On New Year’s Eve, 2015, glam-rock legends Mötley Crüe hit the Los Angeles Staples Center for one final, explosive gig. The very last stop on their “Final Tour,” this hometown gig was set to be the last Mötley Crüe would ever play, closing off an era of heavy metal mayhem that made each bandmate a household name in his own right.
The band needed a real kicker to round off the night, but when they dove into a fiery rendition of their 1989 hit single “Dr. Feelgood,” the moment went internet-viral, amassing over 11 million YouTube views to date!
The chaotic, chugging grooves of “Dr. Feelgood” ring out just like the record; the band’s three original bandmates – vocalist Vince Neil, bassist Nikki Sixx, and drummer Tommy Lee – are joined by Marilyn Manson/Rob Zombie guitarist John 5, who replaced the band’s former lead guitarist and co-founder, Mick Mars.
The audience goes feral as Vince Neil’s electric voice commands the room; crisp and authentic, undulled by age and instantly recognizable. But just wait until you hear John 5’s guitar work – there’s no questioning why the band chose this top-hatted, ghost-white, cloak-wearing figure to take on such legendary riffs and wailing solos!
Gazing around the audience’s excitement, it’s clear not just Mötley Crüe’s elder fans are having a blast, reliving their 1980s heyday through this farewell tour. The audience is studded with countless young faces; fans who weren’t alive for Mötley Crüe’s golden age but who have taken their songs to the same depths of their hearts, proving the timelessness and enduring legacy of this homegrown LA band.
This gig took place a stone’s throw away from the Sunset Strip, “where the band’s infamous and decadent career first launched” back in 1981. Returning to their roots, Mötley Crüe drew their greatest hits into an 18-song set, featuring “Girls, Girls, Girls,” “Wild Side,” “Kickstart My Heart” and more, with a surprise cover of The Sex Pistols’ “Anarchy In The UK” thrown into the mix. Music Man readers can check out an alternate version of the band’s staggering cover in the video above!
By all accounts, this was supposed to be Mötley Crüe’s final show, before officially retiring from touring and entering an indefinite hiatus. But by 2019, the band was back, announcing they’d be hitting the road again in 2022 on a joint Stadium Tour with hard rock heavyweights Def Leppard, Poison and Joan Jett & The Blackhearts.
In October 2024, the band released their latest EP, “Cancelled” – featuring two brand new tracks and a cover of Beastie Boys’ “Fight For Your Right.”
Mötley Crüe’s final performance at the Los Angeles Staples Centre was a legendary farewell, leaving an indelible mark on rock history. The viral rendition of “Dr. Feelgood” showcased the enduring power of their sound, capturing the essence of an era. To delve deeper into the legacy of this iconic band and explore more from their explosive finale, check out the links below.