Fronting the glam metal Motley Crue since 1981, Vince Neil leaned into the hedonistic rock star lifestyle with his bandmates. Following a four-year hiatus after the band fired him due to escalating substance use, he rejoined the group in 1996, continuing to perform even after their announced retirement in 2015. Lately, however, the “Kickstart My Heart” rocker’s stage presence has been spotty as he battles mysterious health issues. On Friday, Aug. 1, Neil made a triumphant return to live performing.
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They Told Vince Neil He Would Never Perform Live Again
On Oct. 13, 2024, Vince Neil performed with his Motley Crue bandmates at the Aftershock festival in Sacramento, California. Following that night, the 64-year-old rocker all but vanished from the stage, citing unnamed health issues.
Last night, Neil broke that dry spell with a seven-song set at Boston’s MGM Music Hall at Fenway, sharing the bill with Poison’s Bret Michaels and Stephen Pearcy of Ratt. As he prepared to play Motley Crue’s 1983 hit “Shout at the Devil,” the three-time Grammy nominee revealed the full significance of this moment.
“I haven’t been on stage since almost a year now. I had a medical thing that happened to me, and they said I wouldn’t be back on stage again,” Neil said. “I said, ‘F— that, man.’ And I’m back and I’m with you guys tonight. And I’m really proud to be here, man.”
Motley Crue Cancels Performances
Earlier this year, Motley Crue announced they were postponing their upcoming Las Vegas residency to allow Vince Neil time to recover from a “required medical procedure.” Originally set for late March, the 10-show run will now kick off Sept. 12, wrapping up Oct. 3.
[RELATED: Mötley Crüe and Vince Neil “Sincerely Apologize” for Canceling Festival Appearance]
“To all the Crüeheads who were looking forward to see us this spring, I’m truly sorry. My health is my top priority so I can bring you the awesome shows you deserve, and I can’t wait to return to the stage,” Neil said in a statement. “Thank you for all the well wishes that keep reaching me. Your support means more than you know.”
In a joint statement, Motley Crue’s Tommy Lee, Nikki Sixx, and John 5 wished their frontman “a speedy recovery.”
“We are looking forward for him to get well again and to take over Vegas together in September,” the statement read. “We can’t wait to see you all out there, and thank you for your support and understanding in the meantime.”
Featured image by Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images
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