Nikki Sixx Calls Out Shannon Larkin Over Remarks on Motley Crue

Nikki Sixx, the iconic bassist of Motley Crue, recently took to social media to address comments made by Shannon Larkin, the drummer for Godsmack, during a livestream. Larkin, who has been with Godsmack since 2002, shared his thoughts on some criticisms aimed at Mike Mangini, the new drummer in the band, and inadvertently reignited an old rivalry.

What Happened?

During his YouTube livestream, Larkin responded to criticisms directed at Mangini and mentioned Sixx in a somewhat disparaging context. He asserted that Motley Crue performs to a click-track during their live shows, insinuating a lack of authenticity in their performances.

Sixx caught wind of Larkin’s remarks and expressed his thoughts on X (formerly Twitter) on June 28. He questioned Larkin’s motivations and labeled him a “hater,” suggesting that bands outside of the main spotlight often resort to talking about more successful acts like Motley Crue instead of focusing on their own music.

Sixx’s Response

In his post, Sixx remarked:

“Who’s this Shannon Larkin hater? It’s funny how so many B- and C-level bands seem to spend more time talking about us than writing songs people actually remember. Maybe it’s jealousy, maybe it’s insecurity, maybe ticket sales are a little slow. Either way, borrowing someone else’s spotlight has never been much of a long-term career strategy.”

He continued to emphasize that true success in the music industry is achieved through consistently producing great songs, rather than relying on gimmicks or criticism of others. Sixx concluded his response with a jab, suggesting that Larkin might need to “take a nap” before appearing in public again.

Shannon Larkin’s Remarks on Motley Crue

In his livestream, Larkin discussed the transition of drumming roles within Godsmack, particularly after the departure of Evanescence’s Will Hunt. He mentioned Wade Murff, who briefly filled in before Mangini’s appointment, and noted that the band’s perfectionist approach to performances was crucial.

While discussing the live performance dynamics, Larkin claimed that Godsmack does not use click tracks or backing tracks, contrasting this with his observations of Motley Crue’s performances. He stated:

“And backups, you see Nikki Sixx up there. He’s not really singing, he looks away, but you still hear his voice. Well, it’s a track playing.”

The History Between Motley Crue and Godsmack

The tension between Motley Crue and Godsmack is not new. The two bands’ paths crossed during the 2009 Crue Fest 2 tour, where Larkin described experiences that fueled the rivalry. He noted that misunderstandings with Motley Crue’s security contributed to a negative atmosphere.

Larkin recalled, “Most of it stemmed from Motley Crue’s security more than Nikki, but Nikki is the leader of the band. Basically, the security threw us off the stage… it was a bunch of ego shit that none of us really got into.”

Adding to the friction, Godsmack released the infamous diss track “Cryin’ Like a Bitch” in early 2010, which was partly inspired by their experiences on the tour. Sully Erna, the lead singer, confirmed the track’s motivation stemmed from the “rock star garbage” they encountered while touring with Crue.

Conclusion

The recent exchange between Nikki Sixx and Shannon Larkin highlights the ongoing rivalry between Motley Crue and Godsmack, rooted in past experiences and differing philosophies on performances in the music industry. As both bands continue to make their mark, it remains to be seen how this feud will evolve, but one thing is clear: the rock scene is never short on drama.

FAQs

What did Shannon Larkin say about Nikki Sixx?

Shannon Larkin suggested that Motley Crue performs to a click-track during live shows, insinuating a lack of authenticity in their performances.

How did Nikki Sixx respond to Larkin’s comments?

Nikki Sixx called Larkin a “hater” on social media, criticizing him for focusing on Motley Crue instead of his own band’s music and suggesting that Larkin might need a break from public appearances.

What is the history between Motley Crue and Godsmack?

The rivalry dates back to the 2009 Crue Fest 2 tour, where tensions arose due to issues with security and perceived ego clashes. Godsmack’s diss track “Cryin’ Like a Bitch” was inspired by these experiences.