew". He had remembered the phrase and later copied it down as 'Mottley Cru'. After slight modification of the spelling, "Mötley Crüe" was eventually selected as the band's name, with the stylistic decision suggested by Neil to add the two sets of metal umlauts, supposedly inspired by the German beer Löwenbräu, which the members were drinking at the time.{{cite web |title=38 Years Ago: Nikki Sixx Forms Motley Crue |url=https://loudwire.com/motley-crue-founded-anniversary/ |website=Loudwire.com |access-date=November 18, 2019 |archive-date=November 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191111070449/https://loudwire.com/motley-crue-founded-anniversary/ |url-status=live}} Other than the periods of February 1992 to September 1996 and of March 1999 to September 2004, and until October 2022, the lineup of Neil, Sixx, Lee, and Mars remained the same.{{cite web |title=Motley Crue Lineup Changes: A Complete Guide |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/motley-crue-lineup-changes/ |website=Ultimate Classic Rock |access-date=June 17, 2019 |archive-date=June 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617132312/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/motley-crue-lineup-changes/ |url-status=live}}

The band soon met its first manager, Allan Coffman, the thirty-eight-year-old brother-in-law of a friend of Mars's driver.{{cite web |url=http://members.ozemail.com.au/~cruekiss/81.htm |title=Chronological Crue |publisher=Members.ozemail.com.au |access-date=October 15, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101019034117/http://members.ozemail.com.au/~cruekiss/81.htm |archive-date=October 19, 2010 |url-status=dead}} The band's first release was the single "Stick to Your Guns/Toast of the Town", which was released on its own record label, Leathür Records, which had a pressing and distribution deal with Greenworld Distribution in Torrance, California. On November 10, 1981, its debut album Too Fast for Love was self-produced and released on Leathür, selling 20,000 copies. Coffman's assistant Eric Greif set up a tour of Canada,[http://members.ozemail.com.au/~cruekiss/82.htm 1982, Chronological Crue] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090915223349/http://members.ozemail.com.au/~cruekiss/82.htm |date=September 15, 2009}} . Retrieved October 2, 2009. while Coffman and Greif used Mötley Crüe's success in the Los Angeles club scene to negotiate with several record labels, eventually signing a recording contract with Elektra Records in early 1982. The debut album was then remixed by producer Roy Thomas Baker and re-released on August 20, 1982—two months after its Canadian Warner Music Group release using the original Leathür mixes—to coincide with the tour.{{cite web |title=How Motley Crue Kickstarted Hair Metal on 'Too Fast for Love' |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/motley-crue-too-fast-for-love/ |website=Ultimate Classic Rock |date=November 10, 2016 |access-date=June 17, 2019 |archive-date=June 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617125254/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/motley-crue-too-fast-for-love/ |url-status=live}}

{{Quote box

| quote = Listening to Queen inspired Mötley Crüe to work with Roy Thomas Baker on Too Fast for Love. He would come in, "Hello Darlings ..." and listen for maybe thirty minutes or so and leave. And we're like, "What?! Where's he going?". But he produced Queen, so, man, we had to have him produce us, too.

| source =  —Tommy LeePhil Sutcliffe, Peter Hince, Reinhold Mack. Queen: The Ultimate Illustrated History of the Crown Kings of Rock. p. 27. Voyageur Press, 2009.

| width = 25%

| align = right

| style = padding:10px;

}}

During the "Crüesing Through Canada Tour '82", there were several widely publicized incidents. First, the band was arrested and then released at Edmonton International Airport for wearing their spiked stage wardrobe (considered "dangerous weapons") through customs, and for Neil arriving with a small carry-on filled with porn magazines (considered "indecent material"); both were staged PR stunts. Customs eventually had the confiscated items destroyed. Second, while playing Scandals Disco in Edmonton, a spurious "bomb threat" against the band made the front page of the Edmonton Journal{{cite web |url=http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/info/library.html |title=Edmonton Journal Library |publisher=Canada.com |access-date=October 15, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100301085948/http://www2.canada.com/edmontonjournal/info/library.html |archive-date=March 1, 2010 |url-status=dead}} on June 9, 1982; Lee and assistant band manager Greif were interviewed by police as a result. This too ended up being a staged PR stunt perpetrated by Greif. Lastly, Lee threw a television set from an upper story window of the Sheraton Caravan Hotel. Canadian rock magazine Music Express noted that the band was "banned for life" from the city.{{cite web |last1=Patch |first1=Nick |title=Motley Crue's Nikki Sixx describes being kicked out of Canada in the '80s |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/entertainment/motley-crue-s-nikki-sixx-describes-being-kicked-out-of-canada-in-the-80s-1.2202166 |website=CTV News |date=January 23, 2015 |access-date=3 January 2020 |archive-date=January 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103194246/https://www.ctvnews.ca/entertainment/motley-crue-s-nikki-sixx-describes-being-kicked-out-of-canada-in-the-80s-1.2202166 |url-status=live}} Despite the tour ending prematurely in financial disaster, it was the basis for the band's first international press.{{cite web |url=http://www.sleazeroxx.com/interviews/greif.shtml |title=Eric Greif Interview |publisher=Sleaze Roxx |date=April 28, 2007 |access-date=October 15, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929001925/http://www.sleazeroxx.com/interviews/greif.shtml |archive-date=September 29, 2011 |url-status=live}}

In 1983, the band changed management from Coffman to Doug Thaler and Doc McGhee. McGhee is best known for managing Bon Jovi and later Kiss, starting with their reunion tour in 1996. Greif subsequently sued all parties in a Los Angeles Superior Court action that dragged on for several years, and coincidentally later resurfaced as manager of Sixx's former band, London. Coffman himself was sued by several investors to whom he had sold "stock in the band", including Michigan-based Bill Larson. Coffman eventually declared bankruptcy, as he had mortgaged his home at least three times to cover band expenses.{{cite web |title=Views – Too Fast Perspective |url=http://members.ozemail.com.au/~cruekiss/exclusive.htm |website=Chronological Crue |access-date=29 December 2019 |archive-date=September 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190922035214/http://members.ozemail.com.au/~cruekiss/exclusive.htm |url-status=live}}

{{main|Shout at the Devil|Theatre of Pain|Girls, Girls, Girls (Mötley Crüe album)|Dr. Feelgood (album)}}

The band became rapidly successful in the United States after playing at the US Festival on May 29, 1983,{{cite web |last1=Edwards |first1=Gavin |title=Flashback: Motley Crue Rocks the US Festival in 1983 |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/news/flashback-motley-crue-rocks-us-festival-1983-191800424-rolling-stone.html |website=Yahoo! Entertainment |access-date=22 June 2020 |archive-date=June 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625042808/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/news/flashback-motley-crue-rocks-us-festival-1983-191800424-rolling-stone.html |url-status=live}} and also with the aid of the new medium of MTV. Their second album, Shout at the Devil, was released on September 26, 1983.{{cite web |title=Shout at the Devil – Mötley Crüe |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/shout-at-the-devil-mw0000190978 |website=Allmusic |access-date=June 20, 2019 |archive-date=July 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704052331/https://www.allmusic.com/album/shout-at-the-devil-mw0000190978 |url-status=live}} The album represented the band's mainstream breakthrough and would eventually be certified 4× platinum.{{cite web |title=Motley Crue |url=http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=Generation%20Swine&artist=Motley%20Crue&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2009&sort=Artist&perPage=25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924153013/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=Generation%20Swine&artist=Motley%20Crue&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2009&sort=Artist&perPage=25 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2015-09-24 |website=Recording Industry Association of America}} The album generated controversy for its title track and album imagery, both of which invoked Satanism.{{cite magazine |title=Motley Crue farewell tour: Nikki Sixx shares stories behind the songs |url=https://ew.com/article/2015/12/22/motley-crue-nikki-sixx-stories-behind-songs/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=3 January 2020 |archive-date=January 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103172214/https://ew.com/article/2015/12/22/motley-crue-nikki-sixx-stories-behind-songs/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=How Motley Crue Staked Their Claim With 'Shout at the Devil' |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/30-years-ago-motley-crues-shout-at-the-devil-released/ |website=Ultimate Classic Rock |date=September 26, 2015 |access-date=3 January 2020 |archive-date=March 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328005242/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/30-years-ago-motley-crues-shout-at-the-devil-released/ |url-status=live}} They then gained the attention of then-former Black Sabbath singer Ozzy Osbourne and found themselves opening for Osbourne on his 1984 tour for Bark at the Moon. The band members were well known for their backstage antics, outrageous clothing, extreme high-heeled boots, heavily applied make-up, and seemingly endless abuse of alcohol and drugs.{{cite web |title=35 Years Ago: Ozzy Osbourne and Motley Crue Start Debauched Tour |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/ozzy-osbourne-motley-crue-1984-tour/ |website=Ultimate Classic Rock |date=January 11, 2019 |access-date=June 20, 2019 |archive-date=June 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620141256/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/ozzy-osbourne-motley-crue-1984-tour/ |url-status=live}}

The band members also had their share of run-ins with the law. On December 8, 1984, Neil was driving home from a liquor run in his De Tomaso Pantera, which ended in a head-on collision; his passenger, then-Hanoi Rocks drummer Nicholas "Razzle" Dingley, was killed.{{cite web |title=The Day Hanoi Rocks Drummer Razzle Was Killed in a Car Crash |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/razzle-hanoi-rocks-killed/ |website=Ultimate Classic Rock |date=December 8, 2015 |access-date=June 17, 2019 |archive-date=June 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617164456/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/razzle-hanoi-rocks-killed/ |url-status=live}} Neil, charged with a DUI and vehicular manslaughter, was sentenced to 30 days in jail (although he served only 18 days) and subsequently was sued for $2,500,000. The short jail term was negotiated by his lawyers, enabling Neil to tour and pay the civil suit.{{cite news |title=Rock 'n' Roller's Song Sobered by Fatal Crash |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-07-21-cb-7225-story.html |newspaper=LA Times |date=July 21, 1985 |access-date=June 17, 2019 |archive-date=June 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617164454/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-07-21-cb-7225-story.html |url-status=live}}

The band's third album, Theatre of Pain, was released on June 21, 1985, and dedicated in Dingley's honor, and it started a new glam metal phase in the band's style.Harrison 2011, p. 40. Theatre of Pain was commercially successful, reaching number 6 on the Billboard album charts{{cite web |title=Artist Chart History – Motley Crue |url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/312021/m-tley-cr-e/chart?page=1&f=305 |website=Official Charts |access-date=9 December 2019 |archive-date=May 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180504163253/https://www.billboard.com/artist/312021/m-tley-cr-e/chart?page=1&f=305 |url-status=live}} and eventually being certified quadruple platinum.{{cite web |title=RIAA Searchable Database: search for Motley Crue |url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=Generation%20Swine&artist=Motley%20Crue&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2009&sort=Artist&perPage=25 |website=RIAA |access-date=9 December 2019 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924153013/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=Generation%20Swine&artist=Motley%20Crue&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2009&sort=Artist&perPage=25 |url-status=live}} However, the recording of the album was fraught with tension in the wake of Neil's accident and Sixx's growing addiction,{{cite web |title=Motley Crue's 'Theatre of Pain' at 30: Classic Track-by-Track |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/6605561/motley-crues-theatre-of-pain-30-anniversary |website=Billboard.com |access-date=12 December 2019 |archive-date=August 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190802183151/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/6605561/motley-crues-theatre-of-pain-30-anniversary |url-status=live}} and members of the band have said that they consider it a creative disappointment.{{cite web |last1=Vaziri |first1=Aidin |title=Mötley Crüe's Vince Neil reflects on 30-year run |url=https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Motley-Crue-s-Vince-Neil-reflects-on-30-year-run-2368449.php |website=SF Gate |date=June 12, 2011 |access-date=12 December 2019 |archive-date=December 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212130201/https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Motley-Crue-s-Vince-Neil-reflects-on-30-year-run-2368449.php |url-status=live}}

Mötley Crüe spent most of the next year on a world tour in support of Theatre of Pain. In February 1986, while in London, England, Sixx suffered a near-fatal heroin overdose, and the person who sold him the drugs dumped his unconscious body in a dumpster. The incident inspired Sixx to write the song "Dancing on Glass" for their next album.{{cite web |title=The Greatest 80s Song Inspired By An Overdose And A Rock Star Left For Dead |url=https://culturacolectiva.com/music/nikki-sixx-motley-crue-dancing-on-glass |website=Culture Collectiva |date=September 15, 2017 |access-date=29 December 2019 |archive-date=February 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202225655/https://culturacolectiva.com/music/nikki-sixx-motley-crue-dancing-on-glass |url-status=live}}

The band's fourth album, Girls, Girls, Girls, was released on May 15, 1987, and debuted at number 2 on the Billboard 200.{{cite web |title=Girls, Girls, Girls – Mötley Crüe |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/girls-girls-girls-mw0000194959 |website=Allmusic |access-date=June 20, 2019 |archive-date=June 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626224624/https://www.allmusic.com/album/girls-girls-girls-mw0000194959 |url-status=live}} Sixx has said in interviews that he believes the album would have debuted at number 1, if not for behind the scenes maneuvering by Whitney Houston's record label.{{cite web |title=Nikki Sixx Isn't So Sure Whitney Houston Fairly Beat Mötley Crüe for a Number 1 Album |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/7890233/motley-crue-girls-girls-girls-album-anniversary-nikki-sixx |website=Billboard.com |access-date=June 20, 2019 |archive-date=June 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626224623/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/7890233/motley-crue-girls-girls-girls-album-anniversary-nikki-sixx |url-status=live}} The band again changed their look for the album and subsequent tour, trading the glam elements of the previous album for a biker aesthetic.{{cite web |title=Revisiting Motley Crue's Game-Changing 'Girls, Girls, Girls' |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/motley-crue-girls-girls-girls-25th-anniversary/ |website=Ultimate Classic Rock |date=May 15, 2015 |access-date=16 December 2019 |archive-date=December 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216162551/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/motley-crue-girls-girls-girls-25th-anniversary/ |url-status=live}} The band faced many of the same personal issues that plagued the recording of Theatre of Pain and Sixx has complained that those issues compromised the album's quality,{{cite web |title=32 Years Ago: Motley Crue Release 'Girls, Girls, Girls' |url=https://loudwire.com/motley-crue-release-girls-girls-girls-anniversary/ |website=Loudwire |access-date=16 December 2019 |archive-date=October 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019034026/https://loudwire.com/motley-crue-release-girls-girls-girls-anniversary/ |url-status=live}} although he has spoken more positively about the record in subsequent years.{{cite magazine |title=Nikki Sixx on Motley Crue's 'Girls, Girls, Girls' at 30 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/motley-crue-on-girls-girls-girls-at-30-it-was-like-caligula-121895/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=August 24, 2017 |access-date=16 December 2019 |archive-date=September 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190929102840/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/motley-crue-on-girls-girls-girls-at-30-it-was-like-caligula-121895/ |url-status=live}}

On December 23, 1987, Sixx suffered a heroin overdose. He was declared clinically dead on the way to the hospital, but the paramedic, who was a Mötley Crüe fan, revived Sixx with two shots of adrenaline.{{cite web |title=Mötley Crüe and the Real Story of Nikki Sixx's Overdose: Going Beyond 'The Dirt' |url=https://www.newsweek.com/motley-crue-nikki-sixx-overdose-dirt-1368786 |website=Newsweek |date=March 22, 2019 |access-date=June 20, 2019 |archive-date=June 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626224639/https://www.newsweek.com/motley-crue-nikki-sixx-overdose-dirt-1368786 |url-status=live}} His two minutes in death were the inspiration for the song "Kickstart My Heart", which peaked at No. 16 on the Mainstream U.S. chart, and which was featured on 1989's Dr. Feelgood, their first U.S. number one album. From 1986 to 1987, Sixx kept a daily diary of his heroin addiction and eventually entered rehab in January 1988, prompting the band to cancel their planned tour dates for that year.{{cite web |title=The strangest reasons gigs have been cancelled |url=https://www.radiox.co.uk/features/x-lists/cancelled-gigs-tours/ |website=Radio X |access-date=19 November 2023 |language=en |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118215131/https://www.radiox.co.uk/features/x-lists/cancelled-gigs-tours/ |url-status=live }}

While 1988 was the first year that Mötley Crüe did not tour, controversy again hit the band that year in the form of a lawsuit by Matthew Trippe. Trippe claimed that Sixx was hospitalized in 1983 after a car crash involving drugs and that he had been hired as Sixx's doppelgänger. The suit was regarding the loss of royalties from his time in Mötley Crüe and the case was not closed until 1993 when Trippe dropped his charges and disappeared from public view.{{cite web |url=http://klassickerranginterviews.weebly.com/matthew-trippe---may-1988.html |title=Matthew Trippe – May 1988 – Klassic Kerrang Interviews |publisher=Klassickerranginterviews.weebly.com |date=December 10, 1993 |access-date=February 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130108161123/http://klassickerranginterviews.weebly.com/matthew-trippe---may-1988.html |archive-date=January 8, 2013 |url-status=dead}}

Their decadent lifestyles almost shattered the band until managers Thaler and McGhee pulled an intervention and refused to allow the band to tour in Europe, fearing that "some [of them] would come back in bodybags".{{cite web |last1=Whalen |first1=Andrew |title=Mötley Crüe and the Real Story of Nikki Sixx's Overdose: Going Beyond 'The Dirt' |url=https://www.newsweek.com/motley-crue-nikki-sixx-overdose-dirt-1368786 |website=Newsweek |date=March 22, 2019 |access-date=15 December 2019 |archive-date=June 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626224639/https://www.newsweek.com/motley-crue-nikki-sixx-overdose-dirt-1368786 |url-status=live}} Shortly after, all the band members jointly entered drug rehabilitation in an effort to move forward as a band.{{cite web |title=Motley Crue Remembers 'Dr. Feelgood' on Its 30th Anniversary |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/8530014/motley-crue-dr-feelgood-anniversary-30-years |website=Billboard.com |access-date=15 December 2019 |archive-date=December 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216005921/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/8530014/motley-crue-dr-feelgood-anniversary-30-years |url-status=live}}

After finding sobriety, Mötley Crüe reached its peak popularity with the release of their fifth album, the Bob Rock-produced Dr. Feelgood, on September 1, 1989. Rock and the band recorded the album in Vancouver, with the band members recording their parts separately for the first time to reduce infighting and to focus on individual performance. Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler, who was recording the album Pump at the same studio, provided backing vocals.{{cite web |last1=Basner |first1=Dave |title=20 Things You Might Not Know About Motley Crue's 'Dr. Feelgood' |url=https://www.iheart.com/content/20-things-you-might-not-know-about-motley-crues-dr-feelgood-2017-08-30/ |website=iHeartRadio |access-date=29 December 2019 |archive-date=February 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202225657/https://www.iheart.com/content/20-things-you-might-not-know-about-motley-crues-dr-feelgood-2017-08-30/ |url-status=live}} On October 14 of that year, it became a No. 1 album and stayed on the charts for 114 weeks after its release.{{cite web|title=Nikki Sixx Biography|url=http://www.biography.com/people/nikki-sixx-20854163|website=Biography.com|access-date=January 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208191631/http://www.biography.com/people/nikki-sixx-20854163|archive-date=February 8, 2017|url-status=dead}} The band members each stated in interviews that, due in no small part to their collective push for sobriety, Dr. Feelgood was their most solid album musically to that point.{{cite web |title=10 Facts You May Not Have Known About Motley Crue's 'Dr. Feelgood' |url=https://loudwire.com/facts-about-motley-crue-dr-feelgood/ |website=Loudwire |access-date=29 December 2019 |archive-date=December 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220035604/https://loudwire.com/facts-about-motley-crue-dr-feelgood/ |url-status=live}} The title track and "Kickstart My Heart" were both nominated for Grammys in the Best Hard Rock Category in 1990 and 1991, respectively, but lost both years to songs by Living Colour.{{cite web |url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/grammy/hardrock.htm |title=Grammy Awards: Best Hard Rock Performance |publisher=Rock on the Net |access-date=June 9, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130312094206/http://www.rockonthenet.com/grammy/hardrock.htm |archive-date=March 12, 2013 |url-status=live}} The band did find some success at the American Music Awards, as Dr. Feelgood was nominated twice for Favorite Hard Rock/Metal Award, losing once to Guns N' Roses' Appetite for Destruction, but winning the following year, beating out Aerosmith's Pump and Poison's Flesh & Blood. Mötley Crüe was also nominated twice for Favorite Hard Rock/Metal Artist.{{cite web |url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/amas/metal.htm |title=American Music Awards: Favorite Heavy Metal / Hard Rock Artist |publisher=Rock on the Net |access-date=June 9, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100726012225/http://www.rockonthenet.com/amas/metal.htm |archive-date=July 26, 2010 |url-status=live}}

In 1989, McGhee was fired after the band alleged he had broken several promises that he made in relation to the Moscow Music Peace Festival, including giving his other band, Bon Jovi, advantages in terms of slot placement. Thaler then assumed the role of sole band manager.{{cite web |title=That Time Western Rockers Played the Moscow Music Peace Festival |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/moscow-music-peace-festival/ |website=Ultimate Classic Rock |date=August 12, 2015 |access-date=June 21, 2019 |archive-date=June 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621114933/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/moscow-music-peace-festival/ |url-status=live}}

Mötley Crüe spent the fall of 1989 and most of 1990 on a massive world tour, the band's biggest to that point. It was a major financial success but left the band feeling burnt out.{{cite web |title=How Motley Crue Hit a New Peak With 'Dr. Feelgood' |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/motley-crue-dr-feelgood/ |website=Ultimate Classic Rock |date=September 2015 |access-date=3 January 2020 |archive-date=March 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329144907/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/motley-crue-dr-feelgood/ |url-status=live}} In April 1990, Lee suffered a concussion during a mishap involving a rappelling drum kit stunt during a live concert in New Haven, Connecticut.{{cite web |title=Motley Crue Drummer Injured During Concert |url=https://www.apnews.com/e06e3e42abb126a5f147b7109ad97de5 |website=Associated Press |access-date=June 20, 2019 |archive-date=June 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620183943/https://www.apnews.com/e06e3e42abb126a5f147b7109ad97de5 |url-status=live}}

On October 1, 1991, the band's first compilation album, Decade of Decadence 81–91, was released. It peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 album chart. It was reportedly designed as "just something for the fans" while the band worked on the next "all new" album.{{cite web |title=Decade of Decadence – Motley Crue |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/decade-of-decadence-mw0000265080/releases |website=Allmusic |access-date=June 15, 2019 |archive-date=June 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626224632/https://www.allmusic.com/album/decade-of-decadence-mw0000265080/releases |url-status=live}}

{{main|Mötley Crüe (album)|Generation Swine|New Tattoo}}

Neil left the band in February 1992 following the release of Decade of Decadence, during a period in which most other prominent glam metal bands of the 1980s were breaking up or otherwise seeing their popularity decline significantly amid the advent of grunge and alternative music. It remains unclear whether Neil was fired or quit the band. Sixx has long maintained that Neil quit, while Neil insists that he was fired. "Any band has its little spats," Neil observed in 2000, "and this one basically just stemmed from a bunch of 'fuck yous' in a rehearsal studio. It went from 'I quit' to 'You're fired' ... It was handled idiotically. The management just let one of the biggest bands in the world break up."{{cite magazine |first=Dave |last=Ling |title=We are lüdicröus! |magazine=Classic Rock #12 |date=March 2000 |page=48}}

In the running for the vacant frontman position was Kik Tracee vocalist Stephen Shareaux.{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-03-01-ca-5376-story.html |title=Vince Neil Goes Away From Motley Crue—Mad |last=Hochman |first=Steve |date=March 1, 1992 |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=May 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512233828/http://articles.latimes.com/1992-03-01/entertainment/ca-5376_1_motley-crue |archive-date=May 12, 2016 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://musiclegends.ca/stephen-shareaux-interview/ |title=Stephen Shareaux Interview {{!}} KIK TRACEE frontman {{!}} June 2017 |date=June 22, 2017 |work=Music Legends Online |access-date=May 21, 2018 |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180522041823/https://musiclegends.ca/stephen-shareaux-interview/ |archive-date=May 22, 2018 |url-status=dead}} Ultimately Neil was replaced by John Corabi (formerly of Angora and the Scream). Although Mötley's self-titled March 1994 release made the Billboard top ten (#7), the album was a commercial failure. It also prompted negative reactions from many fans due to Neil's absence and its sound. Corabi suggested the band bring back Neil, believing the latter would always be seen as the voice of the band. This eventually resulted in his own firing in 1996.{{cite web |title=What John Corabi Learned From Being Fired by Motley Crue |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/john-corabi-fired-motley-crue/ |website=Ultimate Classic Rock |date=March 25, 2019 |access-date=June 16, 2019 |archive-date=June 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616175554/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/john-corabi-fired-motley-crue/ |url-status=live}} Corabi spoke about his time with the band and his thoughts on the first record with Mötley Crüe. Corabi said: "my record was the first record that they had done that didn't go platinum, didn't make some sort of crazy noise, and everybody panicked".{{cite web |url=https://www.rawmusictv.com/article/2019/How-John-Corabi-saved-Motley-Crue-with-their-1994-hard-rock-album-that-failed |title=How John Corabi saved Mötley Crüe with their 1994 hard rock album that failed |date=March 9, 2019 |access-date=March 9, 2019 |df=mdy-all |archive-date=March 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331181746/https://www.rawmusictv.com/article/2019/How-John-Corabi-saved-Motley-Crue-with-their-1994-hard-rock-album-that-failed |url-status=live}} During his time away from the band, Neil released a moderately successful solo album, Exposed in 1993,{{cite web |title=Exposed – Vince Neil |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/exposed-mw0000618629 |website=Allmusic |access-date=7 December 2019 |archive-date=April 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411171827/https://www.allmusic.com/album/exposed-mw0000618629 |url-status=live}} and a less commercially successful follow-up, Carved in Stone in 1995.{{cite web |title=Carved in Stone – Vince Neil |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/carved-in-stone-mw0000644971 |website=Allmusic |access-date=7 December 2019 |archive-date=January 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127102341/https://www.allmusic.com/album/carved-in-stone-mw0000644971 |url-status=live}}

After Rolling Stone magazine broke out the news in their November 26, 1996 issue, the band reunited with Neil in 1997,{{cite book |title=Bang Your Head: The Rise and Fall of Heavy Metal |first=David |last=Konow |publisher=Random House Digital, Inc. |year=2009 |page=346 |isbn=9780307565600}} after their current manager, Allen Kovac, and Neil's manager, Bert Stein, set up a meeting between Neil, Lee, and Sixx. Agreeing to "leave their egos at the door", the band released Generation Swine. Although it debuted at No. 4, and in spite of a live performance at the American Music Awards, the album was a commercial failure, due in part to lack of support from their label.{{cite web |title=When Motley Crue Brought Back Vince Neil for 'Generation Swine' |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/motley-crue-generation-swine/ |website=Ultimate Classic Rock |date=July 5, 2017 |access-date=June 15, 2019 |archive-date=June 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616175557/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/motley-crue-generation-swine/ |url-status=live}}

In 1998, Mötley Crüe's contractual ties with Elektra had expired, putting the band in total control of their future, including the ownership of the master recordings of all of their albums. Announcing the end of their relationship with Elektra, the band became one of the few groups to own and control their publishing and music catalog. They are one of only a handful of artists to own the masters to their material and reportedly did so by being the biggest pain they could be until Elektra got fed up and handed over the rights in order to get the band off their label.{{cite web |title=5 Brilliant Business Lessons From Mötley Crüe (Seriously!) |url=https://www.fastcompany.com/3031014/5-brilliant-business-lessons-from-moetley-cruee-seriously |website=Fast Company |date=May 28, 2014 |access-date=18 December 2019 |archive-date=December 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218155724/https://www.fastcompany.com/3031014/5-brilliant-business-lessons-from-moetley-cruee-seriously |url-status=live}} After leaving Elektra the band created their own label, Mötley Records.{{cite news |title=Q&A: Motley Crue still calling its own shots |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/music-motley-dc-idUSN27297720080627 |website=Reuters |date=June 27, 2008 |access-date=June 17, 2019 |archive-date=June 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617131931/https://www.reuters.com/article/music-motley-dc-idUSN27297720080627 |url-status=live}}

Mötley Crüe released their compilation Greatest Hits in late 1998, featuring two new songs, "Bitter Pill" and "Enslaved".{{cite web |title=Motley Crue – Greatest Hits (1998) |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/greatet-hit-1998-mw0000045032 |website=Allmusic |access-date=June 15, 2019 |archive-date=October 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191012103639/https://www.allmusic.com/album/greatet-hit-1998-mw0000045032 |url-status=live}} In 1999, the band rereleased all their albums, dubbed as "Crücial Crüe". These limited-edition digital remasters included demos, plus live, instrumental, and previously unreleased tracks.{{cite web |title=Crucial Crue: The Mötley Crüe Reissues |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/crucial-crue-the-m%C3%B6tley-cr%C3%BCe-reissues-mw0000240878/credits |website=Allmusic |access-date=June 21, 2019 |archive-date=June 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621113749/https://www.allmusic.com/album/crucial-crue-the-m%25C3%25B6tley-cr%25C3%25BCe-reissues-mw0000240878/credits |url-status=live}} In 1999 the band also released Supersonic and Demonic Relics, an updated version of Decade of Decadence featuring the original songs from that album and several previously unreleased B-sides and remixes,{{cite web |title=Motley Crue – Supersonic and Demonic Relics |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/r416890 |website=Allmusic |access-date=June 15, 2019 |archive-date=February 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202225658/https://www.allmusic.com/album/supersonic-and-demonic-relics-mw0000240878 |url-status=live}} as well as their first official live album Entertainment or Death{{cite web |title=Live: Entertainment or Death |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/live-entertainment-or-death-mw0000254108 |website=Allmusic |access-date=8 December 2019 |archive-date=August 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803220737/https://www.allmusic.com/album/live-entertainment-or-death-mw0000254108 |url-status=live}} (which was the original working title for the studio album Theatre of Pain).{{cite web |title=30 Facts About Mötley Crüe's Theatre of Pain |url=https://www.vh1.com/news/usttjv/motley-crue-theatre-of-pain-facts |website=VH1 |access-date=December 8, 2019 |archive-date=August 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190802181816/http://www.vh1.com/news/29604/motley-crue-theatre-of-pain-facts/ |url-status=live}} The band then went on a co-headlining tour with the Scorpions.{{cite web |title=Motley Crue, Scorpions To Kick It Old-School On Summer Tour |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1433901/motley-crue-scorpions-to-kick-it-old-school-on-summer-tour/ |website=MTV |access-date=30 December 2019 |archive-date=December 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230174956/http://www.mtv.com/news/1433901/motley-crue-scorpions-to-kick-it-old-school-on-summer-tour/ |url-status=dead}}

In 1999, Lee quit to pursue a solo career, due to increasing tensions with Neil. "All we got was a call from his attorney saying he wasn't coming back," recalled the singer. "He wasn't into rock 'n' roll anymore. He even said that rock is dead ... It all happened during a void in Mötley. We weren't even rehearsing, so it was no big deal."{{cite magazine |first=Dave |last=Ling |title=We are lüdicröus! |magazine=Classic Rock #12 |date=March 2000 |page=49}}

Lee was replaced by a longtime friend of the band, former Ozzy Osbourne drummer Randy Castillo. The band released New Tattoo in July 2000.{{cite web |title=How Motley Crue Brought Back the Riffs on 'New Tattoo' |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/motley-crue-new-tattoo-album/ |website=Ultimate Classic Rock |date=July 11, 2015 |access-date=16 December 2019 |archive-date=March 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330180251/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/motley-crue-new-tattoo-album/ |url-status=live}} Before the ensuing tour commenced, Castillo became ill with a duodenal ulcer. The band brought in former Hole drummer Samantha Maloney for the Maximum Rock tour with Megadeth{{cite web |title=A Different Drummer |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2000-08-23-0008230059-story.html |website=Chicago Tribune |date=August 23, 2000 |access-date=June 17, 2019 |archive-date=June 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617173711/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2000-08-23-0008230059-story.html |url-status=live}} as Castillo concentrated on his health. However, while Castillo was recovering from stomach surgery, he was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma after finding a tumor on his jaw. He died on March 26, 2002.{{cite web |title=Heavy Metal Drummer Randy Castillo Dies |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/76315/heavy-metal-drummer-randy-castillo-dies |website=Billboard.com |date=March 28, 2002 |access-date=June 17, 2019 |archive-date=June 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626224624/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/76315/heavy-metal-drummer-randy-castillo-dies |url-status=live}} Soon afterward, the band went on hiatus.{{cite web |title=Mötley Crüe's Break Up: The Real Story You Won't See on 'The Dirt' |url=https://www.newsweek.com/motley-crue-break-dirt-netflix-movie-members-songs-1370399 |website=Newsweek |date=March 22, 2019 |access-date=June 17, 2019 |archive-date=May 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525035359/https://www.newsweek.com/motley-crue-break-dirt-netflix-movie-members-songs-1370399 |url-status=live}}

While the band was on hiatus, Sixx played in side projects 58 and Brides of Destruction.{{cite web |title=Nikki Sixx Takes Chances With New Side Project, 58 |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/971958/nikki-sixx-takes-chances-with-new-side-project-58/ |website=MTV |access-date=16 December 2019 |archive-date=December 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216170938/http://www.mtv.com/news/971958/nikki-sixx-takes-chances-with-new-side-project-58/ |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |title=Brides of Destruction – biography |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/brides-of-destruction-p631275/biography |website=Allmusic |access-date=June 17, 2019 |archive-date=December 13, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101213163012/http://www.allmusic.com/artist/brides-of-destruction-p631275/biography |url-status=live}} Neil was featured on the first season of VH1's reality show The Surreal Life,{{cite magazine |title=Here are the celebrity housemates of Surreal Life |url=https://ew.com/article/2002/09/27/here-are-celebrity-housemates-surreal-life/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=June 17, 2019 |archive-date=June 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617174420/https://ew.com/article/2002/09/27/here-are-celebrity-housemates-surreal-life/ |url-status=live}} and had his own special titled "Remaking Vince Neil", which focused on his solo career and attempts to get in better physical shape.{{cite web |last1=Simmons |first1=Sylvie |title=One hip replacement, four tour buses and plenty of plastic surgery |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2005/apr/28/popandrock1 |website=The Guardian |date=April 28, 2005 |access-date=7 December 2019 |archive-date=December 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207063425/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2005/apr/28/popandrock1 |url-status=live}} Mars, who suffers from a hereditary form of arthritis which causes extensive spinal pain called ankylosing spondylitis,{{cite book |last1=Lee |first1=Tommy |author-link1=Tommy Lee |last2=Strauss |first2=Neil |author-link2=Neil Strauss |author3=Vince Neil |author4=Mick Mars |author5-link=Nikki Sixx |author5=Nikki Sixx |title=The Dirt: Confessions of the World's Most Notorious Rock Band |edition=reprint, illustrated |year=2002 |orig-year=2001 |access-date=December 18, 2011 |publisher=HarperCollins |isbn=0-06-098915-7 |oclc=212381899 |page=[https://archive.org/details/dirt00tomm/page/186 186; 448] |url=https://archive.org/details/dirt00tomm/page/186 |author3-link=Vince Neil}} went into seclusion in 2001 dealing with health issues. Lee went on to form Methods of Mayhem{{cite web |title=Methods of Mayhem (album) |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/methods-of-mayhem-mw0000259592 |website=Allmusic |access-date=June 16, 2019 |archive-date=June 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616170027/https://www.allmusic.com/album/methods-of-mayhem-mw0000259592 |url-status=live}} and also performed as a solo artist during this time.{{cite web |title=Rock's bad boy never has a dull moment |url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/rocks-bad-boy-never-has-a-dull-moment-20020731-gdfi1t.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=July 31, 2002 |access-date=June 16, 2019 |archive-date=June 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616170030/https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/rocks-bad-boy-never-has-a-dull-moment-20020731-gdfi1t.html |url-status=live}}

A 2001 autobiography titled The Dirt, co-authored by all four of the band members and Neil Strauss, presented Mötley Crüe as "the world's most notorious rock band". The book made the top ten on The New York Times Best Seller list and spent ten weeks there, and would return to the list after the film adaptation was released in spring 2019.{{cite web |title=Mötley Crüe's 'The Dirt' Book Is Back On 'NY Times Best Sellers' List |url=https://www.iheart.com/content/2019-04-04-mtley-cres-the-dirt-book-is-back-on-ny-times-best-sellers-list/ |website=iHeartRadio |access-date=April 28, 2019 |archive-date=April 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423021349/https://www.iheart.com/content/2019-04-04-mtley-cres-the-dirt-book-is-back-on-ny-times-best-sellers-list/ |url-status=live}}

In 2003, the band released two box sets entitled Music to Crash Your Car To: Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, featuring the music from their entire career.{{cite web |title=Music to Crash Your Car To, Vol. 1 |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/music-to-crash-your-car-to-vol-1-mw0000694388/releases |website=Allmusic |access-date=29 December 2019 |archive-date=December 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229161001/https://www.allmusic.com/album/music-to-crash-your-car-to-vol-1-mw0000694388/releases |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Music to Crash Your Car To, Vol. 2 |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/music-to-crash-your-car-to-vol-2-mw0000746028/releases |website=Allmusic |access-date=29 December 2019 |archive-date=December 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229161001/https://www.allmusic.com/album/music-to-crash-your-car-to-vol-2-mw0000746028/releases |url-status=live}} The titles of the collections were heavily criticized by Hanoi Rocks singer Michael Monroe, among others, due to their possible reference to Neil and Razzle's fatal automobile accident, and that Neil was found guilty of manslaughter for the incident.{{cite magazine |title=Is the Title of Motley Crue's New Album Offensive? |url=https://ew.com/article/2003/12/05/title-motley-crues-new-album-offensive/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=29 December 2019 |archive-date=June 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617174452/https://ew.com/article/2003/12/05/title-motley-crues-new-album-offensive/ |url-status=live}}

File:Mötley Crüe - 2005.jpg

A promoter in England, Mags Revell, began clamoring for a Mötley Crüe reunion, ostensibly presenting himself as the voice of anxious fans waiting for more from the band.{{cite news |title=Motley Crue reunite for 2005 tour |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4074665.stm |work=BBC News |date=December 7, 2004 |access-date=3 January 2020 |archive-date=January 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103191042/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4074665.stm |url-status=live}} After meeting with management several times, in September 2004, Sixx announced that he and Neil had returned to the studio and had begun recording new material. In December 2004, the four original members announced a reunion tour, staging an announcement event in which they arrived at the Hollywood Palladium in a hearse.{{cite web |title=Motley Crue to Reunite for 2005 Tour, Album |url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/motley-crue-to-reunite-for-2005-tour-album |website=Fox News |date=March 25, 2015 |access-date=June 21, 2019 |archive-date=June 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621120757/https://www.foxnews.com/story/motley-crue-to-reunite-for-2005-tour-album |url-status=live}} The tour began on February 14, 2005, in San Juan, Puerto Rico.{{cite web |title=MOTLEY CRUE To Kick Off Reunion Tour In San Juan, Puerto Rico |url=http://bravewords.com/news/motley-crue-to-kick-off-reunion-tour-in-san-juan-puerto-rico |website=Bravewords.com |date=December 12, 2004 |access-date=June 21, 2019 |archive-date=June 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621120801/http://bravewords.com/news/motley-crue-to-kick-off-reunion-tour-in-san-juan-puerto-rico |url-status=live}} The resulting compilation album, Red, White & Crüe, was released in February 2005. It features the band members' favorite original songs plus three new tracks, "If I Die Tomorrow", "Sick Love Song" (co-written by Sixx and James Michael), and a cover of the Rolling Stones' "Street Fighting Man". A small controversy was caused when it was suggested that neither Lee nor Mars played on the new tracks (duties were supposedly handled by Vandals drummer Josh Freese){{Citation needed|date=February 2022}}. However, a VH1 documentary of the band's reunion later showed that Lee did indeed play on some of the tracks. The Japanese release of Red, White & Crüe includes an extra new track titled "I'm a Liar (and That's the Truth)". Red, White & Crüe charted at No. 6 and has since gone platinum.{{cite web |title=RIAA Gold and Platinum |url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH_RESULTS&artist=Motley%20Crue |website=Recording Industry Association of America |access-date=June 16, 2019 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924160142/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH_RESULTS&artist=Motley%20Crue |url-status=live}}

On New Year's Eve 2004 the band appeared on a live episode of The Tonight Show. Neil yelled an obscenity during the performance, leading to an FCC investigation.{{cite web |title=FCC probes profanity slip by Motley Crue on 'Leno' |url=https://www.sunjournal.com/2005/01/05/fcc-probes-profanity-slip-motley-crue-leno/ |website=Sun Journal |date=January 5, 2005 |access-date=June 20, 2019 |archive-date=February 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202225705/https://www.sunjournal.com/2005/01/05/fcc-probes-profanity-slip-motley-crue-leno/ |url-status=live}} The NBC network responded by banning the band, leading to the band subsequently suing the network, claiming they were being unfairly punished.{{cite web |title=Motley Crue sues NBC |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/motley-crue-sues-nbc/ |website=CBS News |date=May 25, 2005 |access-date=June 20, 2019 |archive-date=June 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620133925/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/motley-crue-sues-nbc/ |url-status=live}} The lawsuit was eventually settled out of court and the band made several subsequent appearances on the network.{{cite web |title=When Motley Crue Sued NBC Over a Network Ban |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/motley-crue-nbc-ban/ |website=Ultimate Classic Rock |date=May 26, 2015 |access-date=June 20, 2019 |archive-date=June 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620133923/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/motley-crue-nbc-ban/ |url-status=live}}

In 2005, Mötley Crüe was involved in an animation-comedy spoof Disaster!,{{cite web |last=Weinberg |first=Scott |url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/news/1644943/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120913055831/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/news/1644943/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 13, 2012 |title=Rotten Tomatoes |website=Rotten Tomatoes |date=March 9, 2005 |access-date=October 15, 2010 }} which was written by Paul Benson and Matt Sullivan and which was used as the introduction film to concerts on their Carnival of Sins tour.{{cite web |title=Motley Crue in Stop-Motion Disaster! |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/features/motley-crue-in-stop-motion-disaster/ |website=Animation Magazine |date=March 7, 2005 |access-date=June 16, 2019 |archive-date=June 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616144507/https://www.animationmagazine.net/features/motley-crue-in-stop-motion-disaster/ |url-status=live}} That tour continued throughout 2005 and was commemorated with the release of a live album and DVD in 2006.{{cite web |title=Motley Crue Release 'Carnival of Sins' Double Live Album |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/m-tley-cr-e-release-carnival-of-sins-double-live-album/ |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=February 9, 2006 |access-date=8 December 2019 |archive-date=December 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208144308/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/m-tley-cr-e-release-carnival-of-sins-double-live-album/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Carnival of Sins: Live [DVD] |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/carnival-of-sins-live-dvd-mw0001433942 |website=AllMusic |access-date=8 December 2019 |archive-date=December 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208144716/https://www.allmusic.com/album/carnival-of-sins-live-dvd-mw0001433942 |url-status=live}} In the fall of 2005 the band re-recorded "Home Sweet Home" as a duet with Linkin Park lead singer Chester Bennington and donated the proceeds to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.{{cite web |title=Mötley Crüe to Donate All Proceeds From 'Home Sweet Home' Remake to Charity |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/m-tley-cr-e-to-donate-all-proceeds-from-home-sweet-home-remake-to-charity/ |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=September 27, 2005 |access-date=26 December 2019 |archive-date=December 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226134233/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/m-tley-cr-e-to-donate-all-proceeds-from-home-sweet-home-remake-to-charity/ |url-status=live}}

In 2006, Mötley Crüe went on the Route of All Evil Tour, co-headlining with Aerosmith and taking performers from Lucent Dossier Experience on the road with them.{{cite web |title=It's 1989, Yo: Motley Crue, Aerosmith Touring Together This Fall |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1534721/its-1989-yo-motley-crue-aerosmith-touring-together-this-fall/ |website=MTV |access-date=8 December 2019 |archive-date=December 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208144319/http://www.mtv.com/news/1534721/its-1989-yo-motley-crue-aerosmith-touring-together-this-fall/ |url-status=dead}} 2006 also saw the band sign with Paramount Pictures and MTV Films to adapt their autobiography The Dirt into a movie,{{cite web |title=Crue Chief for Par Pic |url=https://variety.com/2006/film/news/crue-chief-for-par-pic-2-1200334889/ |website=Variety |date=April 28, 2006 |access-date=27 December 2019 |archive-date=September 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913231802/https://variety.com/2006/film/news/crue-chief-for-par-pic-2-1200334889/ |url-status=live}} but the production was delayed for several years and the deal eventually fell through.{{cite web |title=Motley Crue slam MTV over 'The Dirt' |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/movies/news/a102217/motley-crue-slam-mtv-over-dirt/ |website=Digital Spy |date=June 20, 2008 |access-date=27 December 2019 |archive-date=July 7, 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180707100323/http://www.digitalspy.com/movies/news/a102217/motley-crue-slam-mtv-over-dirt/ |url-status=live}} In June 2007, Mötley Crüe set out on a small European tour. A lawsuit was filed by Neil, Mars and Sixx against Carl Stubner, Lee's manager. The three sued him for contracting for Lee to appear on two unsuccessful reality shows the band claim hurt its image.{{cite web |title=Motley Crue sues manager for $20 million |url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2007-06-19-motley-suit_N.htm |website=USA Today |access-date=June 16, 2019 |archive-date=June 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616141646/https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2007-06-19-motley-suit_N.htm |url-status=live}} It was later reported on Motley.com that the lawsuit had been settled.{{cite web |title=Motley Crue's Sixx, Mars Settle Up With Manager Carl Stubner |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/mtley-cre-s-sixx-mars-settle-up-with-manager-carl-stubner/ |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=March 20, 2008 |access-date=June 16, 2019 |archive-date=June 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616142125/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/mtley-cre-s-sixx-mars-settle-up-with-manager-carl-stubner/ |url-status=live}}

In 2007, Sixx published his diaries as the bestselling autobiography The Heroin Diaries: A Year in the Life of a Shattered Rock Star, covering the band's Girls, Girls, Girls world tour and his 1987 overdose,{{cite book |last1=Sixx |first1=Nikki |title=The Heroin Diaries: A Year in the Life of a Shattered Rock Star |date=September 4, 2008 |publisher=Pocket Books |isbn=9781847396143}} and Sixx's side project band Sixx:A.M. released The Heroin Diaries Soundtrack as a musical parallel to the novel.{{cite web |title=The Heroin Diaries Soundtrack |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/r1078352 |website=Allmusic |access-date=June 15, 2019 |archive-date=February 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202225720/https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-heroin-diaries-soundtrack-mw0000482841 |url-status=live}}

{{main|Saints of Los Angeles}} Vince Neil (not the band) hosted the Motley Cruise from January 24 to 28 in 2008; this featured Ratt, Skid Row and Slaughter.{{cite web |title=Motley Crue gear up for 'Motley Cruise' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/motley-crue-47-1337846 |website=NME |date=January 18, 2008 |access-date=25 December 2019 |archive-date=December 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225153745/https://www.nme.com/news/music/motley-crue-47-1337846 |url-status=live}}

On June 11, 2008, Mötley Crüe and manager Burt Stein filed suit against each other. Stein was Neil's personal manager and also, according to the band and rival manager Kovac, served as the band's manager at one time. The band and Kovac sued in Los Angeles County Superior Court, claiming Stein was not entitled to a cut of Mötley Crüe's earnings. Stein sued the same day in Nashville's federal court, saying he was entitled to 1.875 percent of what the band makes.{{cite news |last=Wood |first=E. Thomas |author-link=E. Thomas Wood |url=http://www.nashvillepost.com/news/2008/6/13/crue_sued_manager_fires_back_in_motley_feud |title=Crue sued: Manager fires back in Motley feud |publisher=NashvillePost.com Retrieved on June 13, 2008 |date=June 13, 2008 |access-date=June 13, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081108133819/http://www.nashvillepost.com/news/2008/6/13/crue_sued_manager_fires_back_in_motley_feud |archive-date=November 8, 2008 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all}} Other litigation between the parties also ensued in Nevada. In July 2009, lawyers for both sides announced that the disputes had been "amicably resolved" through a "global settlement".{{cite news |last=Wood |first=E. Thomas |author-link=E. Thomas Wood |url=http://www.nashvillepost.com/news/2009/7/27/nashville_at_law_rival_managers_bury_the_heavy_metal_hatchet |title=Nashville at law: Rival managers bury the heavy metal hatchet |publisher=NashvillePost.com Retrieved on July 27, 2009 |date=July 27, 2009 |access-date=July 27, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090728085311/http://www.nashvillepost.com/news/2009/7/27/nashville_at_law_rival_managers_bury_the_heavy_metal_hatchet |archive-date=July 28, 2009 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all}}

Mötley Crüe's ninth studio album, titled Saints of Los Angeles, was released in Japan on June 17, 2008, and in America on June 24, 2008.{{cite magazine |title=Saints of Los Angeles |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/saints-of-los-angeles-255613/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=June 26, 2008 |access-date=8 December 2019 |archive-date=October 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191011162230/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/saints-of-los-angeles-255613/ |url-status=live}} The album was originally titled The Dirt, as it was loosely based on the band's autobiography of the same name, but the title was later changed. In the US, the album was released by Eleven Seven Music. Eleven Seven also took over US distribution of their back catalog.{{cite web |title=Mötley Crüe, Buckcherry Help Make Eleven Seven Music One Of Best Performing Rock Labels |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/m-tley-cr-e-buckcherry-help-make-eleven-seven-music-one-of-best-performing-rock-labels/ |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=December 2, 2008 |access-date=June 16, 2019 |archive-date=June 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616141221/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/m-tley-cr-e-buckcherry-help-make-eleven-seven-music-one-of-best-performing-rock-labels/ |url-status=live}}

iTunes picked "Saints of Los Angeles" in their "Best of 2008" in the Rock category as the number one song. The song was also nominated for a Grammy Award in the "Best Hard Rock Performance" category, but lost to "Wax Simulacra" by The Mars Volta.{{cite web |title=The Mars Volta Wins 'Best Hard Rock' Grammy For 'Wax Simulacra' |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/the-mars-volta-wins-best-hard-rock-grammy-for-wax-simulacra/ |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=February 8, 2009 |access-date=8 December 2019 |archive-date=December 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208165723/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/the-mars-volta-wins-best-hard-rock-grammy-for-wax-simulacra/ |url-status=live}} The song was released in the music game series Rock Band as downloadable content the day the single was released. It was briefly sold as a Rock Band exclusive, making Mötley Crüe the first band to release a single exclusively through a video game.{{cite news |title=Motley Crue Sells Music Via 'Rock Band' Game |url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=90907233 |newspaper=NPR.org |access-date=June 16, 2019 |archive-date=June 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616115032/https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=90907233 |url-status=live}} The song sold more units via Rock Band than it did via traditional streaming sites.{{cite magazine |title=Motley Crue Rock Band Track Outsells iTunes |url=https://www.wired.com/2008/05/motley-crue-roc/ |magazine=Wired |access-date=9 December 2019 |archive-date=August 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803222831/https://www.wired.com/2008/05/motley-crue-roc/ |url-status=live}} Additionally, the entire Dr. Feelgood album was released as downloadable content in Rock Band, excluding "T.n.T. (Terror 'n Tinseltown)".{{cite web |last1=Burg |first1=Dustin |title=Rock Band 'Dr. Feelgood' album DLC now available |url=https://www.engadget.com/2008/10/14/rock-band-dr-feelgood-album-dlc-now-available/ |website=Engadget |date=July 15, 2016 |access-date=13 December 2019 |archive-date=February 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202225723/https://www.engadget.com/2008-10-14-rock-band-dr-feelgood-album-dlc-now-available.html |url-status=live}}

From July 1 to August 31, 2008, Mötley Crüe headlined the popular Crüe Fest music festival, which included opening acts Buckcherry, Papa Roach, Trapt, and Sixx:A.M.{{cite web |title=Motley Crue announces Crue Fest 2008 |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/motley-crue-announces-crue-fest-2008-1C9425436 |website=Today Show |date=April 16, 2008 |access-date=June 15, 2019 |archive-date=November 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104235045/https://www.today.com/popculture/motley-crue-announces-crue-fest-2008-1C9425436 |url-status=live}} They then spent the fall and winter of that year on tour with Hinder, Theory of a Deadman and The Last Vegas.{{cite web |title=Mötley Crüe, Hinder, Theory Of A Deadman: North American Tour Dates Announced |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/m-tley-cr-e-hinder-theory-of-a-deadman-north-american-tour-dates-announced/ |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=November 14, 2008 |access-date=3 January 2020 |archive-date=January 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103125546/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/m-tley-cr-e-hinder-theory-of-a-deadman-north-american-tour-dates-announced/ |url-status=live}}

File:Mötley Crüe - Erie, PA.jpg on March 7, 2009|alt=Mötley Crüe performs in Erie, Pennsylvania on March 7, 2009]]

The band made a guest appearance in the fourth season finale of the FOX crime dramedy Bones on May 14, 2009, entitled "The End in the Beginning", performing the song "Dr. Feelgood".{{cite magazine |title='Bones' season finale to feature guest appearance by Motley Crue |url=https://ew.com/article/2009/04/23/bones-motley-cr/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=June 15, 2019 |archive-date=June 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626224633/https://ew.com/article/2009/04/23/bones-motley-cr/ |url-status=live}} The following month they performed at the Download Festival at the Donington Park motorsports circuit (June 12–14, 2009), playing on the second stage on Friday night.{{cite web |title=Slipknot, Prodigy and Motley Crue set for Download 2009 |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/slipknot-160-1310805 |website=NME |date=February 10, 2009 |access-date=June 15, 2019 |archive-date=June 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626224639/https://www.nme.com/news/music/slipknot-160-1310805 |url-status=live}}

Mötley Crüe headlined the Crüe Fest 2 festival, which ran from July to September 2009. Supporting them were Godsmack, Theory of a Deadman, Drowning Pool, and Charm City Devils. The band's set celebrated the 20th anniversary of Dr. Feelgood by performing the album in its entirety on each night of the tour. They also re-released the album as a special 20th anniversary deluxe edition.{{cite web |url=http://motley.com/news/news.php?uid=849 |title=news.news |publisher=Motley.com |date=March 16, 2009 |access-date=June 9, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100103130127/http://motley.com/news/news.php?uid=849 |archive-date=January 3, 2010}}

Mötley Crüe headlined Ozzfest in 2010, along with Ozzy Osbourne and Rob Halford.{{cite web |title=Ozzfest 2010 Features Ozzy Osbourne, Mötley Crüe |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1638249/ozzfest-2010-features-ozzy-osbourne-motley-crue/ |website=MTV |access-date=June 15, 2019 |archive-date=September 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926120159/http://www.mtv.com/news/1638249/ozzfest-2010-features-ozzy-osbourne-motley-crue/ |url-status=dead}} Neil also released his third solo album and autobiography, both entitled Tattoos and Tequila.{{cite magazine |last1=Jones |first1=Nate |title=Q&A: Mötley Crüe's Vince Neil on Sex, Drugs and Rock 'n' Roll |url=http://content.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,2023210,00.html |magazine=Time |date=October 4, 2010 |access-date=29 December 2019 |archive-date=December 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229143457/http://content.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,2023210,00.html |url-status=live}}

File:Mötley Crüe @ Kaisaniemenpuisto, 2012.06.07 (7368322980).jpg in Helsinki, Finland in June 2012]]

Mötley Crüe co-headlined a mid-year tour with Poison and special guests New York Dolls in 2011 for the band's 30th Anniversary and Poison's 25th anniversary.{{cite web|url=http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Lifestyle/News/motley-crue-poison-0301-2011|title=Mötley Crüe and Poison to Co-Headline Tour|year=2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110804213335/http://www.gibson.com/en%2Dus/Lifestyle/News/motley%2Dcrue%2Dpoison%2D0301%2D2011/|archive-date=August 4, 2011}} On August 30, 2011, Mötley Crüe, along with co-headliners Def Leppard and special guests Steel Panther, announced a UK Tour commencing in December 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.motley.com/news/1a9fb7-announcing-mtley-uk-tour-with-def-leppard-and-steel-panther/|title=Announcing Mötley UK Tour with Def Leppard and Steel Panther|date=August 30, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111016031026/http://www.motley.com/news/1a9fb7-announcing-mtley-uk-tour-with-def-leppard-and-steel-panther/|archive-date=October 16, 2011}}

In February 2012 the band appeared along with supermodel Adriana Lima in a commercial for the Kia Optima, which premiered during Super Bowl XLVI.{{cite web |title=Kia's Optima Super Bowl ad gets Adriana Lima, Motley Crue into your dreams |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/bp/kia-optima-super-bowl-ad-gets-adriana-lima-151232143.html |website=Yahoo! News |date=February 2, 2012 |access-date=8 December 2019 |archive-date=December 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208192544/https://www.yahoo.com/news/bp/kia-optima-super-bowl-ad-gets-adriana-lima-151232143.html |url-status=live}} February 2012 also saw the band host its first residency at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.{{cite web |title=Mötley Crüe Are Doing a Las Vegas Residency |url=https://www.vulture.com/2011/12/motley-crue-las-vegas.html |website=Vulture |date=December 2011 |access-date=13 December 2019 |archive-date=December 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213125248/https://www.vulture.com/2011/12/motley-crue-las-vegas.html |url-status=live}} In March 2012, Mötley Crüe announced a co-headlining tour with Kiss. The tour kicked off July 20 in Bristow, Virginia, and ran through September 23.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/kiss-and-motley-crue-announce-the-tour-20120321 |title=Kiss And Mötley Crüe Announce The Tour |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=March 21, 2012 |access-date=September 5, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022000333/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/kiss-and-motley-crue-announce-the-tour-20120321 |archive-date=October 22, 2013 |url-status=live}} In the spring and summer of 2013 the band toured throughout Canada with Big Wreck.{{cite web |title=Motley Crue Reveal 2013 Canadian Tour Dates |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/motley-crue-2013-canada-tour/ |website=Ultimate Classic Rock |date=February 26, 2013 |access-date=8 December 2019 |archive-date=December 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208204326/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/motley-crue-2013-canada-tour/ |url-status=live}} The band returned to Las Vegas for a second residency in the fall of 2013.{{cite web |title=Mötley Crüe to rock The Joint in second Vegas residency |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2013/04/02/motley-crue-books-second-las-vegas-residency/2044485/ |website=USA Today |access-date=13 December 2019 |archive-date=December 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213125245/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2013/04/02/motley-crue-books-second-las-vegas-residency/2044485/ |url-status=live}}

On January 28, 2014, at the conference inside Beacher's Madhouse Theater in Hollywood, Mötley Crüe announced the full details of its retirement, including a tour initially spanning 70 North American dates, with Alice Cooper playing as a special guest. The tour commenced in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on July 2, 2014. The band members had signed a "cessation of touring agreement", which prevented them from touring under the Mötley Crüe name beyond the end of 2015.[http://www.rockcellarmagazine.com/2014/01/28/motley-crue-announcement-retirement-quitting-farewell-tour/#sthash.HmSyDp9a.dpbs Mötley Crüe Announce Retirement, Final Tour with Alice Cooper] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202234701/http://www.rockcellarmagazine.com/2014/01/28/motley-crue-announcement-retirement-quitting-farewell-tour/#sthash.HmSyDp9a.dpbs |date=February 2, 2014}} Rockcellarmagazine.com (January 28, 2014). Retrieved on April 11, 2014.{{cite news |last=Michaels |first=Sean |title=Motley Crüe sign pact which assures no more reunions |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/jan/29/motley-crue-sign-death-pact-retirement |newspaper=The Guardian |date=January 29, 2014 |access-date=December 15, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170421195256/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/jan/29/motley-crue-sign-death-pact-retirement |archive-date=April 21, 2017|url-status=live}} In a later interview, Sixx talked about the possibility of releasing new music, saying that "We have music written, [but] it's not put together yet". He also speculated that the band would release it in a song-by-song format as opposed to a full-length album format, elaborating with "It's hard, to be honest with you, to spend six [or] nine months to write eleven songs—all those lyrics ... everything ... the vocals, the guitars, the bass, the sonics, the mixing, the mastering, the artwork. ... You put it out and nothing [happens], because now people cherry-pick songs. So we go, 'Why don't we write songs and find vehicles to get one, two or four songs to ten million people rather than eleven songs to a hundred thousand people."{{cite news |title=NIKKI SIXX Says MÖTLEY CRÜE Will Release New Music 'One, Two Or Four Songs' At A Time |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/nikki-sixx-says-motley-crue-will-release-new-music-one-two-or-four-songs-at-a-time/ |work=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=February 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904204135/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/nikki-sixx-says-motley-crue-will-release-new-music-one-two-or-four-songs-at-a-time/ |archive-date=September 4, 2017 |url-status=live}}

During the tour the band played a new song, "All Bad Things", over the speakers throughout the venue before it took the stage. On November 22, 2014, in Spokane, Washington, at the Spokane Arena, Mötley Crüe played the final concert of the first North American leg of The Final Tour.{{cite web |title=Mötley Crüe's 'The Final Tour' Has Already Been Seen By Half A Million Fans |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/motley-crues-the-final-tour-has-already-been-seen-by-half-a-million-fans/ |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=November 26, 2014 |access-date=June 15, 2019 |archive-date=September 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922103806/https://blabbermouth.net/news/motley-crues-the-final-tour-has-already-been-seen-by-half-a-million-fans/ |url-status=live}}

On January 15, 2015, it was announced that the band's career would end with international concerts in Japan, Australia, Brazil and Europe before heading out for a second leg of North American concerts throughout 2015, ending with a concert at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on December 27, followed by three concerts at Staples Center on December 28, 30 and 31, 2015. In May 2015, The Crüe and Alice Cooper announced a set of 12 concert dates for Europe at a conference in London.{{cite web |url=http://loudwire.com/motley-crue-official-retirement-shows/|title=Motley Crue Reveal Official Retirement Shows |work=Loudwire |date=January 15, 2015 |access-date=January 18, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904205620/http://loudwire.com/motley-crue-official-retirement-shows/ |archive-date=September 4, 2017 |url-status=live}}

On September 19, 2015, the band played the Rock in Rio festival on the main stage.{{cite web |url=http://rockinrio.com/rio/en/line-up/ |title=Line-up |work=Rock in Rio |access-date=September 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150318011314/http://rockinrio.com/rio/en/line-up/ |archive-date=March 18, 2015 |url-status=dead }}

Mötley Crüe performed, for what was then advertised to be the last time, at Staples Center in Los Angeles on December 31, 2015. The band reported that its New Year's Eve show was going to be released as a film in 2016; the movie was titled Motley Crue: THE END.{{cite web |url=http://www.motley.com/motley-crue-to-release-full-length-live-concert-film-of-final-performance/ |title=Last Show |work=Mötley Crüe |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101081215/http://www.motley.com/motley-crue-to-release-full-length-live-concert-film-of-final-performance/ |archive-date=January 1, 2016}}

{{main|The Dirt (film)}}

In 2017, frontman Vince Neil told host Sammy Hagar on the show Rock and Roll Road Trip that Mötley Crüe were "completely done".{{cite web |title=Nashville Cats (2017) – 21 min |url=https://www.axs.tv/channel/rock-roll-road-trip-with-sammy-hagar/rock-roll-road-trip-with-sammy-hagar-season-2/video/nashville-cats/ |website=axs.tv |access-date=1 June 2022 |archive-date=September 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220924195216/https://www.axs.tv/channel/rock-roll-road-trip-with-sammy-hagar/rock-roll-road-trip-with-sammy-hagar-season-2/video/nashville-cats/ |url-status=live }} However, on September 13, 2018, Neil announced via Twitter that Mötley Crüe was recording four new songs;{{cite web |url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/motley-crue-heading-back-to-the-studio-says-vince-neil |title=Motley Crue heading back to the studio, says Vince Neil |publisher=Loudersound.com |date=September 13, 2018 |access-date=September 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913223342/https://www.loudersound.com/news/motley-crue-heading-back-to-the-studio-says-vince-neil |archive-date=September 13, 2018 |url-status=live}} this was later also confirmed by bassist Nikki Sixx, who said that the new material was recorded for the film adaptation of the band's biography, The Dirt. Neil also clarified that, though the band has signed a contract to no longer tour, they still plan to continue putting out new music for the future.{{cite web |last=Redrup |first=Zach |url=http://www.deadpress.co.uk/news-motley-crue-still-recording-new-music-following-break-up |title=NEWS: Mötley Crüe still recording new music following break up! |publisher=DEAD PRESS! |date=September 13, 2018 |access-date=September 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914061351/http://www.deadpress.co.uk/news-motley-crue-still-recording-new-music-following-break-up/ |archive-date=September 14, 2018 |url-status=dead}}

Netflix released The Dirt biopic based on the book of the same name that coincided with an 18-song soundtrack on March 22, 2019.{{cite magazine |title=Motley Crue Set 'The Dirt' Premiere Date |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/motley-crue-the-dirt-premiere-date-762540/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=December 3, 2018 |access-date=30 December 2019 |archive-date=February 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226225825/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/motley-crue-the-dirt-premiere-date-762540/ |url-status=live}} The film is directed by Jeff Tremaine (Jackass), produced by Julie Yorn and Erik Olsen, executive produced by Rick Yorn,{{cite news |last1=Aswad |first1=Jem |title=Watch First Trailer for Motley Crue Biopic 'The Dirt' |url=https://variety.com/2019/film/news/motley-crue-the-dirt-netflix-watch-trailer-1203142798/ |access-date=8 April 2019 |work=Variety |date=February 19, 2019 |archive-date=June 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626224624/https://variety.com/2019/film/news/motley-crue-the-dirt-netflix-watch-trailer-1203142798/ |url-status=live}} and co-produced by Kovac, who is Mötley Crüe's manager, CEO of Eleven Seven Label Group{{cite magazine |last1=Drew |first1=Ian |title=Industry Vet Allen Kovac on Working With Problematic Stars: 'We Have to Take Care of Our Artists First' |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8503335/allen-kovac-interview-working-with-problematic-stars |access-date=23 April 2019 |magazine=Billboard |date=March 21, 2019 |archive-date=May 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501225253/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8503335/allen-kovac-interview-working-with-problematic-stars |url-status=live}} and founder of Tenth Street Entertainment.{{cite news |last1=Ingham |first1=Tim |title=ALLEN KOVAC: 'DON'T TELL ARTISTS WHAT THEY WANT TO HEAR. TELL THEM THE TRUTH.' |url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/dont-tell-artists-what-they-want-to-hear/ |access-date=23 April 2019 |work=Music Business Worldwide |date=September 30, 2015 |archive-date=April 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423154438/https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/dont-tell-artists-what-they-want-to-hear/ |url-status=live}} The Dirt stars Daniel Webber as Neil, Iwan Rheon (Game of Thrones) as Mars, Douglas Booth as Sixx and Colson Baker (a.k.a. Machine Gun Kelly) as Lee.{{cite magazine |last1=Titus |first1=Christa |title=Nikki Sixx Spills 'Dirt' About Mötley Crüe Movie Soundtrack |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/8499408/nikki-sixx-the-dirt-motley-crue-movie-soundtrack |access-date=8 April 2019 |magazine=Billboard |date=February 22, 2019 |archive-date=April 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416213607/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/8499408/nikki-sixx-the-dirt-motley-crue-movie-soundtrack |url-status=live}} Also starring in the movie is Pete Davidson (Saturday Night Live) as record executive Tom Zutaut.{{cite news |last1=Lewis |first1=Anna |title=Netflix's The Dirt is about the lives of Mötley Crüe, and stars Pete Davidson |url=https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/entertainment/a26355128/the-dirt-motley-crue-netflix-film-pete-davidson-release-date-trailer/ |access-date=8 April 2019 |work=Cosmopolitan |date=February 19, 2019 |archive-date=April 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428024501/https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/entertainment/a26355128/the-dirt-motley-crue-netflix-film-pete-davidson-release-date-trailer/ |url-status=live}} Rolling Stone wrote that The Dirt is "a truly debauched movie that delves deep into their rise from the early Eighties Sunset Strip metal scene to their days as arena headliners."{{cite magazine |last1=Greene |first1=Andy |title=See Motley Crue at Their Best and Worst in First 'The Dirt' Biopic Trailer |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/motley-crue-the-dirt-biopic-trailer-796217/ |access-date=8 April 2019 |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=February 19, 2019 |archive-date=March 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190324121622/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/motley-crue-the-dirt-biopic-trailer-796217/ |url-status=live}} The film portrays many of the adventures the band went on including touring with Ozzy Osbourne and the Theatre of Pain tour.{{cite magazine |id={{ProQuest|2212640964}} |last1=Gröw |first1=Köry |title=Sex, Drugs & Mötley Crüe |magazine=Rolling Stone |issue=1325 |date=March 2019 |page=26 }}

The first new song from the soundtrack was "The Dirt (Est.1981)", which was released on February 22, 2019. The band wrote two other new songs, "Ride With the Devil" and "Crash and Burn", and covered Madonna's "Like a Virgin", on the album. The soundtrack additionally included fourteen previously released Mötley Crüe songs. It was produced by Bob Rock, who produced Dr. Feelgood, and was released on March 22, 2019, on Mötley Records and Eleven Seven Music.{{cite magazine |last1=Kreps |first1=Daniel |title=Motley Crue Drop 'The Dirt (Est. 1981)' Video, Detail Biopic's Soundtrack |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/motley-crue-the-dirt-est-1981-soundtrack-798699/ |access-date=April 8, 2019 |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=February 22, 2019 |archive-date=March 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329161305/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/motley-crue-the-dirt-est-1981-soundtrack-798699/ |url-status=live}} The soundtrack hit the Billboard Top 10 at No. 10, the first time Mötley Crüe hit the Billboard Top 10 in over a decade.{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|2201502291}} |last1=Sisario |first1=Ben |title=Mötley Crüe Returns To the Billboard Top 10 |newspaper=New York Times |date=2 April 2019 |page=C.3 }}

The group's legacy was also featured on a 2019 episode of the Reelz documentary series Breaking the Band. Both Neil and Sixx had a negative reaction to how things were portrayed in the episode. Sixx said they would be pursuing legal action and called Reelz "the bottom of the barrel".{{Cite web|url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/motley-crue-reelz-breaking-the-band/|title=Motley Crue Stars Blast 'Bottom of the Barrel' Reelz Documentary|last=Kielty|first=Martin|website=Ultimate Classic Rock|date=June 18, 2019 |language=en|access-date=June 18, 2019|archive-date=February 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202225736/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/motley-crue-reelz-breaking-the-band/|url-status=live}}

In November 2019, rumors started to circulate of the band reuniting for a 2020 tour with Def Leppard and Poison, following the success of Guns N' Roses' reunion tour. The band responded to an online petition rallying for the group's return, saying "this is interesting...".{{Cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/motley-crue-comment-reunion-petition/|title=Motley Crue Comment on 'Interesting' Reunion Petition|first=Joe|last=DiVita|website=Loudwire|date=November 16, 2019 |access-date=November 18, 2019|archive-date=November 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191118185549/https://loudwire.com/motley-crue-comment-reunion-petition/|url-status=live}} On November 18, Rolling Stone magazine reported that all four band members had agreed to come back together for the tour, utilizing a loophole in their "Cessation of Touring" contract.{{Cite magazine|last1=Greene|first1=Andy|date=November 18, 2019|title=Mötley Crüe, Def Leppard, Poison Set 2020 Stadium Tour|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/motley-crue-def-leppard-poison-set-2020-stadium-tour-913823/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191118190220/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/motley-crue-def-leppard-poison-set-2020-stadium-tour-913823/|archive-date=November 18, 2019|access-date=November 18, 2019|magazine=Rolling Stone|publisher=}} Later that same day, the band confirmed all reports with a statement on their website, posting a press release and a video of the contract being destroyed.{{Cite web|url=https://www.motley.com/news/motleycrueisback|title=MÖTLEY CRÜE IS BACK!|website=Mötley Crüe|date=November 18, 2019 |access-date=November 18, 2019|archive-date=November 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191119120657/https://www.motley.com/news/motleycrueisback|url-status=live}} On December 4, 2019, it was officially confirmed that Mötley Crüe would embark on The Stadium Tour with Def Leppard, Poison and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts in the summer of 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/def-leppard-motley-crue-poison-and-joan-jett-the-blackhearts-the-stadium-tour-details-revealed/|title=Def Leppart, Mötley Crüe, Poison and Joan Jett & The Blackhearts: 'The Stadium Tour' Details Revealed|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|date=December 4, 2019|access-date=December 5, 2019|archive-date=December 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205013528/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/def-leppard-motley-crue-poison-and-joan-jett-the-blackhearts-the-stadium-tour-details-revealed/|url-status=live}} Also in December 2019 Mick Mars announced that his debut solo album would be released in the spring of 2020.{{cite web |title=Motley Crue's Mick Mars To Release Debut Solo Record In April 2020 |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/motley-crues-mick-mars-to-release-debut-solo-record-in-april-2020/ |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=November 29, 2019 |access-date=December 7, 2019 |archive-date=December 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191203042249/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/motley-crues-mick-mars-to-release-debut-solo-record-in-april-2020/ |url-status=live}} On June 1, 2020, Mötley Crüe announced that The Stadium Tour would be rescheduled to June–September 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic;{{cite magazine |title=Motley Crue, Def Leppard, Poison & Joan Jett and the Blackhearts Postpone North American Stadium Tour |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/9394715/motley-crue-def-leppard-poison-joan-jett-and-the-blackhearts-postpone-north-american-stadium-tour-postponed |magazine=Billboard |date=June 2020 |access-date=11 June 2020 |archive-date=June 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611163205/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/9394715/motley-crue-def-leppard-poison-joan-jett-and-the-blackhearts-postpone-north-american-stadium-tour-postponed |url-status=live}} it was postponed once again to 2022, due to similar circumstances amid the pandemic. In January 2022, in the wake of the Omicron variant surge, Sixx was asked by a fan on Twitter if The Stadium Tour was still happening this year; his response was, "We're 1000% hitting the road with Def Leppard for The Stadium Tour in mid-June...I can't f'ckin wait..."{{cite web |date=January 15, 2022 |title=Nikki Sixx Has No Concerns About Mötley Crüe's Upcoming Stadium Tour |url=https://metalheadzone.com/nikki-sixx-has-no-concerns-about-motley-crues-upcoming-stadium-tour/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126230544/https://metalheadzone.com/nikki-sixx-has-no-concerns-about-motley-crues-upcoming-stadium-tour/ |archive-date=January 26, 2022 |access-date=January 26, 2022 |website=metalheadzone.com }} Mötley Crüe later joined Def Leppard again for another tour together in Europe in 2023.{{Cite web|title=Phil Collen says Mötley Crüehas 'Signed Up' to Tour Europe with Def Leppart in 2023|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/great-white-parts-ways-with-singer-mitch-malloy-recruits-last-in-lines-andrew-freeman|website=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=June 3, 2022|date=June 1, 2022|archive-date=January 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104033620/https://blabbermouth.net/news/great-white-parts-ways-with-singer-mitch-malloy-recruits-last-in-lines-andrew-freeman|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Def Leppard Confirm That Stadium Tour With Mötley Crüe Will Reach Europe|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/def_leppard_confirm_that_stadium_tour_with_mtley_cre_will_reach_europe.html|website=Ultimate Guitar|access-date=July 3, 2022|date=June 27, 2022|archive-date=July 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220715034724/https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/def_leppard_confirm_that_stadium_tour_with_mtley_cre_will_reach_europe.html|url-status=live}}

In November 2021, Mötley Crüe sold their entire back catalogue to BMG Rights Management.{{Cite web |last=Gilchrist |first=Todd |date=2021-12-06 |title=BMG Buys Mötley Crüe Catalog for $150 Million |url=https://labusinessjournal.com/media/music/bmg-buys-motley-crue-catalog-150-million/ |access-date=2022-11-12 |website=Los Angeles Business Journal |language=en-US |archive-date=November 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112000835/https://labusinessjournal.com/media/music/bmg-buys-motley-crue-catalog-150-million/ |url-status=live }}

In September 2022, Neil announced in an interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal that the band would return for a US tour in 2023. In that same interview, he also ruled out the possibility of further studio albums, stating that they were "strictly a touring band".{{cite news |last1=Kielty |first1=Martin |last2=Wilkening |first2=Matthew |title=Motley Crue Hints at Future Tour Plans: 'See You in February' |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/motley-crue-future-tour-plans/ |access-date=September 12, 2022 |work=Ultimate Classic Rock |date=September 11, 2022 |language=en |archive-date=January 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104033620/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/motley-crue-future-tour-plans/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=MÖTLEY CRÜE Plots Another U.S. Tour In 2024, Possible Third Las Vegas Residency |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/motley-crue-plots-another-u-s-tour-in-2024-possible-third-las-vegas-residency |website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET |access-date=September 12, 2022 |language=en |date=September 11, 2022 |archive-date=January 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104033621/https://blabbermouth.net/news/motley-crue-plots-another-u-s-tour-in-2024-possible-third-las-vegas-residency |url-status=live }}

{{main|Cancelled (EP)}}

On October 26, 2022, Mick Mars retired as a touring member of the band due to ongoing health issues, according to a statement released by Mars' publicist.{{cite web|title=Motley Crue Guitarist Mick Mars to Retire From Touring|url=https://variety.com/2022/music/news/motley-crue-mick-mars-retire-touring-1235415269/|first1=Jem|last1=Aswad|first2=Shirley|last2=Halperin|work=Variety|access-date=October 26, 2022|language=en|date=October 26, 2022|archive-date=December 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201152411/https://variety.com/2022/music/news/motley-crue-mick-mars-retire-touring-1235415269/|url-status=live}} The next day, the band confirmed that John 5 would take Mars' place as their new touring guitarist,{{cite web |last1=Singer |first1=Quentin |title=Mötley Crüe's Mick Mars Retires From Touring & Band Announces New Touring Guitarist |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/quentinsinger/2022/10/27/mtley-cres-mick-mars-retires-from-touring--band-announces-new-touring-guitarist/?sh=77f478ac5365 |website=Forbes |publisher=Integrated Whale Media |access-date=28 October 2022 |archive-date=November 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106173140/https://www.forbes.com/sites/quentinsinger/2022/10/27/mtley-cres-mick-mars-retires-from-touring--band-announces-new-touring-guitarist/?sh=77f478ac5365 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Kielty |first1=Martin |last2=Wilkening |first2=Matthew |title=It's Official: JOHN 5 Joins MÖTLEY CRÜE |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/its-official-john-5-joins-motley-crue |access-date=October 27, 2022 |work=Ultimate Classic Rock |date=October 27, 2022 |archive-date=December 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208172907/https://blabbermouth.net/news/its-official-john-5-joins-motley-crue |url-status=live }} although he was later confirmed as a permanent member of the band in April 2023.{{cite web |last1=Lach |first1=Stef |title=Motley Crue working on new material with producer Bob Rock |url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/motley-crue-working-on-new-material-with-producer-bob-rock |website=Louder Sound |access-date=April 23, 2023 |language=en |date=April 22, 2023 |archive-date=April 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429020129/https://www.loudersound.com/news/motley-crue-working-on-new-material-with-producer-bob-rock |url-status=live }} In a December interview with A Radio Rock in Brazil, Sixx confirmed that the band was not going away anytime soon, and stated that the band would be touring for eight more years.{{cite web |title=NIKKI SIXX Wants MÖTLEY CRÜE To Keep Going Until At Least 2031: 'This Isn't A Final Tour' |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/nikki-sixx-wants-motley-crue-to-keep-going-until-at-least-2031-this-isnt-a-final-tour |website=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=8 March 2023 |language=en |date=7 March 2023 |archive-date=March 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314190901/https://blabbermouth.net/news/nikki-sixx-wants-motley-crue-to-keep-going-until-at-least-2031-this-isnt-a-final-tour/ |url-status=live }}

On April 6, 2023, Mars sued the band, alleging that they were trying to remove him.{{cite web |last=Schaffner |first=Lauryn |title=Mick Mars Sues Mötley Crüe, Says He Was Unilaterally Removed From Band + Gaslighted |url=https://loudwire.com/mick-mars-sues-motley-crue-removed-from-band-gaslighted/ |website=Loudwire |access-date=April 6, 2023 |date=April 6, 2023 |archive-date=April 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415095110/https://loudwire.com/mick-mars-sues-motley-crue-removed-from-band-gaslighted/ |url-status=live }} In response to the lawsuit, the band issued a statement on the same day, denying that they had fired Mars, and that while he was still a member, had quit touring.{{cite web |last1=Willman |first1=Chris |title=Motley Crue Responds to Mick Mars' Lawsuit, Contending He Quit After 'Struggling to Remember Chords, Playing the Wrong Songs'; Nikki Sixx Says 'Sad Day for Us' |url=https://variety.com/2023/music/news/motley-crue-responds-mick-mars-lawsuit-quit-resigned-performance-1235576291/ |website=Variety |access-date=April 8, 2023 |date=April 6, 2023 |archive-date=April 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430095400/https://variety.com/2023/music/news/motley-crue-responds-mick-mars-lawsuit-quit-resigned-performance-1235576291/ |url-status=live }}

On April 19, 2023, the band announced that they were working on new music with record producer Bob Rock,{{cite web |last1=DiVita |first1=Joe |title=Motley Crue Officially Recording in Studio With Big Name Producer |url=https://loudwire.com/motley-crue-recording-in-studio-producer-bob-rock/ |website=Loudwire |access-date=April 19, 2023 |language=en |date=April 19, 2023 |archive-date=April 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426140453/https://loudwire.com/motley-crue-recording-in-studio-producer-bob-rock/ |url-status=live }} ruling out the possibility of the band working with Mars again. Sixx later released a statement on a then-upcoming album on May 15, 2023, stating that it had finished production and the band had begun mixing the album.{{cite web |last1=Horsley |first1=Jonathan |title=Mötley Crüe have finished their first studio album with John 5 – and promise it's "heavier than anything" |url=https://www.guitarworld.com/news/motley-crue-new-album-john-5 |website=Guitar World |access-date=May 24, 2023 |language=en |date=May 15, 2023 |archive-date=May 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230524183551/https://www.guitarworld.com/news/motley-crue-new-album-john-5 |url-status=live }} In June 2023, Neil confirmed that they were set to perform another stadium tour in 2024.{{cite web |title=Vince Neil Says Mötley Crüe will Embark on Another Stadium Tour In 2024: 'We're not sure' who else is 'Gonna be on it' |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/vince-neil-says-motley-crue-will-embark-on-another-stadium-tour-in-2024-were-not-sure-who-else-is-gonna-be-on-it |website=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=3 July 2023 |language=en |date=1 July 2023 |archive-date=July 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230703035859/https://blabbermouth.net/news/vince-neil-says-motley-crue-will-embark-on-another-stadium-tour-in-2024-were-not-sure-who-else-is-gonna-be-on-it |url-status=live }} In the following month, he confirmed that the band recorded three brand new songs.{{cite web |last=Trapp |first=Philip |title=Vince Neil Discusses New Mötley Crüe Recordings, Extending Crüe's Stadium Tour |url=https://loudwire.com/motley-crue-new-songs-2024-tour-dates-vince-neil/ |website=Loudwire |access-date=July 5, 2023 |date=July 3, 2023 |archive-date=July 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230704142607/https://loudwire.com/motley-crue-new-songs-2024-tour-dates-vince-neil/ |url-status=live }} In September 2023, John 5 confirmed the title of a new song as "Dogs of War". He also said that the band recorded a cover of "(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)" by the Beastie Boys.{{cite web |title=New Mötley Crüe Songs Are 'So Good': 'Everybody Is Just Killing It' |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/new-motley-crue-songs-are-so-good-everybodys-just-killing-it |website=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=January 6, 2024 |date=September 23, 2023 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105235112/https://blabbermouth.net/news/new-motley-crue-songs-are-so-good-everybodys-just-killing-it |url-status=live }}

On April 23, 2024, it was announced that Mötley Crüe had signed a deal with Big Machine Records, and three days later the band released "Dogs of War", their first song in five years and their first with John 5.{{cite web |title=Mötley Crüe Signs With Big Machine Records, Announces New Single 'Dogs Of War' |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/motley-crue-signs-with-big-machine-records-announces-new-single-dogs-of-war |website=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=April 23, 2024 |date=April 23, 2024 |archive-date=April 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240423134034/https://blabbermouth.net/news/motley-crue-signs-with-big-machine-records-announces-new-single-dogs-of-war |url-status=live }} Neil told Billboard that same month that additional music from Mötley Crüe could be released by the end of 2024 or in 2025, but also stated that new material could result in "a few songs here, a few songs there" rather than a full-length album.{{cite web |title=Vince Neil On New Mötley Crüe Song 'Dogs Of War': It's 'Like Old School Meets New School' |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/vince-neil-on-new-motley-crue-song-dogs-of-war-its-like-old-school-meets-new-school |website=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=April 26, 2024 |date=April 24, 2024 |archive-date=April 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424184013/https://blabbermouth.net/news/vince-neil-on-new-motley-crue-song-dogs-of-war-its-like-old-school-meets-new-school |url-status=live }} Lee did not rule out releasing a new Mötley Crüe album, but stated that "recording and writing some stuff that you're feeling right at the moment and releasing it is, for us, a lot more a lot more fun and sort of a time stamp of where we're at right now."{{Cite web |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/tommy-lee-doesnt-know-if-a-new-full-length-album-is-in-motley-crues-future |title=Tommy Lee Doesn't Know if a New Full-Length Album is in Mötley Crüe's Future |date=May 3, 2024 |access-date=May 3, 2024 |archive-date=May 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240503225118/https://blabbermouth.net/news/tommy-lee-doesnt-know-if-a-new-full-length-album-is-in-motley-crues-future |url-status=live }} Sixx said that the band had recorded two other new singles that were ready to be released.{{cite web |title=Mötley Crüe's Nikki Sixx Confirms New Music: "We Got Two More Singles Recorded and Ready to Be Released |url=https://www.sonicperspectives.com/news/motley-crues-nikki-sixx-confirms-new-music-weve-got-two-more-singles-recorded-and-ready-to-release/ |website=SonicPerspective |access-date=July 1, 2024 |date=July 1, 2024}} A new EP, titled Cancelled, was released on October 4, 2024.{{cite web |title=Legendary Rockers, Mötley Crüe Announce New EP and Cover the Beastie Boys Classic 'Fight for your Right' |url=https://metalplanetmusic.com/2024/08/legendary-rockers-motley-crue-announce-new-ep-and-cover-the-beastie-boys-classic-fight-for-your-right/ |website=Metal Planet Music |access-date=August 23, 2024 |date=August 23, 2024}}

{{overly detailed|section|date=August 2023}}

Often clashing during the early 1980s, both bands were fighting for dominance in the Los Angeles metal scene during Metallica's years prior to their relocation to the Bay Area. Both singer/guitarist James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich expressed their hatred of the heavy metal scene in Los Angeles during the time and frequently attacked multiple up-and-coming local bands in multiple interviews, including Mötley Crüe.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxrcfRrNwnw|title=Metallica on the '80s Metal Bands They Didn't Get Along With|website=YouTube|date=August 17, 2020 |access-date=April 14, 2023|archive-date=March 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330040214/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxrcfRrNwnw|url-status=live}} Allegedly before a show in 1982, Ulrich claimed he drunkenly screamed "Fuck Mötley Crüe!" at the band from outside the Troubadour in Hollywood, in which Sixx chased Ulrich in retaliation. Former lead guitarist Dave Mustaine during a 1983 interview had also taken aim at the band by claiming the Crüe and glam metal were an abbreviation for "Gay LA Music".{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUMSFkSFPHU|title=Dave Mustaine talks about glam rock/metal|website=YouTube|date=February 25, 2011 |access-date=April 12, 2023|archive-date=April 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428020447/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUMSFkSFPHU|url-status=live}} Though despite their public disdain for glam metal, Metallica were impressed by the production and commercial success of Dr. Feelgood in 1989, later hiring the album's producer Bob Rock to produce their self-titled fifth album in 1991. Several years later, both Sixx and Ulrich would reignite the animosity after Ulrich accused Mötley Crüe of performing to a backing track at the 1997 American Music Awards. Sixx responded via an online forum and would also attack Metallica's then-recent album Load insulting multiple members of the band for their change in sound and visual image.{{cite web|url=https://rockcelebrities.net/how-the-feud-between-metallicas-lars-ulrich-and-motley-crues-nikki-sixx-started/|title=How The Feud Between Metallica's Lars Ulrich And Mötley Crüe's Nikki Sixx Started|date=July 3, 2021|access-date=April 12, 2023|archive-date=April 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412185409/https://rockcelebrities.net/how-the-feud-between-metallicas-lars-ulrich-and-motley-crues-nikki-sixx-started/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.grunge.com/258187/the-truth-about-nicki-sixxs-feud-with-metallica/|title=The Truth About Nikki Sixx's Feud with Metallica|date=October 7, 2020|access-date=April 12, 2023|archive-date=April 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416174314/https://www.grunge.com/258187/the-truth-about-nicki-sixxs-feud-with-metallica/|url-status=live}} During a 2003 interview, Sixx would strangely defend Metallica's then-latest album St. Anger by claiming "I have learned to have sympathy for the enemy".{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/m-tley-cr-e-bassist-defends-metallica-i-have-learned-to-have-sympathy-for-the-enemy|title=Crue Bassist Defends Metallica|date=June 2, 2003|access-date=April 12, 2023|archive-date=April 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412185407/https://blabbermouth.net/news/m-tley-cr-e-bassist-defends-metallica-i-have-learned-to-have-sympathy-for-the-enemy|url-status=live}} In 2006, both Tommy Lee and former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted took part in a reality show entitled Rock Star: Supernova as they would both participate in creating a supergroup while the show's premise revolved around finding a frontman via contest. During a 2011 meet-and-greet in Mexico City, Hetfield was approached by a fan attacking Mötley Crüe due to their public image and frequent appearances in tabloids. Hetfield refused to directly respond to the fan's comments towards Mötley Crüe but did find humor in his insults toward the band.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUsFrHvJX_0|title=James Hetfield Meets a Mötley Crüe Hater (Gets really Uncomfortable/Cringy)|website=YouTube|date=November 24, 2020 |access-date=April 14, 2023|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414003354/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUsFrHvJX_0|url-status=live}} In 2015, Lee would reignite the feud when he posted a Tweet featuring a picture of Ulrich with the words "Straight Outta Tempo" superimposed over his face. Lee presumably used a meme maker intended to promote the 2015 N.W.A biopic Straight Outta Compton. Following the post by Lee, Vince Neil had stated online that he was unaware of the feud with Metallica; however, during a later interview with an Oregon radio show, Neil was again asked about the band's current relationship with Metallica and hung up on the show's host.{{cite web|url=https://www.contactmusic.com/vince-neil/news/vince-neil-hangs-up-on-radio-host-over-motley-crue-metallica-feud-questions_4951062|title=Vince Neil Hangs Up On Radio Host Over Motley Crue/metallica Feud Questions|date=September 30, 2015|access-date=April 14, 2023|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414001449/https://www.contactmusic.com/vince-neil/news/vince-neil-hangs-up-on-radio-host-over-motley-crue-metallica-feud-questions_4951062|url-status=live}} Things were alleged to have calmed down by 2017, when Hetfield appeared on Sixx's radio show 'Sixx Sense'.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsYmjoHZZTc|title=Deeper With Metallica's James Hetfield (AUDIO)|website=YouTube|date=July 12, 2017 |access-date=April 14, 2023|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414002522/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsYmjoHZZTc&gl=US&hl=en|url-status=live}} During an interview in 2021, Sixx applauded Metallica's longevity and praised several of their releases during an interview.{{cite web|url=https://rockcelebrities.net/nikki-sixx-discusses-metallicas-success-by-recalling-a-stunning-james-hetfield-moment/|title=Nikki Sixx Discusses Metallica's Success By Recalling A Stunning James Hetfield Moment|date=October 11, 2021|access-date=April 12, 2023|archive-date=April 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412185409/https://rockcelebrities.net/nikki-sixx-discusses-metallicas-success-by-recalling-a-stunning-james-hetfield-moment/|url-status=live}}

Though Guns N' Roses were initially hired to open for Mötley Crüe during the summer of 1987, things grew hostile between both sides in 1988 after Vince Neil alleged that then-Guns N' Roses guitarist Izzy Stradlin had assaulted his then-wife Sharise at the famed Cathouse club, according to Neil and club owner Riki Rachtman. Things came to a breaking point at the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards following Mötley Crüe's presentation of the award for 'Best Metal Video' to Guns N' Roses; however, only bassist Duff McKagan and drummer Steven Adler appeared at the stage to accept it. Following their performance with Tom Petty, Neil rushed the side of the stage and threw a punch at Stradlin before being restrained by security. Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose was enraged with the incident, threatening Neil after security had separated the two. During an interview in August 1990, Rose later challenged Neil to a fight during an interview with Kurt Loder, claiming "Anytime he wants it, Atlantic City; I Don't Care, We'll put money on it."{{cite web|url=https://www.thethings.com/what-happened-between-axl-rose-and-vince-neil/|title=What Happened Between Axl Rose And Vince Neil?|date=May 16, 2022|access-date=April 15, 2023|archive-date=April 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415182328/https://www.thethings.com/what-happened-between-axl-rose-and-vince-neil/|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/bitter-feud-between-axl-rose-vince-neil/ |title=The Bitter Feud Between Axl Rose and Vince Neil |first1=Arun |last1=Starkey |date=2022-07-03 |access-date=2023-04-21 |archive-date=April 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412192622/https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/bitter-feud-between-axl-rose-vince-neil/ |url-status=live }} Neil responded in early 1991 by also challenging Rose to a fight: "Axl if you are watching this, I want to challenge you to a fight. I'm gonna give you time and I'm gonna give you the place. There's no backing out now buddy. It's time to put up or shut up.", later expressing his intent to possibly host the fight in an arena.{{cite web|url=https://rockcelebrities.net/the-truth-behind-why-motley-crues-vince-neil-challenged-axl-rose-to-a-fight/|title=The Truth Behind Why Mötley Crüe's Vince Neil Challenged Axl Rose To A Fight|date=May 2, 2021|access-date=April 15, 2023|archive-date=April 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415182328/https://rockcelebrities.net/the-truth-behind-why-motley-crues-vince-neil-challenged-axl-rose-to-a-fight/|url-status=live}} Reportedly, Eddie Van Halen and then-current Van Halen singer Sammy Hagar had offered money to possibly host the fight at Madison Square Garden in New York City. However, for unknown reasons, neither Rose or Neil responded to the offer. Neil claims Stradlin had called him with an apology for the incident, but the 1991 Guns N' Roses track "Shotgun Blues" was allegedly a diss track aimed at Neil.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZvCqR0NPYE|title=Axl Rose vs Vince Neil Feud: Guns N Roses vs Motley Crue|website=YouTube|date=March 31, 2020 |access-date=April 15, 2023|archive-date=April 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415182327/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZvCqR0NPYE|url-status=live}} Tensions were reported to have died down shortly afterwards when both Tommy Lee and former Guns N' Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke participated with former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted in a reality show entitled Rockstar: Supernova, as they would contribute musical parts in the show's contest to find a vocalist of the newly formed supergroup. Things remained cordial until 2009 when Neil had lobbed insults towards Rose in response to Guns N' Roses' most recent album, Chinese Democracy, calling the record a flop and criticizing Rose for his management of the band at the time. In 2014, Revolver magazine honored Rose by calling him "The World's Greatest Singer"; in response, Neil jokingly mocked the award on Twitter, but deleted his response shortly afterward.{{cite web|url=https://rockandrolltruestories.com/why-vince-neil-attacked-izzy-stradlin/|title=Why Motley Crue's Vince Neil Attacked Guns N' Roses' Izzy Stradlin|date=April 25, 2022|access-date=April 12, 2023|archive-date=April 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412192623/https://rockandrolltruestories.com/why-vince-neil-attacked-izzy-stradlin/|url-status=live}}

The feud between alternative metal band Godsmack and Mötley Crüe stems from the two sides clashing after Godsmack was hired as one of several supporting acts for Mötley Crüe during the band's 2009 Crüe Fest 2 tour. Godsmack frontman Sully Erna and drummer Shannon Larkin have claimed the feud originated from Mötley Crüe's treatment of the support bands on tour, particularly Godsmack's fans who allegedly often left venues early following their own performance. Larkin recalls in a 2011 interview with Loudwire: "Mötley Crüe's security were real weird with our guests getting backstage, like our guests might want to look at Mötley Crüe. Our guests were there to see us and they didn't care a shit about Mötley Crüe. Mötley Crüe is a legendary band that we all respect. When I was 17, I had 'Shout at the Devil' but it just kind of fronted us a little that they would think that our guests would be star-struck over them. So, that's where the bad blood came from."{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/godsmack-shannon-larkin-explains-sully-erna-nikki-sixx-feud/|title=Godsmack's Shannon Larkin explains Sully Erna-Nikki Sixx feud|website=Loudwire|date=September 9, 2011|access-date=April 12, 2023|archive-date=April 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412190939/https://loudwire.com/godsmack-shannon-larkin-explains-sully-erna-nikki-sixx-feud/|url-status=live}} Sully Erna allegedly penned the 2010 track "Cryin' Like a Bitch" about Sixx in regards to his behavior towards Godsmack during the tour, though Shannon Larkin claims the song was written about former San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers. Sixx continued in a war of insults with the band as he alleged that Godsmack had asked to appear on his radio show multiple times, due to initial allegations of it being written as a diss track aimed at Sixx.{{cite web |url=https://rockcelebrities.net/the-godsmack-song-written-to-attack-motley-crues-nikki-sixx/ |title=The Godsmack Song Written to Attack Motley Crue's Nikki Sixx |website=rockcelebrities.net |first1=Elif |last1=Ozden |date=2021-12-26 |access-date=April 12, 2023 |archive-date=April 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412225757/https://rockcelebrities.net/the-godsmack-song-written-to-attack-motley-crues-nikki-sixx/ |url-status=live }} During a 2015 appearance on the "Jasta Show" (hosted by Hatebreed frontman Jamey Jasta), Erna would attack Sixx further by calling Sixx an "old, fat, washed-up has-been". Erna continued the tirade by even challenging Sixx to a fight, claiming: "I'll say it straight out: I've never met a bigger fucking dick in my life than Nikki Sixx. He's a douchebag. He's straight-up a fucking douche, and I don't give a fuck what he says. He knows exactly where I am, and he knows exactly how he can find me anytime that motherfucker has the balls to come and look me up".{{cite web |url=https://loudwire.com/godsmack-sully-erna-calls-motley-crue-nikki-sixx-old-fat-washed-up-has-been/ |first1=Joe |last1=DiVata |date=2015-11-28 |title=Sully Erna Calls Nikki Sixx an 'Old, Fat, Washed Up, Has-Been |website=Loudwire |access-date=April 12, 2023 |archive-date=April 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412190815/https://loudwire.com/godsmack-sully-erna-calls-motley-crue-nikki-sixx-old-fat-washed-up-has-been/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/godsmacks-shannon-larkin-says-feud-with-motley-crue-was-caused-by-conflict-of-ego-between-sully-erna-and-nikki-sixx|title=GODSMACK's SHANNON LARKIN Says Feud With MÖTLEY CRÜE Was Caused By 'Conflict Of Ego' Between SULLY ERNA And NIKKI SIXX|date=2020-12-28|access-date=April 12, 2023|archive-date=April 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412224835/https://blabbermouth.net/news/godsmacks-shannon-larkin-says-feud-with-motley-crue-was-caused-by-conflict-of-ego-between-sully-erna-and-nikki-sixx|url-status=live}} Sixx responded to Erna's comments on a Facebook livestream, calling him a "baby". Sixx would also claim the band would refuse any future festival dates if they were booked on the same bill as Godsmack.{{cite web |url=https://www.grunge.com/613451/inside-godsmacks-feud-with-motley-crue/ |title=Inside Godsmack's feud with Motley Crue |first1=Lorenzo |last1=Tanos |date=2021-09-23 |access-date=2023-04-21 |website=grunge.com |archive-date=April 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412225240/https://www.grunge.com/613451/inside-godsmacks-feud-with-motley-crue/ |url-status=live }}

The comedic glam metal band Steel Panther engaged in a feud with Mötley Crüe following a tour between the two bands and Def Leppard in 2011. Numerous members of Steel Panther claim they were heavily influenced by Mötley Crüe's music; however, touring with the band exhibited a hostile environment, particularly from Nikki Sixx and Tommy Lee. In the years following the tour, guitarist Satchel claimed Tommy Lee had been rather hostile towards multiple band members due to allegations that he and singer Michael Starr had sex with Lee's girlfriend at the time.{{cite web |url=https://metalheadzone.com/steel-panther-star-claims-that-he-had-sex-with-motley-crue-members-wife/ |title=Steel Panther Star claims he had sex with Tommy Lee's girlfriend |first1=Eren Merdan |last1=Gursoy |date=2020-01-13 |access-date=2023-04-21 |archive-date=April 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412224426/https://metalheadzone.com/steel-panther-star-claims-that-he-had-sex-with-motley-crue-members-wife/ |url-status=dead }} Starr also commented on Mötley Crüe's other feud with Godsmack, claiming Sully Erna would severely beat Sixx in a fistfight.{{cite web|url=http://sofa-king-cool-magazine.com/steel-panther-singer-says-sully-erna-could-punch-the-shit-out-of-nikki-sixx/|title=Sully Erna could punch the shit out of Nikki Sixx|access-date=April 12, 2023|archive-date=April 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412225424/http://sofa-king-cool-magazine.com/steel-panther-singer-says-sully-erna-could-punch-the-shit-out-of-nikki-sixx/|url-status=live}} In a 2015 interview, Starr would claim the members of Mötley Crüe take themselves too seriously given the comedic nature of Steel Panther's music. Sixx would respond in 2016 claiming he prioritized taking his musical contributions much more seriously. During a 2018 interview, Satchel claimed "There are bands that hate our guts... We did a tour a few years ago with Def Leppard and Mötley Crüe". Things escalated in 2019 when drummer Stix Zadinia and Starr appeared in a video on the channel 'Little Punk People' where the two were asked which dead musicians they could revive; Starr jokingly claimed he wanted to bring back Vince Neil from the 1980s, enraging Sixx, who later attacked Starr on Twitter for his comment. Shortly following the response from Sixx, Steel Panther's band account replied with an interview Mötley Crüe gave from 1994 (whilst Neil was not a part of the band), in which Sixx and guitarist Mick Mars mocked and joked at Neil's weight following a jet ski accident.{{cite web |url=https://loudwire.com/motley-crue-nikki-sixx-backstabbers-steel-panther/ |title=Motley Crue's Nikki Sixx fires shot at 'Backstabbers' Steel Panther |first1=Graham |last1=Hartmann |website=Loudwire |date=2019-10-18 |access-date=2023-04-21 |archive-date=April 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412224424/https://loudwire.com/motley-crue-nikki-sixx-backstabbers-steel-panther/ |url-status=live }} Though Mötley Crüe would not respond to the post, multiple band members of Steel Panther have praised Mötley Crüe's music as influential in multiple interviews afterwards.{{cite web |url=https://metalinjection.net/news/feuds/steel-panther-frontman-if-i-could-bring-one-musician-back-from-the-dead-itd-be-motley-crues-vince-neil |title=Steel Panther frontman: 'If I could bring one musician back from the dead, it'd be Motley Crue's Vince Neil |first1=Robert |last1=Pasbani |date=2019-10-12 |access-date=2023-04-21 |archive-date=April 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412224424/https://metalinjection.net/news/feuds/steel-panther-frontman-if-i-could-bring-one-musician-back-from-the-dead-itd-be-motley-crues-vince-neil |url-status=live }}

On October 27, 2022, co-founding guitarist Mick Mars publicly announced his retirement from touring with the band after 41 years due to complications with ankylosing spondylitis, a degenerative form of inflammatory arthritis leaving him unable to perform on tour.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/motley-crue-mick-mars-lawsuit-ankylosing-spondylitis/ |title=Mötley Crüe guitarist Mick Mars sues band, claiming he was fired for "horrific" disease |first1=Aimee |last1=Picchi |date=2023-04-11 |access-date=2023-04-21 |publisher=CBS News |archive-date=April 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413233712/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/motley-crue-mick-mars-lawsuit-ankylosing-spondylitis/ |url-status=live }} Shortly afterwards, the band announced longtime Rob Zombie guitarist John 5 would be his replacement during the ongoing tour. In an interview with Ultimate Guitar dated March 13, 2023, Carmine Appice, a friend of Mars', claimed that Mars, in addition to his declining health, had lost enjoyment for touring.{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/carmine-appice-claims-mick-mars-wasnt-happy-on-motley-crues-the-stadium-tour|title=CARMINE APPICE Claims MICK MARS 'Wasn't Happy' On MÖTLEY CRÜE's 'The Stadium Tour'|date=March 14, 2023|access-date=April 15, 2023|archive-date=April 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415175414/https://blabbermouth.net/news/carmine-appice-claims-mick-mars-wasnt-happy-on-motley-crues-the-stadium-tour|url-status=live}} Enraged with the comments, Nikki Sixx responded on Twitter, attacking Appice, referring to him as "a washed up drummer."{{cite web|url=https://guitar.com/news/music-news/nikki-sixx-refutes-carmine-appice-mick-mars-claims/|title=Nikki Sixx tears into Carmine Appice over claims that Mick Mars 'wasn't happy' with Mötley Crüe|access-date=April 15, 2023|archive-date=April 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415175414/https://guitar.com/news/music-news/nikki-sixx-refutes-carmine-appice-mick-mars-claims/|url-status=live}} Following Sixx's comments, Mars began to attack the band during an interview with Variety published April 6, 2023, claiming the band's severance payout was 'laughable' as his royalties had allegedly been cut to 7.5% as a result of his retirement. Mars further claimed he was forced to retire as opposed to being fired by the band based on their own displeasure with his medical ailments.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/08/arts/music/mick-mars-motley-crue-lawsuit.html |title=Mötley Crüe Guitarist's Lawsuit Says He Was Kicked Out |work=The New York Times |date=April 8, 2023 |last1=Oxenden |first1=Mckenna |access-date=April 13, 2023 |archive-date=April 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412123923/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/08/arts/music/mick-mars-motley-crue-lawsuit.html |url-status=live }}

On April 7, 2023, Mars publicly filed a lawsuit against Mötley Crüe in the Los Angeles County Superior Court for unpaid royalties, claiming the band had severely cut his touring royalty agreement from 25% to 5% as a direct result of his retirement. The band's representative Sasha Frid had revealed claims that a 2008 legal agreement signed by all four band members had documented that no resigning participants would receive the same compensation attributable to live performances or merchandise sales if a particular member had chosen to quit the band.{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2023/04/12/motley-crue-vs-mick-mars-what-know-contentious-dispute/11652494002/|title=Mötley Crüe sued by guitarist Mick Mars: What to know about the rock band's civil war|website=USA Today|access-date=April 13, 2023|archive-date=April 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413233713/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2023/04/12/motley-crue-vs-mick-mars-what-know-contentious-dispute/11652494002/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/mick-mars-on-motley-crue-lawsuit-i-carried-these-bastards-for-years-3427753|title=Mick Mars on Mötley Crüe lawsuit: "I carried these bastards for years"|website=NME|date=April 9, 2023|access-date=April 13, 2023|archive-date=April 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413235215/https://www.nme.com/news/music/mick-mars-on-motley-crue-lawsuit-i-carried-these-bastards-for-years-3427753|url-status=live}} Mars' attorney Ed McPherson publicly attacked the band in a statement due to their failure to reveal updated financial documents in regards to Mars' payout agreement following his retirement in October. According to Mars' accounts in the lawsuit, the band had also forced him to sell off his remaining share in the band, labeling their behavior as 'bullying'. Nikki Sixx would make a public statement on Twitter expressing his disappointment with the lawsuit but offered his public support for Mars nonetheless. Following this statement Mars would further attack the band in a Variety article, taking aim at Lee and Neil for their previous legal incidents and alleged the band had been performing with a backing track throughout the tour.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2023/music/news/motley-crue-lawsuit-mick-mars-explained-lawyer-manager-1235580026/|title=Unpacking Motley Crue's Mess: Manager Slams Mick Mars' 'Smear Campaign'; Guitarist's Lawyer Says He Is 'Tired of Being Bullied' (EXCLUSIVE)|date=April 12, 2023|access-date=April 13, 2023|archive-date=April 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413233711/https://variety.com/2023/music/news/motley-crue-lawsuit-mick-mars-explained-lawyer-manager-1235580026/|url-status=live}}

During an interview with Rolling Stone on July 3, 2023, Mars elaborated further by claiming he has refused to speak with any members of the band ever again, stating his intention to pursue his full royalty percentage.{{cite web|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/news/mick-mars-motley-crue-update|title=Mick Mars says he never wants to speak to Mötley Crüe again: "I think all of us would be okay with that"|date=July 6, 2023|access-date=July 10, 2023|archive-date=July 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230710190414/https://www.guitarworld.com/news/mick-mars-motley-crue-update|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/motley-crue-mick-mars-lawsuit-things-learned-1234778252/|title=Mick Mars Never Wants to Speak to Mötley Crüe Again — and 14 Other Things We Learned|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=July 3, 2023|access-date=July 10, 2023|archive-date=July 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230710190414/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/motley-crue-mick-mars-lawsuit-things-learned-1234778252/|url-status=live}} {{As of|September 2023}}, the matter remained in litigation.

Following the firing of Vince Neil in 1992, Mötley Crüe hired John Corabi as their new lead singer prior to the recording of their 1994 self-titled album. Fan reactions were mixed due to the uncharted nature of the band's change in sound with Corabi, in addition to their new stylistic direction of the 1990s. As the band began writing for their upcoming seventh album, Generation Swine, tensions over the album's creative direction began to surface between the band and Corabi. Corabi blamed much of the poor songwriting and production on Nikki Sixx's leadership, while Sixx blamed Corabi for being unable to write songs fluidly. The band had previously hired new manager Allen Kovac in 1994 prior to the release of the self-titled album; however, the mixed response to the record in addition to backlash towards Corabi from longtime fans proved to be strenuous on the band's public image, resulting in the band firing Corabi during the recording of Generation Swine. The band were forced by management and fan responses to rehire Neil, however; tensions with Corabi remained high for multiple years following the split. Corabi would later sue the band in 1997 due to removal of his songwriting credits on the album.{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/john-corabi-explains-his-1997-lawsuit-against-motley-crue-im-not-anybodys-doormat|title=John Corabi Explains His 1997 Lawsuit Against MÖTLEY CRÜE: 'I'm Not Anybody's Doormat'|date=December 25, 2014 }} Despite the tensions, Corabi took part in a short-lived supergroup with Sixx entitled Brides of Destruction with L.A. Guns guitarist Tracii Guns in 2003. Corabi later outlined his tensions with Sixx would resurface during the project and would attack Sixx during multiple public interviews for his poor leadership and even insulted his playing abilities.{{cite web|url=https://rockcelebrities.net/ex-motley-crue-singer-john-corabi-reflects-on-his-feud-with-nikki-sixx/|title=Ex-Mötley Crüe Singer John Corabi Reflects On His Feud With Nikki Sixx|date=March 2022|access-date=April 13, 2023|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414001454/https://rockcelebrities.net/ex-motley-crue-singer-john-corabi-reflects-on-his-feud-with-nikki-sixx/|url-status=live}} Following guitarist Mick Mars' lawsuit against the band in 2023, Corabi expressed his support for Mars while criticizing the band's poor financial decisions.{{cite web|url=https://www.metalsucks.net/2022/11/30/john-corabi-thinks-motley-crue-is-lying-about-mick-mars-retirement-statement/|title=John Corabi Thinks Mötley Crüe is Lying About Mick Mars Retirement Statement|date=November 30, 2022|access-date=April 13, 2023|archive-date=April 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413235949/https://www.metalsucks.net/2022/11/30/john-corabi-thinks-motley-crue-is-lying-about-mick-mars-retirement-statement/|url-status=live}}

Mötley Crüe's musical style is most commonly described as heavy metal,{{Cite web|first=Eduardo|last=Rivadavia|title=How Motley Crue Staked Their Claim With 'Shout at the Devil'|url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/30-years-ago-motley-crues-shout-at-the-devil-released/|date=September 26, 2015|access-date=October 5, 2021|website=Ultimate Classic Rock|language=en|archive-date=March 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328005242/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/30-years-ago-motley-crues-shout-at-the-devil-released/|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/9469/Motley-Crue-Dr.-Feelgood/ |title=Motley Crue – Dr. Feelgood |last=DeSylvia |first=David |website=Sputnikmusic |date=October 8, 2006 |access-date=December 20, 2014 }} glam metal,{{cite web|first= Mike |last= McPadden |title= The Hair Metal 100: Ranking the '80s Greatest Glam Bands—The Final 20! |publisher= VH1 |date= 25 September 2015 |access-date= 16 July 2016 |url= https://www.vh1.com/news/9y8tt7/the-hair-metal-100-part-5|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220629182417/https://www.vh1.com/news/9y8tt7/the-hair-metal-100-part-5|url-status= live|archive-date= June 29, 2022}} and hard rock.{{sfnm|Harrison|2011|1pp=41, 60}}{{cite web|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/news/motley-crue-become-first-hard-rock-band-hold-las-vegas-residency|title=Motley Crue to Become First Hard Rock Band to Hold Las Vegas Residency|date=December 2, 2011|last=Hart|first=Josh|work=Guitar World|access-date=February 20, 2021|archive-date=April 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414041255/https://www.guitarworld.com/news/motley-crue-become-first-hard-rock-band-hold-las-vegas-residency|url-status=live}} According to AllMusic, the band has "a knack for melding pop hooks to heavy metal theatrics." The band explored alternative metal and grunge sounds on Mötley Crüe (1994){{cite web|last=Henne|first=Bruce|date=January 4, 2015|title=Corabi revisits 1994 Motley Crue album|url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/corabi-revisits-1994-motley-crue-album|access-date=April 7, 2021|website=Louder Sound|archive-date=May 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524030613/https://www.loudersound.com/news/corabi-revisits-1994-motley-crue-album|url-status=live}} and industrial rock on Generation Swine (1997).

Music critic Martin Popoff's book The Top 500 Heavy Metal Songs of All Time lists seven of the band's songs in its ranking.{{cite book |last1=Popoff |first1=Martin |title=The Top 500 Heavy Metal Songs of All Time |date=2003 |publisher=ECW Press |isbn=9781550225303}} Mötley Crüe was ranked tenth on MTV's list of "Top 10 Heavy Metal Bands of All-Time" and ninth on "VH1's All Time Top Ten Metal Bands".{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/metal/greatest_metal_bands/071406/index11.jhtml |title=MTVNews.com: The Greatest Metal Bands Of All Time |publisher=Mtv.com |date=March 9, 2006 |access-date=June 9, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100728022458/http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/metal/greatest_metal_bands/071406/index11.jhtml |archive-date=July 28, 2010 |url-status=dead}} Music website Loudwire named the band the 22nd greatest metal band of all time.{{cite web |title=Top 50 Metal Bands of All Time |url=https://loudwire.com/top-metal-bands-of-all-time/ |website=Loudwire |date=July 20, 2016 |access-date=December 8, 2019 |archive-date=December 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208190751/https://loudwire.com/top-metal-bands-of-all-time/ |url-status=live}} Spin named Shout at the Devil the 11th best metal album of all time.{{cite web |title=40 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time |url=https://www.spin.com/2019/10/best-metal-albums/ |website=Spin |date=October 30, 2019 |access-date=8 December 2019 |archive-date=December 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205130627/https://www.spin.com/2019/10/best-metal-albums/ |url-status=live}} In 2013 LA Weekly named the band the 3rd best "hair metal" band of all time.{{cite web |last1=Steininger |first1=Adam |title=The 15 Best Hair Metal Bands of All Time |url=https://www.laweekly.com/the-15-best-hair-metal-bands-of-all-time/ |website=L.A. Weekly |date=September 3, 2013 |access-date=December 8, 2019 |archive-date=November 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106100643/https://www.laweekly.com/the-15-best-hair-metal-bands-of-all-time/ |url-status=live}} Rolling Stone named Too Fast For Love the 22nd best metal album of all time.{{cite magazine |title=The 100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/the-100-greatest-metal-albums-of-all-time-113614/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=June 21, 2017 |access-date=8 December 2019 |archive-date=November 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191114041408/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/the-100-greatest-metal-albums-of-all-time-113614/ |url-status=live}}

In 2006, the band received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.{{cite web |title=Motley Crue Gets Hollywood Walk of Fame Star |url=https://www.tmz.com/2006/01/25/motley-crue-gets-hollywood-walk-of-fame-star/ |website=TMZ |date=January 25, 2006 |access-date=8 December 2019 |archive-date=December 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208162921/https://www.tmz.com/2006/01/25/motley-crue-gets-hollywood-walk-of-fame-star/ |url-status=live}}

In 2014, the tribute album Nashville Outlaws was released, featuring country music stars including Rascal Flatts, LeAnn Rimes and Darius Rucker covering various Mötley Crüe songs.{{cite magazine |title=Nashville Outlaws: A Tribute to Mötley Crüe |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/nashville-outlaws-a-tribute-to-motley-crue-93314/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=August 19, 2014 |access-date=8 December 2019 |archive-date=December 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208151912/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/nashville-outlaws-a-tribute-to-motley-crue-93314/ |url-status=live}} The album debuted at number 2 on the Billboard Country Album chart and number 5 on the Billboard 200.{{cite web |last1=Grien |first1=Paul |title=Chart Watch: Nashville Salutes…Motley Crue?!! |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/blogs/chart-watch/chart-watch-nashville-salutes-motley-crue-170929070.html |website=Yahoo! Music |date=August 27, 2014 |access-date=8 December 2019 |archive-date=December 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208151906/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/blogs/chart-watch/chart-watch-nashville-salutes-motley-crue-170929070.html |url-status=live}}

Current members{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=Ultimate Classic Rock StaffUltimate Classic Rock |title=Motley Crue Lineup Changes: A Complete Guide |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/motley-crue-lineup-changes/ |access-date=2023-02-12 |website=Ultimate Classic Rock |date=October 31, 2022 |language=en |archive-date=June 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617132312/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/motley-crue-lineup-changes/ |url-status=live }}

• Nikki Sixx – bass, keyboards, backing vocals (1981–2002, 2004–2015, 2018–present)
• Tommy Lee – drums, percussion, piano, backing vocals (1981–1999, 2004–2015, 2018–present)
• Vince Neil – lead vocals, occasional guitar (1981–1992, 1997–2002, 2004–2015, 2018–present)
• John 5 – guitars, backing vocals (2023–present; touring 2022–2023)

Current touring musicians

• Laura D'Anzieri – backing vocals, dancer (2022–present){{Cite web |last=Shover |first=Joel |date=2022-08-10 |title=Stadium Tour Makes Historic Run in Boston's Fenway Park {{!}} Live Music News |url=https://livemusicnewsandreview.com/2022/08/stadium-tour-makes-historic-run-in-bostons-fenway-park/ |access-date=2023-02-12 |website=livemusicnewsandreview.com |language=en-US |archive-date=February 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212203528/https://livemusicnewsandreview.com/2022/08/stadium-tour-makes-historic-run-in-bostons-fenway-park/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=JANES |first=THÉODEN |date=30 June 2022 |title=Review: Did Def Leppard-Motley Crue-Poison-Joan Jett concert (finally) go as planned? |work=The Charlotte Observer |url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/entertainment/music-news-reviews/article262768648.html |access-date=February 13, 2023 |archive-date=June 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629112717/https://www.charlotteobserver.com/entertainment/music-news-reviews/article262768648.html |url-status=live }}
• Bailey Swift – backing vocals, dancer (2022–present)
• Hannah Sutton – backing vocals, dancer (2022–present)
• Ariana Rosado – backing vocals, dancer (2023–present)

Former members

• Greg Leon – guitars, lead vocals (1981){{Cite web |last=Kielty |first=Martin |title=Introducing Motley Crue's Early Mystery Man, Greg Leon |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/motley-crue-greg-leon/ |access-date=2023-02-13 |website=Ultimate Classic Rock |date=March 22, 2019 |language=en |archive-date=February 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213100514/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/motley-crue-greg-leon/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://members.l.com.au/~cruekiss/81.htm |title=Chronological Crüe |publisher=Members.ozemail.com.au |date=October 15, 2010}}{{Dead link|date=April 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}
• Mick Mars – guitars, backing vocals (1981–2002, 2004–2015, 2018–2023; retired from touring 2022–2023){{Cite web |last=Blabbermouth |date=2023-02-11 |title=Watch: MÖTLEY CRÜE Plays First Concert With New Guitarist JOHN 5 |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/watch-motley-crue-plays-first-concert-with-new-guitarist-john-5 |access-date=2023-02-12 |website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET |language=en |archive-date=February 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212064111/https://blabbermouth.net/news/watch-motley-crue-plays-first-concert-with-new-guitarist-john-5 |url-status=live }}
• Michael White – lead vocals (1981)
• John Corabi – lead vocals, guitar, bass (1992–1997)
• Randy Castillo – drums, percussion (1999–2000; died 2002)

Former touring musicians

• Emi Canyn – backing vocals (1987–1991; died 2017){{Cite web |title=RIP … Emi Canyn Mars, former Motley Crue backup singer and ex-wife to Mick Mars has passed away |url=https://metalsludge.tv/rip-emi-canyn-mars-former-motley-crue-backup-singer-and-ex-wife-to-mick-mars-has-passed-away/ |access-date=2023-02-12 |website=Metal Sludge |date=May 9, 2017 |language=en |archive-date=February 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212203532/https://metalsludge.tv/rip-emi-canyn-mars-former-motley-crue-backup-singer-and-ex-wife-to-mick-mars-has-passed-away/ |url-status=live }}
• Donna McDaniel – backing vocals (1987–1991){{Cite magazine |last=mag |first=rock candy |date=25 November 2017 |title=motley-crue |url=https://www.rockcandymag.com/storage/app/media/latest-issue/issue5/motley-crue.pdf |magazine=rockcandymag |pages=69, 71 |access-date=13 February 2023 |archive-date=February 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213100517/https://www.rockcandymag.com/storage/app/media/latest-issue/issue5/motley-crue.pdf |url-status=live }}
• Jozie DiMaria – dancer (1999, 2005–2006){{cite web |url=http://www.metalsludge.tv/?p=27175 |title=3-Wind with Nikki Sixx, 10/8/01 |work=Metal Sludge |access-date=October 7, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011231046/http://www.metalsludge.tv/?p=27175 |archive-date=October 11, 2014}}
• Pearl Aday – backing vocals (2000){{cite web |url=http://www.nwitimes.com/entertainment/music/pearl-aday-follows-in-father-s-footsteps/article_1b65bc1f-c82b-588b-bbb6-ae6e8a558bfa.html |title=Pearl Aday follows in father's footsteps |last=Lounges |first=Tom |date=April 23, 2010 |access-date=February 9, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914094301/https://www.nwitimes.com/entertainment/music/pearl-aday-follows-in-father-s-footsteps/article_1b65bc1f-c82b-588b-bbb6-ae6e8a558bfa.html |archive-date=September 14, 2018 |url-status=live}}
• Samantha Maloney – drums (2000–2002)
• Will Hunt – drums (2006, 2007, 2008){{Cite web |last=Blabbermouth |date=2022-02-06 |title=EVANESCENCE's WILL HUNT On Filling In For TOMMY LEE On MÖTLEY CRÜE Tour: 'There Was An Immense Amount Of Pressure To Pull It Off' |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/evanescences-will-hunt-on-filling-in-for-tommy-lee-on-motley-crue-tour-there-was-an-immense-amount-of-pressure-to-pull-it-off/ |access-date=2023-02-14 |website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET |language=en |archive-date=February 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214225122/https://blabbermouth.net/news/evanescences-will-hunt-on-filling-in-for-tommy-lee-on-motley-crue-tour-there-was-an-immense-amount-of-pressure-to-pull-it-off |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Yeniocak |first=Su |date=2022-02-08 |title=Will Hunt Admits Using Cheat Sheet Notes To Replace Tommy Lee In Mötley Crüe |url=https://rockcelebrities.net/will-hunt-admits-using-cheat-sheet-notes-to-replace-tommy-lee-in-motley-crue/ |access-date=2023-02-14 |website=Rock Celebrities |language=en-US |archive-date=February 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214225120/https://rockcelebrities.net/will-hunt-admits-using-cheat-sheet-notes-to-replace-tommy-lee-in-motley-crue/ |url-status=live }}
• Morgan Rose – drums (2009){{Cite web |date=August 16, 2009 |title=Mötley Crüe With Sevendust's Morgan Rose: First Video Footage Posted Online |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/m-tley-cr-e-with-sevendust-s-morgan-rose-first-video-footage-posted-online/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413123353/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/m-tley-cr-e-with-sevendust-s-morgan-rose-first-video-footage-posted-online/ |archive-date=April 13, 2014 |access-date=April 16, 2014 |publisher=Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records |df=mdy-all}}
• Allison Kyler – backing vocals, dancer (2011–2015){{Cite web |last=Sludge |first=Metal |title=Crue back-up singer Allison Kyler spills her Motley guts. {{!}} Metal Sludge |url=https://metalsludge.tv/classic/?p=35198 |access-date=2023-02-12 |language=en-US |archive-date=February 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212203534/https://metalsludge.tv/classic/?p=35198 |url-status=live }}
• Annalisia Simone – backing vocals, dancer (2011){{Citation |last=auburn_reporter |title=Mötley Crüe |date=2012-08-18 |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/38030354@N05/7841557368/ |access-date=2023-02-12 |archive-date=February 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212203527/https://www.flickr.com/photos/38030354@N05/7841557368/ |url-status=live }}
• Sofia Toufa – backing vocals, dancer (2012–2015){{Cite web |last=Lindquist |first=David |title=In Indianapolis, Motley Crue limps toward finish line |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/music/2014/07/06/motley-crue-indiana-dirt-final-klipsch-mick-mars-nikki-sixx/12264829/ |access-date=2023-02-12 |website=The Indianapolis Star |language=en-US |archive-date=July 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707171618/https://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/music/2014/07/06/motley-crue-indiana-dirt-final-klipsch-mick-mars-nikki-sixx/12264829/ |url-status=live }}
• Glen Sobel – drums (2015; substitute for Tommy Lee){{Cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/motley-crues-tommy-lee-is-back-to-100-percent-following-bout-of-tendinitis/|title=MÖTLEY CRÜE's TOMMY LEE Is 'Back To 100 Percent' Following Bout Of Tendinitis|newspaper=BLABBERMOUTH.NET|access-date=November 19, 2016}}
• Tommy Clufetos – drums (2022; substitute for Tommy Lee){{Cite web |date=June 16, 2022 |title=Tommy Lee Exits Mötley Crüe's Reunion Tour Kickoff Five Songs into Set Due to Broken Ribs: Watch |url=https://consequence.net/2022/06/tommy-lee-motley-crue-tour-kickoff-broken-ribs/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707054825/https://consequence.net/2022/06/tommy-lee-motley-crue-tour-kickoff-broken-ribs/ |archive-date=July 7, 2022 |access-date=June 17, 2022 |publisher=Consequence. |df=mdy-all}}

{{#tag:timeline|

ImageSize = width:800 height:auto barincrement:20

PlotArea = left:100 bottom:100 top:10 right:0

Alignbars = justify

DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy

Period = from:01/01/1981 till:{{#time:m/d/Y}}

TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy

Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:4

ScaleMajor = increment:5 start:1981

ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1981

Colors =

id:lvocals value:red legend:Lead_vocals

id:lguitar value:green legend:Guitar

id:rguitar value:drabgreen legend:Occasional_rhythm_guitar

id:bass value:blue legend:Bass

id:keys value:purple legend:Keyboards

id:drums value:orange legend:Drums

id:dancer value:tan2 legend:Dancer

id:bvocals value:pink legend:Backing_vocals

id:touring value:yellow legend:Touring_member

id:studio value:black legend:Studio_album

id:live value:gray(0.75) legend:Live_release_recording

id:bars value:gray(0.95)

BackgroundColors = bars:bars

BarData =

bar:Michael text:"Michael White"

bar:Vince text:"Vince Neil"

bar:John text:"John Corabi"

bar:Greg text:"Greg Leon"

bar:Mick text:"Mick Mars"

bar:John5 text:"John 5"

bar:Nikki text:"Nikki Sixx"

bar:Tommy text:"Tommy Lee"

bar:Randy text:"Randy Castillo"

bar:Samantha text:"Samantha Maloney"

bar:Will text:"Will Hunt"

bar:Morgan text:"Morgan Rose"

bar:Clufetos text:"Tommy Clufetos"

bar:Jozie text:"Jozie DiMaria"

bar:Emi text:"Emi Canyn"

bar:Donna text:"Donna McDaniel"

bar:Pearl text:"Pearl Aday"

bar:Allison text:"Allison Kyler"

bar:Simone text:"Annalisia Simone"

bar:Sofia text:"Sofia Toufa"

bar:Laura text:"Laura D'Anzieri"

bar:Bailey text:"Bailey Swift"

bar:Hannah text:"Hannah Sutton"

LineData =

layer:back color:live

at:04/24/1981 #Live in Starwood

at:04/01/1982 #Live The Rock San Francisco, CA

at:11/11/1982 #Hotter Than Hell: Live At Perkins Palace, Pasadena, CA

at:11/19/1982 #Live: Entertainment or Death

at:05/29/1983 #U.S. Rock Festival

at:11/09/1983 #Perkins Palace Pasadena 9TH NOVEMBER 1983

at:03/14/1984

at:11/25/1985

at:10/10/1987 #Live at Oakland Coliseum Stadium

at:10/15/1987 #Live in Tacoma

at:08/12/1989 #Live Moscow Music Peace Festival

at:10/28/1989 #Live At Johanneshov Isstadion, Stockholm, Sweden

at:11/29/1989 #Live in Milwaukee, WI

at:12/10/1989 #Live in Meadowlands

at:11/21/1989 #Live at Kemper Arena, Kansas City

at:04/10/1990 #Live in Binghamton, NY

at:06/28/1990 #Weedsport, NY

at:07/31/1990

at:07/10/1994 #Live in Noblesville, IN

at:07/12/1994 #Live in Weedsport, NY

at:01/30/1995 #Live at Club Shelter, Pasadena, CA

at:08/16/1997 #Live in Tokyo, Japan

at:12/02/1998

at:03/10/1999

at:04/27/2005 #Carnival of Sins

at:12/31/2015 #The End: Live in Los Angeles

color:studio

at:11/10/1981 #Too Fast to Love

at:09/26/1983 #Shout in the Devil

at:06/21/1985 #Theater of Pain

at:05/15/1987 #Girls, Girls, Girls

at:09/01/1989 #Dr. Feelgood

at:03/15/1994 #Mötley Crüe

at:06/24/1997 #The Final Swing

at:07/11/2000 #New Tattoo

at:06/24/2008 #Saints of Los Angeles

PlotData =

width:11 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(11,-4)

color:lvocals

bar:Greg from:start till:03/14/1981 width:3

bar:Michael from:03/15/1981 till:03/31/1981

bar:Vince from:04/01/1981 till:02/15/1992

bar:John from:03/01/1992 till:02/14/1997

bar:Vince from:02/15/1997 till:11/19/2002

bar:Vince from:09/01/2004 till:12/31/2015

bar:Vince from:09/13/2018 till:end

color:lguitar

bar:Greg from:start till:03/14/1981

bar:Mick from:03/15/1981 till:11/19/2002

bar:John from:03/01/1992 till:02/14/1997 width:3

bar:Mick from:09/01/2004 till:12/31/2015

bar:Mick from:09/13/2018 till:10/26/2022

bar:Mick from:10/27/2022 till:04/07/2023 width:7

bar:John5 from:10/27/2022 till:end

color:rguitar

bar:Vince from:09/01/1989 till:02/15/1992 width:3

bar:Vince from:09/15/1997 till:12/31/1999 width:3

bar:Vince from:06/10/2000 till:11/19/2002 width:3

bar:Vince from:09/01/2004 till:12/31/2005 width:3

bar:Vince from:07/01/2008 till:12/31/2015 width:3

bar:Vince from:09/13/2018 till:end width:3

color:bass

bar:Nikki from:start till:11/19/2002

bar:Nikki from:09/01/2004 till:12/31/2015

bar:John from:06/15/1993 till:01/14/1994 width:7

bar:Nikki from:09/13/2018 till:end

color:keys

bar:Nikki from:01/01/1985 till:04/30/1985 width:7

bar:Tommy from:01/01/1985 till:12/31/1987 width:7

bar:Nikki from:07/01/1987 till:02/15/1992 width:7

bar:Nikki from:06/15/1993 till:01/14/1994 width:7

bar:Tommy from:03/01/1992 till:01/15/1999 width:7

bar:Tommy from:09/01/2012 till:12/31/2015 width:7

bar:Tommy from:09/13/2018 till:end width:7

color:drums

bar:Tommy from:start till:01/15/1999

bar:Randy from:02/01/1999 till:05/26/2000

bar:Samantha from:06/10/2000 till:11/19/2002

bar:Tommy from:09/01/2004 till:12/31/2015

bar:Will from:04/01/2006 till:04/30/2006

bar:Will from:06/01/2007 till:06/30/2007

bar:Will from:08/01/2008 till:08/31/2008

bar:Morgan from:08/16/2009 till:09/30/2009

bar:Tommy from:09/13/2018 till:end

bar:Clufetos from:06/17/2022 till:10/26/2022

color:dancer

bar:Jozie from:02/01/1999 till:12/31/1999

bar:Jozie from:01/01/2005 till:12/31/2006

bar:Allison from:01/01/2011 till:12/31/2015 width:7

bar:Simone from:01/01/2011 till:12/31/2011 width:7

bar:Sofia from:01/01/2012 till:12/31/2015 width:7

bar:Laura from:01/01/2022 till:end width:7

bar:Bailey from:01/01/2022 till:end width:7

bar:Hannah from:01/01/2022 till:end width:7

color:bars

bar:Mick from:10/26/2022 till:10/26/2022

color:bvocals width:3

bar:Mick from:09/15/1981 till:11/30/1981

bar:Tommy from:09/15/1981 till:11/30/1981

bar:Mick from:04/15/1983 till:11/19/2002

bar:Nikki from:04/15/1983 till:11/19/2002

bar:Tommy from:04/15/1983 till:01/15/1999

bar:Emi from:07/01/1987 till:12/31/1991 width:11

bar:Donna from:07/01/1987 till:12/31/1991 width:11

bar:Pearl from:06/10/2000 till:12/31/2000 width:11

bar:Nikki from:09/01/2004 till:12/31/2015

bar:Tommy from:09/01/2004 till:12/31/2015

bar:Mick from:09/01/2004 till:12/31/2015

bar:Allison from:01/01/2011 till:12/31/2015 width:11

bar:Simone from:01/01/2011 till:12/31/2011 width:11

bar:Sofia from:01/01/2012 till:12/31/2015 width:11

bar:Nikki from:09/13/2018 till:end

bar:Tommy from:09/13/2018 till:end

bar:Mick from:09/13/2018 till:04/07/2023

bar:Laura from:01/01/2022 till:end width:11

bar:Bailey from:01/01/2022 till:end width:11

bar:Hannah from:01/01/2022 till:end width:11

bar:John5 from:10/27/2022 till:end

color:touring

bar:Emi from:07/01/1987 till:12/31/1991

bar:Donna from:07/01/1987 till:12/31/1991

bar:Jozie from:02/01/1999 till:12/31/1999

bar:Pearl from:06/10/2000 till:12/31/2000

bar:Samantha from:06/10/2000 till:11/19/2002

bar:Jozie from:01/01/2005 till:12/31/2006

bar:Will from:04/01/2006 till:04/30/2006

bar:Will from:06/01/2007 till:06/30/2007

bar:Will from:08/01/2008 till:08/31/2008

bar:Morgan from:08/16/2009 till:09/30/2009

bar:Allison from:01/01/2011 till:12/31/2015

bar:Simone from:01/01/2011 till:12/31/2011

bar:Sofia from:01/01/2012 till:12/31/2015

bar:Laura from:01/01/2022 till:end

bar:Bailey from:01/01/2022 till:end

bar:Hannah from:01/01/2022 till:end

bar:Clufetos from:06/17/2022 till:10/26/2022

bar:John5 from:10/27/2022 till:04/07/2023 width:7

}}

{{main|List of awards and nominations received by Mötley Crüe}}

{{Main|Mötley Crüe discography}}

Studio albums

• Too Fast for Love (1981)
• Shout at the Devil (1983)
• Theatre of Pain (1985)
• Girls, Girls, Girls (1987)
• Dr. Feelgood (1989)
• Mötley Crüe (1994)
• Generation Swine (1997)
• New Tattoo (2000)
• Saints of Los Angeles (2008)

{{div col start}}

• Anywhere, USA Tour (1981)
• Boys in Action Tour (1981–1982)
• Crüesing Through Canada Tour (1982)
• Shout at the Devil Tour (1983–1984)
• Welcome to the Theatre of Pain Tour (1985–1986)
• Girls, Girls, Girls Tour (1987)
• Dr. Feelgood World Tour (1989–1990)
• Monsters of Rock Tour (1991)
• Anywhere There's Electricity Tour (1994)
• Live Swine Listening Party Tour (1997)
• Mötley Crüe vs. The Earth Tour (1997)
• Greatest Hits Tour (1998–1999)
• Maximum Rock Tour (1999)
• Welcome to the Freekshow Tour (1999)
• Maximum Rock 2000 Tour (2000)
• New Tattoo Tour (2000)
• Red, White & Crüe ... Better Live Than Dead Tour (2005)
• Carnival of Sins Tour (2005–2006)
• Mötley Crüe Tour (2007)
• Crüe Fest Tour (2008)
• Saints of Los Angeles Tour (2008–2009)
• Crüe Fest 2 Tour (2009)
• The Dead of Winter Tour (2010)
• Ozzfest Tour (2010)
• Glam-A-Geddon Tour (2011)
• Mötley Crüe 30th Anniversary Tour (2011)
• Mötley Crüe England Tour (2011)
• European Tour (2012)
• The Tour (2012–2013)
• North American Tour (2013)
• The Final Tour (2014–2015)
• The Stadium Tour (2022)
• The World Tour (2023)

{{div col end}}

{{Reflist}}

{{sister project links|d=Q486688|c=category:Mötley Crüe|n=no|b=no|v=no|voy=no|wikt=no|s=no|m=no|mw=no|species=no}}

• {{Official website}}

{{Mötley Crüe|state=expanded}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Motley Crue}}

Category:1981 establishments in California

Category:2015 disestablishments in California

Category:Elektra Records artists

Category:Glam metal musical groups from California

Category:Hard rock musical groups from California

Category:Heavy metal musical groups from California

Category:Kerrang! Awards winners

Category:Musical groups disestablished in 2015

Category:Musical groups established in 1981

Category:Musical groups from Los Angeles

Category:Musical groups reestablished in 2018

Category:Musical quartets from California

Category:Roadrunner Records artists