While typing away at my computer, I suddenly spotted a message that read: “All good things must eventually end.” It was an advertisement for Mötley Crüe’s farewell tour, stopping in my town that weekend. To be honest, keeping track of my favorite metal bands has never been my strong suit. Blame it on mom-brain, school runs, or my Pinterest obsession; I had no clue Mötley Crüe was disbanding. I wasn’t even sure if they were still releasing new music—my playlist feels like a time capsule stuck in 2008.
So, was this band breakup real, or just a clever marketing ploy? Farewell tours often seem like preludes to reunion tours, right? Bands split up for a myriad of reasons: disagreements, legal troubles, rehab stints, or just egos getting in the way. They go their separate ways, then—surprise!—a highly-anticipated reunion tour rolls around.
I’m partially to blame for my ignorance about the latest in music. Between my kids’ demands and the fact that I can only sing along to whatever’s playing on Nick Jr., I’ve lost touch with the new hits. My minivan doesn’t have satellite radio because my passengers would much rather watch a movie or create their own brand of chaos. If that doesn’t scream “mom life,” I don’t know what does.
If you asked me to name my top badass ’80s metal bands, Mötley Crüe would top the list. I’ve seen them live twice, and I can’t help but long for the late ’80s and early ’90s when rockstars with wild hair and leopard-print spandex were the epitome of cool.
This ad felt like a personal invitation from Nikki Sixx himself. I told my partner we had to grab a sitter and snag some tickets.
Attending a metal concert in my 40s is a different experience than it was in my 20s. Gone are the days of meticulously planning my outfit; these days, I wear whatever is clean and suitable, throwing it on just before we head out. My priority is no longer how close I am to the stage but rather finding a spot where I can enjoy the show without being trampled by overzealous fans. Do people still throw their undergarments at the performers?
Now, concert prep involves remembering cash for the sitter and scouting out restaurants with early-bird specials for a pre-show dinner because, let’s face it, after the concert, it’s past our bedtime. Yet, the thrill of anticipation before the show remains unchanged. I cranked up my favorite ’80s metal tracks and reminisced about my first two Mötley Crüe concerts, even if one of them is a bit hazy in my memory.
On the way to the venue, my partner and I inevitably discussed the kids and whether we should replace the water heater this year or next. If that doesn’t scream “Decade of Decadence,” I’m not sure what does!
I was ready to rock out and be entertained—and I certainly was! However, it quickly became clear that this was no gimmicky farewell tour. The Jumbotron displayed suggested hashtags for tweets and Instagram posts—oh, how times have changed! One, in particular, caught my eye: #RIPMOTLEYCRUE.
Throughout the two-hour concert, the phrase “for the last time” echoed repeatedly. Vince, Tommy, and Nikki shared insights and anecdotes, and with their flair and pyrotechnics, they made it obvious: this was truly goodbye. They performed passionately, and if any of it was staged, well, color me convinced!
As I sang along, strumming my imaginary guitar in my seat (no shame here), a wave of nostalgia washed over me. Mötley Crüe had been playing together for 34 years, and I had been a fan for nearly as long. Some of the ’80s are a blur, but I vividly remember the day I bought “Too Fast for Love” on vinyl in 1983. I would dance around my room, hairbrush in hand, dreaming of how Nikki Sixx would swoop in and take me away to a glamorous life of miniskirts and stiletto heels.
But all good things must eventually end.
The final show is scheduled for New Year’s Eve, and I feel a mix of disappointment and nostalgia. It’s not that I’ll miss their music—let’s be real, Mötley Crüe peaked ages ago. Their classic hits live on in my playlist from 2008.
As Vince, Tommy, and the rest of the band age gracefully, so do their fans, myself included. Vince Neil may not sport the same physique he had in 1988, but neither do I—and that’s perfectly okay.
If Mötley Crüe were to continue touring, there would be a time when they wouldn’t sell out arenas anymore. Seeing a beloved band play at county fairs or casinos can be a bit disheartening. Trust me, I’ve had that experience—I saw Bret Michaels perform at Rib America in Missouri back in 2010.
So, kudos to Mötley Crüe for riding off into the sunset with dignity. However, their departure has made me confront my own mortality—definitely not what I expected to ponder on my way home from a rock concert. While reliving my glory days was a blast, I can’t shake the feeling that a part of my youth was swept away with the last note of “Home Sweet Home.”
Music evokes powerful nostalgia and a rollercoaster of emotions: the highs, lows, and everything in between. I’m grateful for those eight words that appeared on my screen that day.
Indeed, all good things must eventually end.
Cheers, Mötley Crüe. It seems you’re leaving, but not in a huff. Thank you for 34 incredible years—most of which I can actually remember. I know I’m not alone in that sentiment.
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Summary:
The farewell of Mötley Crüe marks the end of an era for fans who have followed their journey since the ’80s. While the excitement of attending a concert in adulthood comes with different priorities, the nostalgia remains powerful. As the band prepares for their final show, it serves as a reminder of both the passage of time and the impact of music on our lives.