Nikki Sixx

The only constant member who turned survival into a legacy.

Nikki Sixx, born Frank Carlton Serafino Feranna Jr. on December 11, 1958, is the only constant member and co-founder of Mötley Crüe. Before defining heavy metal history with the band, he played in Sister and London, legally adopting his stage name during the latter's run. His career extends far beyond bass lines; he is a prolific songwriter who penned hits like "Live Wire" and "Dr. Feelgood," an author of The Heroin Diaries, and a radio personality hosting Sixx Sense. From forming the supergroup Brides of Destruction to leading the side project 58, Sixx has consistently reinvented himself while maintaining his central role in rock history.

Quick Facts

Birth name

Frank Carlton Serafino Feranna Jr.

Born

11 December 1958

Birthplace

San Jose, California, U.S.

Instrument

Bass

Genre

Heavy metal
hard rock
glam metal
alternative metal

Occupation

Musician
songwriter
radio personality
record producer
author
photographer

Years active

1975–present

Label

Eleven Seven
Elektra
Mötley
Sanctuary
Leathür
Warner Music Group
Beyond

Lore & Background

Sixx's early life in San Jose and Jerome, Idaho, was marked by turmoil; he became a teenage vandal and was expelled for selling drugs before moving to Seattle. There, he bought his first bass with money from selling a stolen guitar. By 17, he moved to Los Angeles, working menial jobs while auditioning. He joined Blackie Lawless's band Sister but was fired alongside Lizzie Grey. Together they formed London in 1978, where Sixx legally changed his name. After lineup shuffles and a failed attempt with singer Nigel Benjamin, the group dissolved, though future legends like Izzy Stradlin would later pass through its ranks. These formative years of instability and survival laid the groundwork for the chaotic energy that would define Mötley Crüe.

Reader's Guide

Fans can trace Sixx's extensive discography through Mötley Crüe's self-released Too Fast for Love in November 1981 to their most successful record, Dr. Feelgood (1989), which stayed on the charts for 114 weeks. His songwriting credits include classics like "Home Sweet Home," "Girls, Girls, Girls," and "Kickstart My Heart." Beyond Crüe, he formed the side project 58 in 2000 with Dave Darling, Steve Gibb, and Bucket Baker, issuing the album Diet for a New America. In 2002, he created Brides of Destruction with Tracii Guns, releasing Here Come the Brides in 2004. His autobiography, The Dirt (2001), made the New York Times Best Seller list for ten weeks. More recently, Mötley Crüe released the "Cancelled" EP in October 2024 and performed a Las Vegas residency at Dolby Live from September to October 2025.

Did You Know?

He was declared clinically dead for two minutes on December 23, 1987, before being revived by a paramedic.
In 2025, Mötley Crüe returned to Las Vegas for a residency consisting of 10 exclusive performances.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nikki Sixx's real name?

His birth name is Frank Carlton Serafino Feranna Jr., though he legally adopted his stage moniker while performing with the band London. He has maintained this identity throughout his decades-long career in heavy metal.

What musical roles does Nikki Sixx fulfill?

He serves as the lead bassist and a primary songwriter for Mötley Crüe, penning classic tracks like Live Wire and Dr. Feelgood. His influence also extends to hosting the radio show Sixx Sense and leading the side project Sixx:A.M.

Is Nikki Sixx still performing today?

Yes, he remains an active musician who continues to tour with Mötley Crüe as their only constant member. He balances this with writing books like The Heroin Diaries and managing various musical collaborations.