I was in L A at that time and was aware of the events of which you write. I also did some work for The Crue which ended rather unceremoniously. You’ve documented some of Vince’s issues well. I can provide a couple more stories if you’re interested.
Thank you, Daniel. That means a lot coming from you. I know you were part of the scene (or ‘behind the scene’, if you prefer) and I’m sure I’m not the only one who’d love to hear whatever stories you feel comfortable sharing.
I’ll give you the how I got an “in” to them in the first place. There’s so many of the “Behind The Music” stories (those stories are the G Rated anyway).
I was living in Phoenix and was home between gigs. I had just left the security company who I was contracting with and was starting my own gig. I was lying by the pool and got a call from a friend of mine who I knew from my gym. He owned a furniture store and had made a sale but the furniture needed to be delivered right away and all his help were out on deliveries. He asked if I could help him. I met him at his store and we drove out to Paradise Valley to the home. We were met at the door by an older couple and proceeded with the delivery. We carried the first item in and I noticed a young guy sitting at the kitchen table eating corn flakes. He had long black hair with white streaks. He turned to look at us and I thought “holy shit, that’s Mick Mars”. He recognized me at the same time. I had met him some time before when I arranged a meeting between him and Angus in LA when I was doing an AC/DC tour. After the “what the fuck are doing here” was satisfied he ended up taking me up to a room in the house where he had some guitars and he let me demo them. He said they were going out on tour and he would get management to call me. He actually did that and I got my first gig as my own management. It was a roller coaster experience and ended badly but that’s a different story.
I appreciate that you enjoy the stories. I once thought about it…for about five minutes. I found that what most people wanted were the ones that Behind the Music were putting out and while I had better stories than you will find there, I have no desire to necessarily put the artist in a compromising light. Most of the people I worked for I genuinely liked. I’ve been asked to do a Substack and told I could monetize it successfully. I would then be put into a position where I had to regularly put out content and to be honest I don’t need the money. I have many projects that keep me very busy. I find a music performance school where I have a number of students between the ages of eight and eighteen. I also still have contacts in the industry and provide assistance wherever possible to musicians. Just as an example, there is a Black Metal group in Trondheim, Norway I met when they toured over here and I subsequently visited on a trip to Europe. I provide keyboard tracks for their recordings. Sorry for getting “into the weeds”. That’s a long winded way of saying thanks. I enjoy remembering the past…I don’t live in it.
While I’d also love to read your stories, I can understand (given your position) why there wouldn’t be much to gain from telling them, other than the usual headaches that come with writing, and maybe a lawsuit or two from some old and miserable rocker. That being said, if you ever decide to put pen to paper and need a helping hand, you know how to reach me. 😊
I appreciate it. I have a great deal of respect for your abilities. I enjoy the “vibe”. You know how to stir the sauce. I’ve ended up dropping a number of the Subs I subscribed to because the authors get so overwhelmed by US politics. There’s always been a political vibe in music but you can’t just lose your mind when “your team “ isn’t winning.
I appreciate that you enjoy the stories. I once thought about it…for about five minutes. I found that what most people wanted were the ones that Behind the Music were putting out and while I had better stories than you will find there, I have no desire to necessarily put the artist in a compromising light. Most of the people I worked for I genuinely liked. I’ve been asked to do a Substack and told I could monetize it successfully. I would then be put into a position where I had to regularly put out content and to be honest I don’t need the money. I have many projects that keep me very busy. I have a music performance school where I have a number of students between the ages of eight and eighteen. I also still have contacts in the industry and provide assistance wherever possible to musicians. Just as an example, there is a Black Metal group in Trondheim, Norway I met when they toured over here and I subsequently visited on a trip to Europe. I provide keyboard tracks for their recordings. Sorry for getting “into the weeds”. That’s a long winded way of saying thanks. I enjoy remembering the past…I don’t live in it.
I appreciate that you enjoy the stories. I once thought about it…for about five minutes. I found that what most people wanted were the ones that Behind the Music were putting out and while I had better stories than you will find there, I have no desire to necessarily put the artist in a compromising light. Most of the people I worked for I genuinely liked. I’ve been asked to do a Substack and told I could monetize it successfully. I would then be put into a position where I had to regularly put out content and to be honest I don’t need the money. I have many projects that keep me very busy. I have a music performance school where I have a number of students between the ages of eight and eighteen. I also still have contacts in the industry and provide assistance wherever possible to musicians. Just as an example, there is a Black Metal group in Trondheim, Norway I met when they toured over here and I subsequently visited on a trip to Europe. I provide keyboard tracks for their recordings. Sorry for getting “into the weeds”. That’s a long winded way of saying thanks. I enjoy remembering the past…I don’t live in it.
That’s a great story! Obviously you’d left a positive impression on Mick when you hooked him up with Angus, so he figured he could trust you and got his management to get in touch. I’m sorry to hear that the relationship ended badly, though I can’t say that I’m surprised. While I didn’t go into it in the article, I actually looked into Vince Neil’s business dealings over the years and it’s been one disaster after another. I imagine he and he his bandmates tried your patience time after time.
Not that this would make any of this better, but he can’t even be bothered to put on a decent performance for the fans that, for some reason, pay hundreds of dollars to see the Crue. Truly, truly an awful person (And I worshipped these guys back in the day…🫤).
Dude, I was 12 when I heard Shout at the Devil and it blew my frikkin’ mind. That and Maiden’s Number of the Beast is pretty much all I listened to for a while. But, yeah, you’re right - I wouldn’t pay hundreds of cents, let alone dollars, to see the Crue today.
Ha! We must be the same age. Yeah, Shout changed my life. It’s what made me want to be in a band. The Girls Girls Girls tour was my first concert. I’m sure they were probably terrible, but at the time? 🤯
You aint kiddin. I even saw them play with Aerosmith back in 2006. Vince was "sick" and barely sang Home Sweet Home, he had the crowd sing it. They did have a killer setlist that show though. But Vince hadn't been good on stage for a long time by then.
I mean, some of those songs still kick ass. But there’s only so much drug and alcohol abuse a body can take before it falls off a cliff. Time doesn’t take any prisoners.
It was that ‘87 tour that Whitesnake was opening for the Crue, which is about when I learned the difference between someone who can actually sing and someone who just looks good doing it! (And it’s been an equally long time since Vince even had that going for him…)
Great piece, you covered a lot of stuff even the Motley Crüe Behind The Music didn't touch.
I have a co-writer friend who used to be on the Vegas PD before retiring early and moving to Nashville. He told me they were basically on a first name basis with Vince because they'd pulled him over for drunk driving so many times. He intimated that it got to a point where they stopped bringing him in because they knew nothing would happen to him and that it wasn't worth the paperwork in the end.
Yeah, Vince has been based in Vegas for ages, so I’m sure your friend knew him well. I don’t blame him for giving up as Vince is clearly incorrigible. But the special treatment these bastards get is beyond infuriating for the rest of us who make an effort to be good citizens (or at least not chronically dangerous ones).
I had no idea about how lightly he got off for so many of these offenses. I guess Vegas being Vegas, if you start leveling actual consequences for the celebrities working and playing there it could have a bad effect, but it’s insane to me that he was dealt with so lightly, especially after killing someone and maiming others in a wreck. What a world.
Vince Neil illustrates to me that the rock and roll ethos has destructive elements that can morph into antisocial behavior. Netflix made a movie about the Crue and I think the intent of the creators was to show the Vince Neil as an "insouciant rock god." I merely found him, and his bandmates repellent and vapid. Good post Sonny, about what is ultimately a tragic, horrible, life altering (and, in one case, life ending) event. We don't think enough about the permanent suffering/aftermath of individuals involved in these accidents. You highlighted that sensitively and thoughtfully.
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful answer, Nadine. I confess to liking the Crue back when I was 13 or so, but that was a long time ago. I heard about the movie and refuse to watch it. If I’m not mistaken, there’s zero mention of the victims in the crash (other than Razzle). Yet another reason to loathe Netflix. Vince Neil’s a twat and an unrepentant one at that. May he fade into obscurity, where he belongs.
Gah, the truth hurts! I remember the media saying that Neil and Razzle were best friends, and I actually felt badly for Neil. What a story. Thanks for clearing up what I'd believed to be the story.
Thanks for reading, Kristin! I used to love Crue back in the day as well. Razzle was such a loss. Unfortunately, it seems Neil learned nothing from that night. Or any other night, for that matter.
I was in L A at that time and was aware of the events of which you write. I also did some work for The Crue which ended rather unceremoniously. You’ve documented some of Vince’s issues well. I can provide a couple more stories if you’re interested.
Thank you, Daniel. That means a lot coming from you. I know you were part of the scene (or ‘behind the scene’, if you prefer) and I’m sure I’m not the only one who’d love to hear whatever stories you feel comfortable sharing.
I’ll give you the how I got an “in” to them in the first place. There’s so many of the “Behind The Music” stories (those stories are the G Rated anyway).
I was living in Phoenix and was home between gigs. I had just left the security company who I was contracting with and was starting my own gig. I was lying by the pool and got a call from a friend of mine who I knew from my gym. He owned a furniture store and had made a sale but the furniture needed to be delivered right away and all his help were out on deliveries. He asked if I could help him. I met him at his store and we drove out to Paradise Valley to the home. We were met at the door by an older couple and proceeded with the delivery. We carried the first item in and I noticed a young guy sitting at the kitchen table eating corn flakes. He had long black hair with white streaks. He turned to look at us and I thought “holy shit, that’s Mick Mars”. He recognized me at the same time. I had met him some time before when I arranged a meeting between him and Angus in LA when I was doing an AC/DC tour. After the “what the fuck are doing here” was satisfied he ended up taking me up to a room in the house where he had some guitars and he let me demo them. He said they were going out on tour and he would get management to call me. He actually did that and I got my first gig as my own management. It was a roller coaster experience and ended badly but that’s a different story.
Daniel can you please write a book already? 🤣 I need all these stories in one place
I appreciate that you enjoy the stories. I once thought about it…for about five minutes. I found that what most people wanted were the ones that Behind the Music were putting out and while I had better stories than you will find there, I have no desire to necessarily put the artist in a compromising light. Most of the people I worked for I genuinely liked. I’ve been asked to do a Substack and told I could monetize it successfully. I would then be put into a position where I had to regularly put out content and to be honest I don’t need the money. I have many projects that keep me very busy. I find a music performance school where I have a number of students between the ages of eight and eighteen. I also still have contacts in the industry and provide assistance wherever possible to musicians. Just as an example, there is a Black Metal group in Trondheim, Norway I met when they toured over here and I subsequently visited on a trip to Europe. I provide keyboard tracks for their recordings. Sorry for getting “into the weeds”. That’s a long winded way of saying thanks. I enjoy remembering the past…I don’t live in it.
While I’d also love to read your stories, I can understand (given your position) why there wouldn’t be much to gain from telling them, other than the usual headaches that come with writing, and maybe a lawsuit or two from some old and miserable rocker. That being said, if you ever decide to put pen to paper and need a helping hand, you know how to reach me. 😊
I appreciate it. I have a great deal of respect for your abilities. I enjoy the “vibe”. You know how to stir the sauce. I’ve ended up dropping a number of the Subs I subscribed to because the authors get so overwhelmed by US politics. There’s always been a political vibe in music but you can’t just lose your mind when “your team “ isn’t winning.
As usual Ty Sonny for all your hard work as This is why Your substack is the Best by a country mile and then some😎.
Have a great day and a better tomorrow
First off a 1000 thanks for just posting on this Substack thread , its obvious you are a top notch guy.
Love the last quote (I enjoy remembering the past but I don't live in it.)😎
You have a great day and a better tomorrow.
I know, right? 🤣
I appreciate that you enjoy the stories. I once thought about it…for about five minutes. I found that what most people wanted were the ones that Behind the Music were putting out and while I had better stories than you will find there, I have no desire to necessarily put the artist in a compromising light. Most of the people I worked for I genuinely liked. I’ve been asked to do a Substack and told I could monetize it successfully. I would then be put into a position where I had to regularly put out content and to be honest I don’t need the money. I have many projects that keep me very busy. I have a music performance school where I have a number of students between the ages of eight and eighteen. I also still have contacts in the industry and provide assistance wherever possible to musicians. Just as an example, there is a Black Metal group in Trondheim, Norway I met when they toured over here and I subsequently visited on a trip to Europe. I provide keyboard tracks for their recordings. Sorry for getting “into the weeds”. That’s a long winded way of saying thanks. I enjoy remembering the past…I don’t live in it.
I appreciate that you enjoy the stories. I once thought about it…for about five minutes. I found that what most people wanted were the ones that Behind the Music were putting out and while I had better stories than you will find there, I have no desire to necessarily put the artist in a compromising light. Most of the people I worked for I genuinely liked. I’ve been asked to do a Substack and told I could monetize it successfully. I would then be put into a position where I had to regularly put out content and to be honest I don’t need the money. I have many projects that keep me very busy. I have a music performance school where I have a number of students between the ages of eight and eighteen. I also still have contacts in the industry and provide assistance wherever possible to musicians. Just as an example, there is a Black Metal group in Trondheim, Norway I met when they toured over here and I subsequently visited on a trip to Europe. I provide keyboard tracks for their recordings. Sorry for getting “into the weeds”. That’s a long winded way of saying thanks. I enjoy remembering the past…I don’t live in it.
That’s a great story! Obviously you’d left a positive impression on Mick when you hooked him up with Angus, so he figured he could trust you and got his management to get in touch. I’m sorry to hear that the relationship ended badly, though I can’t say that I’m surprised. While I didn’t go into it in the article, I actually looked into Vince Neil’s business dealings over the years and it’s been one disaster after another. I imagine he and he his bandmates tried your patience time after time.
Sonny: nice piece!! You didn’t bury the lede and you expanded my knowledge of that night.
Vince Neil appears to be a Manson-like (as in ‘Charles’ and not’Marilyn’) character with all his arrests without consequences.
I like your style!
Thank you very much! Really glad you enjoyed it!
Wow, had no idea about this, seems rather unfair (major understatement!!). Great article, Sonny!
Thanks, Sheila!
Tipper Gore… The Justice System…
Not that this would make any of this better, but he can’t even be bothered to put on a decent performance for the fans that, for some reason, pay hundreds of dollars to see the Crue. Truly, truly an awful person (And I worshipped these guys back in the day…🫤).
Dude, I was 12 when I heard Shout at the Devil and it blew my frikkin’ mind. That and Maiden’s Number of the Beast is pretty much all I listened to for a while. But, yeah, you’re right - I wouldn’t pay hundreds of cents, let alone dollars, to see the Crue today.
Ha! We must be the same age. Yeah, Shout changed my life. It’s what made me want to be in a band. The Girls Girls Girls tour was my first concert. I’m sure they were probably terrible, but at the time? 🤯
You aint kiddin. I even saw them play with Aerosmith back in 2006. Vince was "sick" and barely sang Home Sweet Home, he had the crowd sing it. They did have a killer setlist that show though. But Vince hadn't been good on stage for a long time by then.
I mean, some of those songs still kick ass. But there’s only so much drug and alcohol abuse a body can take before it falls off a cliff. Time doesn’t take any prisoners.
It was that ‘87 tour that Whitesnake was opening for the Crue, which is about when I learned the difference between someone who can actually sing and someone who just looks good doing it! (And it’s been an equally long time since Vince even had that going for him…)
Great piece, you covered a lot of stuff even the Motley Crüe Behind The Music didn't touch.
I have a co-writer friend who used to be on the Vegas PD before retiring early and moving to Nashville. He told me they were basically on a first name basis with Vince because they'd pulled him over for drunk driving so many times. He intimated that it got to a point where they stopped bringing him in because they knew nothing would happen to him and that it wasn't worth the paperwork in the end.
Thanks, AJ! Appreciate you, man!
Yeah, Vince has been based in Vegas for ages, so I’m sure your friend knew him well. I don’t blame him for giving up as Vince is clearly incorrigible. But the special treatment these bastards get is beyond infuriating for the rest of us who make an effort to be good citizens (or at least not chronically dangerous ones).
I had no idea about how lightly he got off for so many of these offenses. I guess Vegas being Vegas, if you start leveling actual consequences for the celebrities working and playing there it could have a bad effect, but it’s insane to me that he was dealt with so lightly, especially after killing someone and maiming others in a wreck. What a world.
Vince Neil is the RFK Jr of hair metal
Vince Neil illustrates to me that the rock and roll ethos has destructive elements that can morph into antisocial behavior. Netflix made a movie about the Crue and I think the intent of the creators was to show the Vince Neil as an "insouciant rock god." I merely found him, and his bandmates repellent and vapid. Good post Sonny, about what is ultimately a tragic, horrible, life altering (and, in one case, life ending) event. We don't think enough about the permanent suffering/aftermath of individuals involved in these accidents. You highlighted that sensitively and thoughtfully.
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful answer, Nadine. I confess to liking the Crue back when I was 13 or so, but that was a long time ago. I heard about the movie and refuse to watch it. If I’m not mistaken, there’s zero mention of the victims in the crash (other than Razzle). Yet another reason to loathe Netflix. Vince Neil’s a twat and an unrepentant one at that. May he fade into obscurity, where he belongs.
Gah, the truth hurts! I remember the media saying that Neil and Razzle were best friends, and I actually felt badly for Neil. What a story. Thanks for clearing up what I'd believed to be the story.
Boy did I love the Crue, back in high school.
Thanks for reading, Kristin! I used to love Crue back in the day as well. Razzle was such a loss. Unfortunately, it seems Neil learned nothing from that night. Or any other night, for that matter.