Imagine being on the brink of joining one of the most iconic rock bands in history, only to have it slip through your fingers due to record label politics. That’s exactly what happened to Sebastian Bach over three decades ago when Nikki Sixx allegedly asked him to replace Vince Neil in MÖTLEY CRÜE. In a recent interview with Canada’s The Metal Voice, Bach revisited this long-standing claim, shedding new light on a story that has sparked debates among fans for years. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Bach insists he rehearsed with the band and was formally invited to join, Nikki Sixx has publicly denied the entire narrative. So, who’s telling the truth? Let’s dive in.
Bach’s story goes like this: back in the early ’90s, Vince Neil was ousted from MÖTLEY CRÜE due to personal differences, paving the way for John Corabi to step in. During this tumultuous period, Bach claims he was approached by Sixx to join the band. He even participated in a full day of rehearsals, driven to the studio by none other than Tommy Lee. According to Bach, the chemistry was electric, and Sixx extended an offer to join the band in front of the entire crew. However, Atlantic Records, SKID ROW’s label at the time, reportedly blocked the move, leaving Bach on the sidelines. He’s not just making this up—he’s even referenced an MTV interview where MÖTLEY CRÜE members corroborate his story.
But this is the part most people miss: the fallout from this claim has been anything but smooth. Over a decade ago, Bach and Sixx engaged in a heated online exchange after Bach tweeted about the incident. Sixx swiftly dismissed the story as fabricated, while Bach doubled down, sharing detailed accounts on Facebook. He even promised to reveal the full story in his 2016 autobiography, 18 and Life on Skid Row. Sixx’s response? A cryptic tweet suggesting Bach was ‘washed up’ and desperate for attention.
Adding another layer to this saga, a 1994 interview with Nikki Sixx reveals that Bach wasn’t the only singer the band considered. Sixx mentioned that Steve Perry of JOURNEY also joined them for rehearsals, and ultimately, John Corabi was chosen because the chemistry felt ‘magical.’ This raises a thought-provoking question: If Bach was indeed offered the role, why wasn’t he given a fair shot? Or was his involvement exaggerated over time?
Bach, ever the professional, has taken the high road, expressing his admiration for Vince Neil and his resilience in the face of health challenges. Yet, the question remains: Did Nikki Sixx really ask Sebastian Bach to join MÖTLEY CRÜE, or is this a case of rock ’n’ roll mythology? What do you think? Is Bach’s story credible, or is there more to this than meets the eye? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
