Nikki Sixx has defended the use of technology in Mötley Crüe’s live shows.
He took to X to reply to a fan, explaining that in-ear monitors help the band hear each other clearly and improve the audience’s experience. The fan questioned whether the monitors made live performances feel less connected to the audience. Sixx explained, “In-ear monitors changed the way we can hear onstage. Yeah, we have audience mics to hear the crowd but it also gives each band member a chance to have their perfect mix (like in the recording studio) for them to hear every instrument separated versus in the old days with the onstage monitors that were all blaring at full volume and made it hard to actually hear yourself clearly. Makes the band play better and makes the audience have a better experience. We love them as too many artists.”
Mötley Crüe has also been surrounded by controversy about the alleged use of backing tracks during their shows. John 5 supported Sixx, saying that the band’s performances include mistakes and that they don’t use backing tracks to hide errors. “If you listen to these concerts that I do with [Nikki], you hear bum notes,” he told Trunk Nation. “Do you really think that we would put a mistake on a track? No! It’s so crazy, but a hundred percent he plays every single note on there. Just listen to the shows before you make these statements because you’ll hear mess-ups. And that’s what rock and roll is.”
He also acknowledged the use of technology for backup vocals and effects but emphasized that the band performs live. “Yes, we do rely on technology for backup vocals, intros, outros, sirens, and horn hits. Of course, they’ve been doing that since ‘Dr. Feelgood.’ I’m not saying we don’t rely on technology for things that we can’t replicate ourselves, but me, Nikki, Tommy, and Vince; we’re all live up there.”
Others, like Carmine Appice, support Mick Mars’ stance on the matter instead.
