Chad Bowar: Give us a preview of your new CD Saints Of Los Angeles.
Tommy Lee: It’s the first studio record we’ve made in nine and a half years, or whatever it is. That’s exciting. There’s nothing better than new music. We love going out and playing the older hits, but we’re musicians and we’ve got to have some new stuff to keep us in the game. We’re really pumped. The record’s dope. We hope you dig it.
Your single has been available to download via the Rock Band video game. How has that been going?
I guess there are a ton of downloads for it. I have two kids that are 10 and 11, and they rarely listen to the radio. They are on iTunes and playing video games. That’s where the kids are at. They’re not driving around in a car listening to the radio. Kids love music and hit their parents up for money to buy it. Those days of driving to the record store and looking around are over. It’s a double-edged sword.
Since you guys have been around so long, are you noticing a second generation of fans at your shows?
I’ve seen that the last few years. It’s been a real eye-opener. For a long time we were playing for people in our age group. All of a sudden we look out and see a guy my age with his seven year old on top of his shoulders throwing up the horns singing “Shout At The Devil.” When I look out now I see all ages, colors, it’s pretty wild. It’s a sign of longevity. When little kids are coming to check you out, you know you’re doing something right. We’re still going.
Why did you decide to put together a traveling festival tour like Cruefest?
We talked about this since the first time Ozzfest came out. You know you’ve nailed it when you have your own festival. Finally it is here.
Did you guys have input on the other bands on the bill?
They are all friends of ours and they are bands that we are fans of as well. I think we put together a pretty cool package. It’s going to be an awesome summer.
Is it going to be strange seeing Nikki play with a different band (Sixx AM)?
Yes, that’s a little crazy to me. I’m not sure why he decided to do double duty, but he’s had some success with the music on his record, so why not? If he wants to, let him go rock it.
Will your setlist at Cruefest incorporate some of your new songs along with the classic hits?
Yes. We obviously have the banner hits, but we’re smashing in four new tracks off the record. That’s what keeps us pumped. We love playing the older stuff, but you’ve gotta put some new stuff in there to keep it alive.
Do you have some crazy things lined up for the stage set?
Of course. Wait until you see the production. It’s retarded. I don’t want to give away too much, but if you’ve been to a Motley Crue show before, you can pretty much imagine we overdo it as usual. We’ve overdone it again.
With your kids getting older, do they come out on the road with you when they can?
It’s always tough leaving them home, but the beauty of the summer is they’re out of school. The boys like to come out and rock with me. It’s funny, because for them, it’s the camping trip from hell. They love the tour bus and the video games and all the people and golf carts and all the backstage stuff. They think it’s cool. During the summer they’ll come and spend a lot of time with me. Unfortunately, when they’re in school, Dad can’t yank them out to come play. We’re conscious of our families and try to schedule as much time to come back and catch up.
Have your kids shown any musical aptitude yet?
Totally. My youngest, Dylan, is taking guitar lessons and thrashing on the drums. Brandon plays trumpet and bass. Dylan plays piano every day as well. It’s crazy. They’re totally into it. I think at this point in their life they are experimenting with a lot like I did when I was a kid. I did tap dancing, ballet, accordion lessons, piano lessons, drums, I didn’t know what the hell I wanted, but eventually you find out whatever you’re attracted to and gravitate towards it. They’re still experimenting and tasting all the different musical flavors along with sports and all the other stuff that kids do.
You’re the same way with the Crue, your electronic music, the DJing you do and stuff like that.
It’s so funny, because my son’s birthday is coming up. He wants a mixer and two turntables. They are following in Dad’s footsteps. It’s awesome.
