Former Godsmack drummer Shannon Larkin is attempting to put his recent war of words with Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx to rest, issuing a public apology after using Sixx as an example during a discussion about click tracks and backing tracks in live performances.
The controversy began during a June 19 livestream in which Larkin weighed in on the growing use of click tracks in rock and metal, while discussing former Dream Theater drummer Mike Mangini stepping in behind the kit for Godsmack. During the conversation, Larkin referenced Sixx as an example of a musician he believed was performing alongside backing tracks, while stressing that Godsmack had never relied on them during his tenure with the band.
Sixx took exception to those remarks, firing back on social media by mocking Larkin and suggesting lesser-known bands spend more time talking about Mötley Crüe than writing memorable songs. He also dismissed the comments as an attempt to gain publicity.
Now, in a new livestream, Larkin has addressed Sixx directly, insisting his original comments were taken out of context and were never intended as a personal attack.
“I wanna make an open letter to Nikki Sixx… I had nothing to do with that. That’s why I’m apologizing. I was not doing that to attack you.”
Larkin went on to praise Sixx’s legacy, saying he has admired the bassist for decades.
“I have nothing but respect for you. You’re a legend, and you deserve all the accolades that you’ve gotten and every award and all those gold records, platinum records — you deserve all that.”
He admitted that mentioning Sixx by name was a mistake, saying it inadvertently turned a broader discussion about live performance practices into a personal controversy.
“I made the mistake, which I’m apologizing for, sincerely… I used you as an example, and for that, I’m sorry.”
Larkin also clarified that while he personally prefers not to perform with click tracks or backing tracks, he does not take issue with bands that choose to use them.
“There’s nothing wrong with running tracks… You still sing great and you’re Nikki Sixx. You can do what you fucking want.”
Closing out his lengthy apology, Larkin reiterated that he has no interest in feuding with fellow musicians and hoped Sixx would understand his comments were never meant as a publicity stunt.
“I don’t like beefs… I hope you see it and just fucking take me for real and know that I am sorry for saying it… I do respect you, and I didn’t mean to call you out like that.”
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.
