Tales of the Whisky Bathroom: Nikki Sixx's Favorite Sunset Strip Memories

Born on the Sunset Strip in 1981, Mötley Crüe and their debauched rock, flamboyant style and tempestuous off-stage antics have been with us for three decades now. Their near-death experiences, TV-show stints and famous women made them poster children for hair metal's hedonistic heyday, but they've managed to transcend the label of nostalgia act. Buffered by radio shows, best-selling books and DJ gigs, they're the rare '80s hair crew that still packs 'em in.

In conjunction with this weekend's Sunset Strip Music Festival, the group is being honored at House of Blues tonight, Aug. 18, for their longtime Strip presence. (The Dirt author Neil Strauss and the Doors' Ray Manzarek will be among the speakers.) They also headline the main stage on Aug. 20. Naturally, a chat with Crüe leader Nikki Sixx about his Strip recollections was in order.

LA WEEKLY: What was your first Sunset Strip memory?
It was the middle '70s and I was a teenager. I used to hang on the Strip, going to see my favorite punk bands and dreaming about being a rock star.

What's your best Mötley memory on the Strip?
[Early on], when we sold out the Whisky A Go Go three nights in a row. That was one of the highlights of our career. We didn't see what was coming next. That moment was magical.

Sunset Strip women nowadays: Different? Same?
Never paid much attention to the women. Drugs were first, women second. I had my priorities.

Wildest thing you ever did on the Strip?
Did I tell you about the time I tied a girl up in the Whisky bathroom with Mick's guitar cable, and then went to get a bump of blow from Tommy? I forgot she was in there! I think Vince found her and everything was [fine]. Ah, to be in Mötley Crüe in 1981 in Los Angeles.

All-time favorite spot on the Strip?
The Rainbow, and the reason is simple: the clam chowder.