Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx has responded to the claims that the band uses backing tracks live, admitting they do so, but not in lieu of playing their instruments live.
The response came in the wake of renewed rumors that the band doesn’t play their material live, with some members relying on backing tracks while pantomiming.
When asked on X/Twitter about the Crüe’s apparent use of backing tracks, Sixx replied, “Since we saw Queen using some to help during the song ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ live, we understood that we could bring in elements that we could not do live like orchestras, saxophones, etc., etc. and sync them up with what we are playing and we do play 100% live. And it’s better for the fans and we enjoy being able to do what we did in the Studio live. It’s a win win for us.”
Similarly, when a fan asked directly why the band doesn’t play 100% live, Sixx said, “We do. You were lied to. Sorry.”
The rumor of Mötley Crüe using backing tracks to replace themselves live was a major claim in original guitarist Mick Mars’ lawsuit against the band in the wake of his termination. He later admitted that the claims were false but the rumor has persisted in the wake of that event. Mars later dropped his claim entirely, with the band declaring a total legal victory.
Mötley Crüe are currently on tour in North America as part of “The Return of the Carnival of Sins” with Tesla and Extreme until September 26th. Get tickets here.
See the posts from Nikki Sixx on X/Twitter below.
Since we saw Queen using some to help during the song bohemian Rhapsody live,we understood that we could bring in elements that we could not do live like orchestras, saxophones, etc., etc. and sync them up with what we are playing and we do play 100% live and it’s better for the…
— 📷 (@NikkiSixx) July 31, 2026
We do. You were lied to. Sorry.
— 📷 (@NikkiSixx) July 31, 2026
