Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx has responded after former Godsmack drummer Shannon Larkin accused him of relying on backing tracks during the band’s live performances.
Larkin made the comments during a June 19 livestream while discussing Godsmack’s temporary use of drummer Wade Murff before Mike Mangini took over touring duties. While explaining the band’s preference for performing without click tracks or backing tracks, Larkin singled out Sixx as an example.
“Godsmack uses no click tracks, no backing tracks… You see Nikki Sixx up there. He’s not really singing, he looks away, but you still hear his voice. Well, it’s a track playing.”
Larkin went on to explain that bands using backing tracks typically rely on click tracks to keep performances synchronized, arguing that it removes some of the unpredictability that once defined live rock shows.
Sixx didn’t let the remarks go unanswered. Posting to X on June 28, the Mötley Crüe bassist took aim at Larkin, suggesting the comments were motivated by jealousy.
“Who’s this Shannon Larkin hater? It’s funny how so many B- and C-level bands seem to spend more time talking about us than writing songs people actually remember.”
He continued:
“Maybe it’s jealousy, maybe it’s insecurity, maybe ticket sales are a little slow. Either way, borrowing someone else’s spotlight has never been much of a long-term career strategy.”
Sixx also argued that longevity comes from consistently writing successful music rather than criticizing other artists.
“I genuinely feel for musicians who never figured out that the best publicity is writing great songs—over and over again, decade after decade for fans not critics.”
He concluded with one final jab at Larkin.
“Anyway, maybe he needs to take a nap before he does more press.”
The exchange also revives a long-running history between the two camps. Sixx and Godsmack frontman Sully Erna famously feuded during a co-headlining tour years ago, with the dispute ultimately inspiring Godsmack’s song “Cryin’ Like A Bitch!!” and leading to several public exchanges between both sides.
Claims surrounding Mötley Crüe’s use of backing tracks have also surfaced in the past, most notably during the band’s legal dispute with former guitarist Mick Mars, who made similar allegations following his departure from the group.
If you’re rocking with The Mosh Network, hit the link and add us as a Preferred Source on Google. That’s the easiest way to keep our latest metal, hardcore, and alternative news, tours, and releases showing up directly in your feed.
