Mötley Crüe is an American heavy metal band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1981. The group was founded by bass guitarist Nikki Sixx and drummer Tommy Lee, who were later joined by lead guitarist Mick Mars and lead singer Vince Neil. Mötley Crüe has been described through the years as one of the world's best-selling groups of all time, having sold more than 75 million records, including 25 million in the U.S.
The members of the band have often been noted for their hedonistic lifestyles and the persona they maintained. Various original members have had numerous brushes with the law, spent time in prison, suffered from alcoholism, suffered from long addictions to drugs such as cocaine and heroin, had countless escapades with women and are heavily tattooed. The band is considered as a part of the first wave of glam metal. Their ninth and most recent studio album, Saints of Los Angeles, was released on June 24, 2008, and was certified Gold in January 2012. Mötley Crüe are due to embark on a farewell tour that will continue through 2015 before retiring.
Mötley Crüe was ranked tenth on MTV's list "Top 10 Heavy Metal Bands of All-Time" and ninth on "VH1's All Time Top Ten Metal Bands".