The Motley Mind of Matt: Who else but the Crue, with Aerosmith!
Rock and film god Matt Smith saw Motley Crue in Indianapolis a few days back; yes, I know that sounds like a shock. Matt and his girl have seen Motley Crue more times than Pam Anderson has. Matt's seen Motley Crue more times than their manager has. We bet there have been times Vince Neil thought Matt WAS the manager:
Well, the times are a changin’! Last week, I was behind on my “Little
Rocking” blog. Now, Jim Harris is behind! So, let’s get caught up!We had a good time in INDY last week. But, the entire point of the trip was hitting the Motley Crue and Aerosmith concert at Verizon Music Center in
Noblesville. Man, was it worth the trip! Half of Motley Crue rolled into
Indianapolis on Thursday afternoon. Mick Mars and Nikki Sixx buses pulled into the Conrad Hotel early on Thursday. They checked in on our floor. In fact, Nikki Sixx was staying in the suite next to mine. Mick Mars got off the bus, went in his hotel room, and NEVER emerged. Nikki had brought his kids with him. They stayed in the hotel room playing games and watching TV. Nikki kept coming out in to the hallway to smoke and talk on his cell phone. I don’t smoke. But, I did on this day. I got a lighter and some Marlboros and hung out. I had a smoke with Nikki and was able to talk to him. The night was uneventful, however. Nikki was asleep before me!
Vince Neil and Tommy Lee showed up much later in the afternoon. It was around 4 p.m. But, that has been typical for the past two years of this tour. The Masters of Disaster put all this together in December '04 and got rolling in January '05. The new album, “Red, White & Crue,” dropped in February '05. The “ Carnival of Sins” tour was launched and looked like a crazy porno circus. Strippers, clowns, trapeze acts, dancers, Harley Davidson bikes, and midgets slammed the stage. All of that were fine, and a good thing because the CRUE played alone without an opening act. The ‘Sins’ show ran about three hours. It was “buck wild.” This mayhem ran until April of this year -- 18 months on the road.
I saw the “Carnival” show about 35 times. By April, the stress of the road was showing. Motley needed a break. Except for one show date – at “Rock Fest” in July, the CRUE had four months off. I reported to the Arkansas Times on Rock Fest, and the Crue show. It was bad. The April to September break has been a blessing.
Tommy Lee did the “Supernova” show this summer. (I see them on New Year's).
Mick Mars took time to heal and rest. Nikki Sixx spent time with his family, and Vince Neil must have gotten healthy. Vince had been throwing after parties at clubs, bars and strip joints after concerts. I went to a number of those. It got crazy. The pace really seemed to show back in Wisconsin in July. Not now! Vince looks like he has lost a lot of weight and really gotten in shape. He wasn’t in this great of a condition BEFORE the tour kicked off in ’05, or while they were out on the road.The boys rolled out toward the venue about 6 p.m. on Friday. They had stayed in their hotel rooms all day. They promptly hit the stage at 7:30! What? Motley right ON TIME? Well, it happened. They cranked it up at the exact moment that is printed on the ticket. I must assume this is in the contract with Aerosmith. I have never seen these guys start on time.
There really isn’t a reason to rehash the songs played. I have written it all before. They are doing the same songs on this tour “ Route Of All Evil” as they did on “Carnival Of Sins”. But, some things have been trimmed down. There isn’t a drum solo from Tommy, Vince doesn’t do the acoustic guitar bit, and Nikki doesn’t do the bass solo. Mick Mars does
get a small guitar solo! Now, this is a nice surprise, since he didn’t have one before this fall. He must not have been up to it. He has been in bad health. The set has changed; the red and white are gone. Everything is black now. Things have changed from colorful, to dark.
Skulls, crossbones, daggers, and crosses dominate the stage. No bikes, and just a couple of girls dancing. But, the boys open now for Aerosmith, so they don’t have to carry the whole gig. They put out 90 minutes of hard and fast music, and call it a night. The blood-splattered encore is gone as well. They hit the stage, charge thru the tunes and get out of the way.The break has been good for everyone. They all look and sound much better than they did back in the spring. Tommy is the only one that hasn’t had time off, but he doesn’t want it. He is one of the most well-known drummers in history, and arguably one of the best. When anyone thinks drummer – Peter Criss, John Bonham, Ringo Star come to mind immediately.
Increasingly, Tommy’s name is in the conversation. He has definitely captured the masses of popular culture. He has had two successful TV shows, solo albums that have really sold, a best-selling book, and continues to play DJ gigs all over America. On many of these Motley tour dates, Tommy is flying in from a DJ gig the night before. There have been many people attempt to copy his drumming style, but I have only seen Randy Castillo come close to getting it down. Randy was that good.
Aerosmith followed after the Crue set was torn down. Vince Neil and Tommy Lee stayed behind to watch Steven Tyler and Joe Perry at work. Nikki and Mick went back to the Conrad. I’m sure Mick needed the rest, and Nikki wanted to be alone with his kids. I will get to the Aerosmith show in another review. We went back to the hotel and were able to join Vince Neil for drinks. Vince has a new girlfriend; the two girls from the spring leg of the tour are long gone. Surprisingly, Vince has the same bodyguard.
After seeing everything this man went through in the spring, it is really hard to believe. I see a lot of postings on fan sites about Vince. These so-called fans say that he is a jerk. Well, they are telling lies. They just say that. The people who tell those stories are just making it up.
They haven’t met the man. He ALWAYS hangs out and is cool. On this night, he takes pictures, has some drinks, talks and is just super to the small group of people in the hotel room. Vince is just cool with people. Unlike say, David Lee Roth … more on that clown later.
“On With The Show” -- Matt Smith
Comments
Matt Smith is a world class douche bag!
Posted by: Anonymous | October 25, 2006 02:45 PM
What kind of "rocker" admits that he doesn't smoke, but then goes and buys cigarettes so that he can appear cool. What a poser!
Posted by: Anonymous | October 25, 2006 02:51 PM
What in the hell is this. That's a PhotoShop pic, cause I would never pose with this dork!
Posted by: Vince Neil | October 25, 2006 02:56 PM
Don't hate on this guy. It's hard for us rockers from the 80s. He's actually one of the few groupies The Crue has left. Not only that, he keeps it real with that haircut he has. Everytime I see him, I freak out thinking it's 1987. Way to preserve time Matt!
Kiss Me Deadly,
Lita
Posted by: Lita Ford | October 25, 2006 03:16 PM
What a goober! Nice mullet Billy Ray.
Posted by: Nikki | October 25, 2006 04:26 PM
How dare you defame my devil horns!! Those are reserved for true rockers...not Travis Trent look a likes!
Posted by: Ronnie James Dio | October 25, 2006 04:32 PM
Yo, what's up metalheads! Last night was off the chain. I had a killer meal at this local place called McDonald's. I started out with a 64 oz "drink" and a chicken select. I dipped first in the honey mustart and then switched it up and swirled it in the BBQ sauce. CRAZY! The service was great...they kept the refills coming. I'm telling you this place was BUCK WILD. Check it out. After McDonald's me and the crew loaded up in Jesse's van and went to play laser tag for a few hours. What a great night!
"She's Only 17" -Matt Smith
Posted by: Matt Smith | October 25, 2006 04:39 PM
Way to bring it Matt! The world needs people like you to remind the rest of us what it's like to "Party Like Rockstars"
Posted by: Jeff | October 25, 2006 05:47 PM
Way to bring it Matt! The world needs people like you to remind the rest of us what it's like to "Party Like Rockstars"
Posted by: Jeff | October 25, 2006 05:48 PM
Way to bring it Matt! The world needs people like you to remind the rest of us what it's like to "Party Like Rockstars"
Posted by: Jeff | October 25, 2006 05:49 PM
Way to bring it Matt! The world needs people like you to remind the rest of us what it's like to "Party Like Rockstars"
Posted by: Jeff | October 25, 2006 05:50 PM
Way to bring it Matt! The world needs people like you to remind the rest of us what it's like to "Party Like Rockstars"
Posted by: Jeff | October 25, 2006 05:50 PM
Way to bring it Matt! The world needs people like you to remind the rest of us what it's like to "Party Like Rockstars"
Posted by: Jeff | October 25, 2006 05:51 PM
Way to bring it Matt! The world needs people like you to remind the rest of us what it's like to "Party Like Rockstars"
Posted by: Jeff | October 25, 2006 05:53 PM
Way to bring it Matt! The world needs people like you to remind the rest of us what it's like to "Party Like Rockstars"
Posted by: Jeff | October 25, 2006 05:54 PM
Way to bring it Matt! The world needs people like you to remind the rest of us what it's like to "Party Like Rockstars"
Posted by: Jeff | October 25, 2006 05:55 PM
hey now!
great to see people like you around, keep all in the name or rock n roll keep rocking!
Posted by: Tracey | October 25, 2006 11:07 PM
look's like we got some clown's anyways dude great picture and sounds like you and your girls had some fun we know you got tommy on speed dial because i seen the cell phone before so when is he coming to kick it with us in the rock
Posted by: mark | October 25, 2006 11:36 PM
Hey now, quit hating on Matt! I think he's bringing sexy back! with that mullet! haha! Anyway, thanks for reporting back to us on the world of Motley Crue. Tell Vince that he's looking better than ever!
Stephanie Shaw, CEO
Arkansas Rocks!
"keeping it metal in the natural state"
Posted by: arkansas rocks! | October 26, 2006 01:31 AM
Uh-oh looks like Matty got his dork crew to come in and take up for him. Pretty lame "metalhead"
Posted by: Anonymous | October 26, 2006 07:55 AM
Uh-oh looks like Matty got his dork crew to come in and take up for him. Pretty lame "metalhead"
Posted by: Jim - CFO | October 26, 2006 07:56 AM
Yeah, Matt really knows how to "party like a rockstar." This is especially evident when he poses as a smoker to look cool to a washed up douche bag.
Unskinny Bop?,
Josh
Posted by: Josh--COO | October 26, 2006 09:22 AM
What's up Rock Freaks? Matt Smith here laying down what's going on in my crazy rockin' life! Last night was BITCHIN! The gang and I needed some grub, so we headed to our favorite local joint...Chili's. I like to give back to the local people of The Rock. There was a little wait, but I took care of that with handshake and a "Washington." After we were seated, promptly I might add, I showed everyone at the table T. Lee's name in my cell phone. After everyone's amazement at the number, it was time to order some drinks. I bellied up to a Grande Strawberry Daiquiri with 3 straws for me and my bros. Then it was time for the main course! I decided on the "Baby Back, Baby Back. Baby Back Ribs!" They were delish! I told our kind server to give my complements to the chef. I tell you, this Chili's place really knows BBQ. After the meal, we all got in my ride and headed to the mall. I was a little buzzed from the Daiquiri so I let Jess drive. The mall was "Way Cool Jr." but that story will have to wait till another time.
Keep On Rockin' In The Free World,
Matt Smith CEO...OF ROCK!
Posted by: Matt Smith | October 26, 2006 09:49 AM
Hey matt,
Keep it rocking DUde, and to all those haters,dont hate cuz u cant kick it with the rock stars ! peace out Matt
Posted by: Idaho Stud | October 26, 2006 10:36 AM
I kan't evin understood wat UR saying!
Posted by: Idaho Dud | October 26, 2006 10:41 AM
Even I think Matt Smith is gay.
Posted by: David Bazzel | October 26, 2006 10:45 AM
Also Vince Neil was a rock star in the 80's/90's, he is now a reality TV star with Balky from Perfect Strangers. Keep rockin', Dude!
Posted by: Idaho Dud | October 26, 2006 11:01 AM
What's up Jeff, Tracy, Mark, Stephanie, and Idaho Stud! Thanks for letting these fools know the truth! That truth is Matt Smith freaking ROCKS HARD!!! No one rocks as hard as the Smithinator!! I bring my A game everytime I meet a rock god like Kip Winger. I'd like to think he does the same for me. All these 80s rock icons know there's no bigger groupie than Matt Diddy! So, I'd like to thank you guys for standing up for hair metal! If you see me out at Chili's or Applebee's, give me a shout and I'll put an extra straw in the Daiquiri for ya!
Cum on feel the noise,
Matt Smith
Posted by: Matt Smith | October 26, 2006 11:02 AM
I'm glad to have the update on Vince, and it's really hard to find fan reports on older rock bands today... I think it's cool you're keeping it in the light... Why don't these haters write editorials on what they like, instead of bashing someone else's shit? Anyway... waiting on the DLR story man.
Dr. Delicious
Posted by: Dr. Delicious | October 26, 2006 11:37 AM
Likes: Black Keys, Pearl Jam, Johnnie Cash, beer
Dislikes: mullets, soul patches, dudes that call themselves "delicious"
Posted by: Hater | October 26, 2006 11:58 AM
Likes: Kings of Leon, My Morning Jacket, Drive By Truckers, Local Restaurants, Making fun of dudes that still think it's 1987.
Dislikes: Reality TV Stars(2 in Motley Crue), 80s Lead singers who do the chicken dance on TV, Purchasing friendships...Oh yeah, and like Hater #1, dudes that call themselves delicious.
Posted by: Hater #2 | October 26, 2006 12:13 PM
Although I'm not going to Matt bash...I do think his blogs are lame. Is he an important piece of Little Rock culture? Rock and movie god? I would have to say, little rock's biggest groupie. And the way he suggests movies to people is pretty bad. He suggested people rent Lucky Number Slevin a month before it was released. And what is this he writes about Vince Neil "These so-called fans say that he is a jerk. Well, they are telling lies. They just say that. The people who tell those stories are just making it up." So, mr rock god...your telling me that rock stars don't have bad days? I seriously doubt you and vince are that tight. I was expecting a nanny nanny boo boo after that comment. Sounded almost childish. Oh well...I can't wait to read another lame review about a band who just rocked your world or a restaurant that gives you good or bad service. Rock On!!
Posted by: J Oliver | October 26, 2006 12:28 PM
I love it when the "holier than thou" crowd gets all stressed out. Matt is enjoying himself, and is a self made success.
It's widely known that people who lash out at others simply because they are different have insecurity issues. I haven't been a metal fan in years....but don't be disrespectful. That makes YOU the dork.
Posted by: Justin M | October 26, 2006 01:01 PM
www.myspace.com/mattwildside
Posted by: Steve | October 27, 2006 11:02 AM