sixx

Sixx: A History of Glam Metal Excess

Sixx, the brainchild of Nikki Sixx, is more than just a band – it’s a lifestyle, a brand, a symbol of the 80s glam metal explosion. But before we dive into the glittery, hairspray-fueled world of Sixx: A.M., let’s rewind the tape a bit.

From Punk to Glam:

The seeds of Sixx were sown in the fertile ground of the Los Angeles punk scene. Nikki Sixx, a charismatic and ambitious bassist, found his calling with the notorious band “The Scream” – an early iteration of Mötley Crüe. This raucous, rebellious outfit would go on to become the poster child for the emerging glam metal genre, combining the raw energy of punk with a theatrical, visual aesthetic heavily influenced by David Bowie and the New York Dolls.

The Crüe and the Rise of Glam:

Mötley Crüe’s rise to stardom was meteoric, fueled by their infectious anthems, scandalous antics, and larger-than-life personalities. Their debut album, “Too Fast for Love” (1981), cemented their status as the pioneers of glam metal. Their iconic stage presence, featuring leather, spikes, and an abundance of makeup, became synonymous with the genre, sparking a wave of imitation bands across the globe.

A Dark Chapter and a New Beginning:

Mötley Crüe’s journey was not without its share of turmoil. The band’s substance abuse and personal conflicts, often documented in their autobiography “The Dirt,” became as infamous as their music. Despite these struggles, Mötley Crüe remained a major force in heavy metal, releasing a string of successful albums and leaving an undeniable mark on the music scene.

Sixx: A.M. – From Darkness to Light:

While Mötley Crüe was still active, Nikki Sixx embarked on a new musical journey with the band “Sixx: A.M.” A darker, more introspective direction, Sixx: A.M. showcased a more mature and nuanced side to Nikki’s songwriting abilities. The band’s music, characterized by a blend of rock, alternative, and glam influences, resonated with a wider audience, proving that Nikki Sixx was more than just a party animal.

Funny Facts:

• The “Hairspray” Incident: Mötley Crüe’s notorious stage antics included Nikki Sixx throwing a bucket of hairspray onto the crowd at one point, resulting in a mass of sticky, flammable hair. It’s a testament to the band’s over-the-top persona and their dedication to pushing boundaries.
• The “Dirt” Movie: The movie adaptation of Mötley Crüe’s autobiography “The Dirt” became a cult classic, offering a hilarious and often cringe-worthy look at the band’s debauchery.
• “The Ballad of the Devil’s Caretaker”: Sixx: A.M.’s music often delves into darker themes, as evidenced by the title of their second album. It’s a far cry from the glam-metal anthems of Mötley Crüe, but it demonstrates the evolution of Nikki Sixx as a songwriter.

From the Sunset Strip to the World:

Sixx, whether through Mötley Crüe or Sixx: A.M., has left an indelible mark on the music world. The band’s legacy is a testament to the power of excess, the allure of the rebellious, and the enduring appeal of glam metal. It’s a story that continues to inspire, shock, and entertain, proving that Sixx is more than just a name – it’s a force to be reckoned with.