Cause They Don't Even Know You

As I've said before, Nikki Sixx gave one of the most inspiring speeches I've ever heard. And I've been trying to write this post for days. It's easy to write about the love you have for a band or whatever, but it is so hard to write about real feelings.

Nikki Sixx is a true inspiration to me, and what he said on tour is something that will stay with me forever. It comes down to 

As I said in my previous post, Nikki Sixx gave an inspiring speech on the final tour, one that I can't forget about. I've watched the video of it over and over again on YouTube. But really what Sixx is saying is don't let the bastards get you down. Don't let anyone stop you from doing what you want to do.

And it could not have came at a better time in my life. Right now I'm trying to do a masters, and I'm fucking up. I feel like shit every day, and it's the same feeling I had the first time I was at uni, when I dropped out. I felt like this at college, I felt like this in my undergrad. It's fucking killer. I feel like i can't do this, I'm not good enough, that everyone is more intelligent than I am. And the only thing that has kept me going is that I can't disappoint my parents, especially now 'cause their paying and I can't deal with their failure, and music.

Music, and the artists that inspire me keep me going. I listen to certain songs to get through coursework. Certain songs get me up in the morning, they keep me going. 'Cause right now I don't feel ok. I feel like shit. And drinking and music is what's keeping me going.

Sixx AM is on constant repeat in my life, 'cause their songs inspire me to keep going. But what Nikki Sixx said in Manchester is something I needed to here. There is only so far music can go, but inspiring words from your hero can make all the difference. So thank you Nikki. Thank you so fucking much. You will never know how much it means.

The Final Tour

So on Tuesday I checked one off the bucket list. And I'm still processing it. My dad and I flew down to Manchester to see Motley Crue. Going into the venue my dad asked me, who are the support? Obviously Alice Cooper isn't classed as a support act. And I honestly had no idea. It wasn't something I had considered, too consumed by the idea of Alice Cooper and Motley Crue.

The One Hundred

Turns out, the support band were actually really good. Well, let's be fair, they would have to be to support such legends. Throughout the set it wasn't too clear what was actually being sung, or what was being said by vocalist Jacob Field at all times, but the instrumentals sounded incredible. And you have to admire their energy. They didn't let the half empty arena deter them, Field was going from end to end of the stage, all over the place giving it laldy. I later figured out that I've saw The One Hundred before, back in March when supporting Papa Roach we caught the last couple songs and were left impressed. At least this time I'll remember their name!


Alice Cooper

If you've no idea what an Alice Cooper stage show looks like then please go YouTube it. It is phenomenal. And although Cooper was only a 'special guest,' he brought the full on stage show with him, and delivered everything you would expect to see from Alice Cooper. It's not just a musical performance you get, it's a theatre worthy stage show. And credit must be given to Cooper's band. They are incredibly talented musicians. Honestly, if you ever get the opportunity to see Alice Cooper, whether you're a fan or not do it. It's hard to put into words just how fantastic the show is. It takes a lot to follow Alice Cooper, but Motley Crue is a band worthy of this task.

Motley Crue

I still can't quite believe I actually saw Motley Crue. Motley Crue is all about the sleaze, all about the hedonism, the dirty rock 'n' roll you struggle to find these days. And their past exploits do nothing to deny this. Their set list was a homage to their 34 year career. In true Motley style they kicked the set off with the sleaziest of the sleaze, 'Girls, Girls, Girls,' and just kept it coming for the entire night.

Vince Neil was all over the stage, from side to side, everywhere he could run he did. But the lifestyle has clearly taken it's toll on him, and now he just looks tired and haggard. I'm sorry to say this, and I've never been a huge fan of him, despite his talent, Vince Neil is not anything special. 

Mick Mars is an underrated talent. I never really appreciated how much he can shred the guitar until seeing him live. His solo's during their songs were incredible, but his centre stage solo is something of legend. The passion in his performances is incredible, and something a lot of musicians can learn from.

Tommy Lee really brings it too. Seeing the Crusifly in person is something else. It takes a hell of a talent to play drums upside down, on a coaster going over the crowd. I can't put it into words just amazing it is. 

And finally Nikki Sixx. Sixx is one of my heroes, so I am completely biased while writing this. not only give an absolutely fantastic performance, with flames throwing from his bass, Sixx also delivered a speech I won't forget. Essentially it comes down to don't ever let someone keep you down. He is a true inspiration.

I really am struggling to put into words how seeing Motley Crue made me feel. I've seen some of my favourite bands before but none have ever effected me in this way. It was honestly the best experience of my life, and one that I will take to my grave.

I Won't Be Ignored

This is something that I came across on Twitter the other day. And it's so true. Now I'm not saying I know everything about all the members of the bands I listen to, in fact some bands I don't even know any of their names. To be it's about the music that's being put out there, not who's in the band. Although a pretty face (or hot body, lots of tattoos, cool hair, whatever....) to look at does help.

The amount of people who can give every detail of the vocalist or front man/woman but doesn't know the names of the rest of the band, or what they look like, is in my opinion not a fan. I will admit, there are 'bands' I have posters of, that is really just the front man... But a half naked Ville Valo is really hot and I (did) need some motivation to get through my uni work or what ever else I'm doing. But at the same time, I know he's been to rehab, is friends with Bam Margera (who is also hot) and that's about it. I don't really know the names of the other band members, and I don't pretend otherwise. Although I have no idea how to even pronounce these so that could have something to do with it. 

This isn't just the fans though, the media buys into it too. Rarely will there be an interview with or feature on a band member who isn't the front man/woman without the rest of the band present, unless they've been involved in a scandal. It tends to be all or front. Although when looking at the 'legends' from the past, they are all as in the spot light as each other. That could just be because they all have so many stories to share though. Thing that you or I could never even imagine. Seriously, Nikki Sixx's autobiography (another slight obsession of mine, and he's still pretty hot for his age) is full of things that are so crazy they could be made up.

Another band I know absolutely nothing about, Through Colour. Another Twitter find, and another brilliant band. Broken is a new favourite song. The first like 10 seconds of All Singing All Dancing Baby! did however, make me think my Spotify had gone back to playing adverts. But after I got over my confusion (easily done) it's another great song, and another one starting to become a favourite (that list is endless, so I don't know if it's really favourites any more..) And you never know, I might even one day (probably soon) learn their names...

If anyone has anything to share please do. (I like to argue/talk shit...) And if anyone feels like reading the very pointless and random stuff I post on Twitter find it here.