Nikki Sixx: Vince Neil Has “Taken a Lot of Bricks in the Face” for His Live Vocals

Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx is defending the band’s singer, Vince Neil, over criticism the latter has faced for his live performances.

Neil has struggled vocally at concerts over the years, with critics and fans alike not being kind toward his efforts. The singer has also had a number of health setbacks, including multiple strokes, with the most severe one coming in December 2024.

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In a new interview with USA Today, Sixx was asked about Neil’s health following the Crüe’s “Return of the Carnival of Sins” North American tour, which wrapped up in late September.

“This was his fourth stroke, so his health is of most concern, as is the health of the band,” responded Sixx. “Vince doesn’t want to pull any punches and we didn’t want to do any songs that maybe were too much on him. But he was like, ‘I’m in. I want to do ‘Red Hot.’ I love these songs.’ He really came to work and was sounding good pre-production. But once we hit the stage, he really came alive.”

The bassist continued, “He just wanted to be the best he could be … He’s taken a lot of bricks in the face over the years for his vocals live and he doesn’t like seeing that kind of stuff. So he really wanted to come in and not only prove to himself but to the fans that he’s vocally totally capable.”

Sixx also spoke about Mötley Crüe’s recently announced “Carnival of Sins in Sin City” 2027 Las Vegas residency, set to take place in March and April.

“It’s really cool because we put so much work and so much time into the tour this summer that we can just take it to Vegas,” he said. “We’re going to add a few bells and whistles, of course.”

The 2027 residency is set for March 19th, 20th, 24th, 26th, 27th, 31st, and April 2nd and 3rd at The Colosseum At Caesars Palace. Tickets are available here.