Mötley Crüe

In my opinion, the greatest hard rock/heavy metal band ever. Formed in 1980 by bassist Nikki Sixx (born Frank Ferrana) and drummer Tommy Lee (born Thomas Lee Bass). Guitarist Mick Mars (born Robert Allen Deal) put an add in Rolling Stone magazine that read 'Loud, aggressive, rude guitarist available', which Nikki promptly replied to. Singer Vince Neil (born Vince Neil Wharton) joined the band in 1981, and shortly after, they released their first album, 'Too Fast For Love' on their own independant label, Leathür Records. In '82, they signed with Elektra Records and released their second album, 'Shout At The Devil'. SATD included such hits as 'Looks That Kill', a cover of the Beatles' 'Helter Skelter' and the title track. In early 1983, Vince Neil got in a drunk driving accident with Hanoi Rocks' drummer, and friend Razzle, in the other car, killing him. Vince was charged with a DUI and Invoulentary Vehicular Manslaughter. In 1984, they released 'Theatre Of Pain', an album with darker lyrics possibly spawning from Neil's anguish from the crash. The album contained such singles as 'Smoking In The Boys Room' and the power ballad 'Home Sweet Home', which stayed at No. 1 on MTV for 40 days. This was the first time that MTV ever had to retire a video. In 1986, they released 'Girls, Girls, Girls'. This contained the songs 'Wild Side', 'Dancing On Glass', and the title track. In mid '87, while touring in Europe, Nikki Sixx died of a drug overdose. Fortunately, after they had already covered up the body, the ambulance driver recognized him. The Crüe was apperently his favorite band, and he didn't want it all to end. Two adrenaline needles to his heart and he was back. After this, all 4 members entered drug rehab. 2 years later, they emerged again with their highest grossing album to date, 'Dr. Feelgood'. It reached No. 1 on Billboard's 200 chart and contained such singles as 'Same Old Situation', 'Don't Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)', the title track, and possibly their most famous song 'Kickstart My Heart', a song about Nikki's resurection and getting high on life instead of speed. They embarked on a world tour in support of the album, which was their highest grossing tour at the time. In 1991, they released a greatest hits album called 'Decade of Decadence' with 5 new tracks, including the sincle 'Primal Scream'. In '92, Neil was fired from the band and replaced by John Corabi (Scream, Ratt). They released a self-titled album that did way better musically then commercially. In '97, Neil returned for 'Generation Swine'. In 1998, Tommy Lee was charged with spousal abuse of then-wife Pamela Anderson, shortly after their infamous sex tape was released. While serving time in prison, Tommy Lee decided to leave the band. In '99, they released a 2-disc live album, and in 2000, they released 'New Tattoo' with former Ozzy Osbourne/Lita Ford drummer Randy Costillo. During the tour, Costillo was diagnosed with cancer and died in 2002. Costillo was replaced with drummer Samantha Moloney for the New Tattoo tour. In late 2004, what was going to be just a Vince Neil band tour stop in California, the four original members dropped down from a helecoptor onto the stage to announce their reunion. The Red, White, and Crüe tour started Valentines Day, 2005 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This tour is well on it's way to be their highest grossing tour of all time, and Sum 41 (the poor man's punk band) is opening for them!. Go see them or die, bitch.