In a captivating dialogue with Eddie Trunk on SiriusXM, Vince Neil delved into the genesis of his journey with Mötley Crüe, shining a spotlight on the profound impact David Lee Roth had during those formative times. Neil fondly recalled Roth’s constant presence at their nascent performances in legendary locales such as the Troubadour and the Whisky.
He attributed Roth’s regular attendance not only to the magnetic allure of the band’s female followers but also to a deeper, more resonant connection.
Roth’s intrigue with Mötley Crüe transcended the mere allure of the social milieu. Neil painted a picture of Roth as a sage-like figure, particularly during a poignant encounter at Canter’s Deli in the heart of Los Angeles.
It was there that Roth shared his seasoned insights into the labyrinthine music industry, discussing pivotal elements such as record label dynamics and the intricacies of publishing. These pearls of wisdom were particularly invaluable to Neil, who was then carving his niche in the rock tapestry.
The bond between Neil and Roth only deepened over time, a fact Neil often illuminated in his interviews.
He disclosed his early entrepreneurial flair, reminiscing about his teenage days selling unauthorized Van Halen merchandise at their gigs around Long Beach. This anecdote underscored his longstanding reverence for Roth’s ensemble.
Their trajectories didn’t just run parallel; they intersected on illustrious stages, notably at the grand US Festival in 1983 and the 1984 Monsters Of Rock tour. Fast forward to 2021, and Mötley Crüe extended an invitation to Roth to grace their tour alongside Def Leppard. Roth, in a move that echoed his steadfast principles and underscored his monumental influence, graciously declined the offer to open for a band that had grown under his immense shadow, further cementing his indelible mark on the realm of rock music.
