Nikki Sixx, an iconic figure in the realm of rock music, boasts a career spanning over four decades. His prominence stems primarily from his roles as the co-founder, bassist, and chief songwriter of the renowned heavy metal ensemble Mötley Crüe, recognized for its global record sales surpassing 100 million. But what avenues paved the way for his substantial net worth, estimated at $45 million? Let’s explore the key factors that underpin his remarkable success.
Music Career
Nikki Sixx embarked on his musical journey in the late 1970s by joining several bands in Los Angeles, including Sister and London. However, it was in 1981 when he made a significant breakthrough by co-founding Mötley Crüe alongside drummer Tommy Lee, guitarist Mick Mars, and vocalist Vince Neil. The band swiftly rose to prominence, captivating audiences with their electrifying stage presence, rebellious lyrics, and infectious melodies.
Sixx emerged as the primary songwriter for much of Mötley Crüe’s discography, thereby earning substantial royalties and widespread acclaim. Their albums, including classics like “Shout at the Devil” (1983), “Theatre of Pain” (1985), “Girls, Girls, Girls” (1987), and “Dr. Feelgood” (1989), solidified their status as icons of the heavy metal genre.
While Mötley Crüe took a hiatus during the 1990s, they reunited in 2004 for a highly successful world tour. This resurgence led to the release of two additional albums: “Saints of Los Angeles” (2008) and “The Dirt Soundtrack” (2019), the latter inspired by their bestselling autobiography. The band bid farewell to the stage with a final performance on New Year’s Eve in 2015, marking the end of an era.
Beyond Mötley Crüe, Sixx delved into various musical ventures, including projects like 58, Brides of Destruction, and Sixx:A.M. He also collaborated with esteemed artists such as Alice Cooper, Lita Ford, Meat Loaf, and Marion Raven. Additionally, in 2006, he ventured into the realm of entrepreneurship by establishing his own record label, Eleven Seven Music.
Book Sales
Nikki Sixx’s creative endeavors extend beyond music into the realm of literature, where he has achieved notable success as an author. His literary repertoire comprises several New York Times best-selling titles, each offering unique insights into his life and experiences.
His inaugural work, “The Heroin Diaries: A Year in the Life of a Shattered Rock Star” (2007), candidly documented his battle with addiction and subsequent recovery during the late 1980s. Accompanied by a soundtrack album from his band Sixx:A.M., the book featured poignant diary entries that inspired the accompanying musical compositions.
Following this, Sixx co-authored “The Dirt: Confessions of the World’s Most Notorious Rock Band” (2001) alongside his bandmates and journalist Neil Strauss. This revealing exposé delved into the scandalous and audacious anecdotes underlying Mötley Crüe’s ascent to fame and fortune. The book’s adaptation into a Netflix film in 2019 further elevated its renown and sales figures.
Continuing his literary pursuits, Sixx penned “This Is Gonna Hurt: Music, Photography and Life Through the Distorted Lens of Nikki Sixx” (2011). This work juxtaposed his photography with personal reflections on life and art, complemented by a thematic album from Sixx:A.M.
Most recently, Sixx delved into autobiographical territory with “The First 21: How I Became Nikki Sixx” (2021). This introspective narrative delves into his formative years preceding his rockstar status, delving into his familial roots, musical influences, and struggles with self-identity and belonging.
Radio Show
Nikki Sixx’s multifaceted career extends into the realm of radio hosting, where he has captivated audiences since 2010. He helms two nationally syndicated rock and alternative music programs: “Sixx Sense with Nikki Sixx” and “The Side Show Countdown with Nikki Sixx,” both based in Dallas, Texas and co-hosted by Jenn Marino.
“Sixx Sense with Nikki Sixx” airs Monday through Friday from 7 p.m. to midnight local time on rock and alternative music stations. With each broadcast, Sixx delves into music and lifestyle topics, offering listeners an exclusive backstage pass into the world and psyche of a rock star.
On weekends, “The Side Show Countdown with Nikki Sixx” takes center stage on rock and alternative music stations. In this program, Sixx presents the weekly countdown of the top rock songs in the nation while conducting insightful interviews with guests from the music industry.
Clothing Line
In addition to his ventures in music and radio, Nikki Sixx has made his mark in the fashion industry as a designer, notably with his own clothing line, Royal Underground. In collaboration with Kelly Gray, formerly the co-president and house model of St. John, Sixx launched the line in 2006. Initially catering to men’s fashion, Royal Underground later diversified its offerings to include women’s apparel.
The line embodies a rock-inspired aesthetic, featuring a range of clothing items such as leather jackets, jeans, t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and accessories. Available for purchase online and in exclusive boutiques worldwide, Royal Underground brings Sixx’s distinct style to fashion enthusiasts around the globe.
Conclusion
Nikki Sixx stands as a versatile and accomplished figure across multiple domains, carving out a distinctive legacy in the realms of music, literature, broadcasting, and fashion design. Renowned as one of the most influential musicians of his era, he has also found success as an author, radio personality, and trendsetter in the fashion industry. Throughout his journey, Sixx has navigated through significant personal trials including addiction, divorce, and brushes with mortality. Yet, he has emerged resilient, utilizing his platform and resources to champion various causes, ranging from animal welfare to supporting veterans and music education. His life serves as a testament to the transformative power of passion, creativity, and unwavering perseverance in crafting a purposeful and enriching existence.
