Nikki Sixx, the renowned bassist and co-founder of the heavy metal band Mötley Crüe, was a significant contributor to the band’s success. However, in 1987, he left his bandmates in London, England, and returned to the United States.
Many fans were left wondering why he would leave during such a critical time for the band. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why Nikki Sixx left London.
Background
Before we dive into why Nikki Sixx left London, let’s first take a quick look at his background. Born Frank Carlton Serafino Feranna Jr., Nikki Sixx grew up in California and began playing bass guitar at a young age.
In 1981, he co-founded Mötley Crüe with drummer Tommy Lee and guitarist Mick Mars. The band quickly gained popularity with their unique sound and wild stage performances.
The Incident
In 1987, Mötley Crüe was on tour in Europe to promote their latest album “Girls, Girls, Girls.” During their stop in London, something happened that would lead to Nikki Sixx’s departure from the band.
According to Sixx himself in his book “The Heroin Diaries,” he overdosed on heroin while partying with some friends after a show. He was declared dead for two minutes before being brought back to life by paramedics who administered adrenaline shots.
After recovering from the overdose, Sixx decided that he needed to get clean and return home to Los Angeles. He later said that leaving London was one of the hardest decisions he ever made but knew it was necessary for his health.
The Aftermath
Nikki Sixx’s departure from London had a significant impact on Mötley Crüe. The remaining members had to cancel several shows while they searched for a replacement bassist. Eventually, they hired John Corabi, and the band continued to tour and record music.
However, Sixx’s absence was felt deeply by his bandmates. In interviews, they expressed how much they missed him and how important he was to the band’s sound and image.
The Return
Thankfully, Nikki Sixx’s departure from London wasn’t permanent. After getting clean and working on his solo project, Sixx returned to Mötley Crüe in 1989 for their album “Dr.
Feelgood.” He continued to play with the band until their retirement in 2015.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Nikki Sixx left London in 1987 after overdosing on heroin and deciding it was time to get clean. His departure had a significant impact on Mötley Crüe but thankfully wasn’t permanent. He returned two years later and continued to play with the band for many years to come.