Nikki Sixx has fired back at critics who panned Motley Crue's new song.
The band released “Dogs of War” in April, their first single since 2015 and their first with new guitarist John 5. It was met with mixed reactions from fans and critics alike, but Nikki is adamant that she doesn't care what people think as she's happy with the band's new direction.
He told Rock Classicer magazine: “I'm happy with the fact that there was a knee-jerk reaction, because at least people were listening.”
“These are very strange times where everyone is a critic, whether it's in the news or on social media.
“And I always say, there's never been a statue erected of a critic. That's never happened, has it? Critics always erect statues. But now everybody's a critic.”
Nikki continued, “In a short period of time, I've heard things like, 'I love you,' 'I hate you,' 'You're over,' 'You're born again,' 'It's like 'Shout at the Devil,'' and 'This is the worst.'”
“And we just sit there and say, 'That's cool, but we don't really want your input.' We're just artists writing music, which is really cool. I'm happy with it. I like it.”
Frontman Vince Neil has previously claimed the song represents a return to the band's roots, calling it “classic Crew.”
He told Loudersound.com: “If you listen back to the first record, I think it's quintessential Crue. [1981 album ‘Too Fast For Love’]For me, it's about going back to our roots.
“I think the fans are going to love it. It's a rock 'n' roll song that you can yell at a party and scream along to. That's what Motley Crue is all about. It doesn't feel like any time has passed. We're still just a rock 'n' roll band.”
Vince claimed his performance improved when he added John 5 to the line-up in 2022 to replace longtime guitarist Mick Mars.
He added, “John is such a great guitarist. Everybody loves him. The band loves him. Basically, he's made me a better singer. I can just focus on my singing.”
“He knew all the songs before we even hired him. He can play anything. He's an exciting, creative guitarist and will definitely be involved with some new music. It'll be really fun to hear his ideas.”