NIKKI SIXX: Buyer Beware

MÖTLEY CRÜE/SIXX A.M. bassist Nikki Sixx has posted the following message on his MySpace blog:

"Years ago an unauthorized biography called 'An Education in Rebellion' was written about me without my approval or support. It was never endorsed. In fact, I disapproved and considered legal action because I felt fans were getting ripped off by being sold a book without my involvement.

"I feel fans have bought it under the assumption that I approved of it because the writers have collected interviews from people that make it seem relevant. These people who were interviewed have told me afterwards that they had no idea that their conversations were being used for an unauthorized book.

"I want to say that I do not, now or ever, approve of people riding the coattails of other people's hard work and personal lives — this is criminal, in my opinion. This is no different than what the paparazzi does or the gossipy crap that perches like vultures on our newsstands with magazines like the National Enquirer.

"The writer and publisher are now 're-releasing' the book with updated information based on my success with MÖTLEY CRÜE, SIXX: A.M., 'The Heroin Diaries' and other ventures I'm involved in. It's scummy at best, to be honest. My attorneys have already sent them legal letters directing them to stop, but they know the loopholes and how to get around them.

"Believe it or not, the law allows anyone to write a book about anyone else without getting proper permission, which is really crazy, because my fans think this was endorsed or approved by me, and it's not.

"This is sad. These people are now partnering up with a company to sell ownership rights to the book's master rights, even though they are my life rights — again, bordering on scum.

"As a fan of music, I do not buy anything unauthorized, because I know, unless the artist signs off on it, it's hearsay, gossip, and made up to pad the pockets of the writers, publishers, etc.

"Their website gives people the false impression that these 'auctions' have the fans buying some portion of revenues that go to artists or songwriters. In my case, at least, nothing could be further from the truth. Nothing comes to me or my family. It's hurtful.

"It's this kind of thing that makes me even more excited to do the 'Sixx Sense' radio show.

"I look forward to shining a spotlight on issues like this one — issues that go unnoticed and issues that may otherwise slip through the cracks.

"In the end, I worry about the fans being ripped off. I cannot (nor can any of my friends in the public eye) stop these bottom feeders.

"If you want to know about MÖTLEY CRÜE, get 'The Dirt'. If you want to know about band members, get their individual books, but don't support this type of behavior on this or any artists....

"They say they're excited to share this with fans and that may be so, but if it's not about the money... then donate it to charity."

Rock 'N' Roll Books/SCB Distribution will reissue "An Education in Rebellion: The Biography of Nikki Sixx" with a brand new cover (see below) in late spring. According to a press release, the book is "packed with star-studded exclusive interview material" with MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer Tommy Lee, SIXX: A.M. frontman/songwriting partner James Michael, legendary producer Bob Rock, female rock icon Lita Ford, late QUIET RIOT frontman Kevin DuBrow, '80s CRÜE producer Tom Werman, '90s producer Scott Humphrey, former MÖTLEY CRÜE/BRIDES OF DESTRUCTION guitarist/vocalist John Corabi, side-project 58 co-producer Dave Darling, former LONDON bandmate Lizzy Grey, legendary rock photographer Neil Zlozower, former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick, recovery counselor Bob Timmons, and a host of others contributing commentary on the life and times of MÖTLEY CRÜE founder/lead songwriter/bassist Nikki Sixx.

Originally released in 2002, the 320-plus-page book has been entirely re-edited, updated through 2009, and features a two-disc bonus sampler featuring original bands influenced by the music of Sixx/MÖTLEY CRÜE.