Chad Gray From Mudvayne Thinks Motley Crue Should Just “Bow Out”
via Jesea Lee / Youtube
Mudvayne’s lead singer, Chad Gray, shared his thought on why he believes it might be time for the iconic rock band Mötley Crüe to consider stepping back. Growing up, Gray was significantly influenced by Mötley Crüe’s music, particularly their early albums. However, he is not as impressed with where the band stands today.
Reflecting on Mötley Crüe’s Evolution
In an honest discussion on The Jesea Lee Show, Gray expressed his deep appreciation for Mötley Crüe’s first two albums, 1981’s Too Fast for Love and 1983’s Shout at the Devil. “That opening riff to ‘Live Wire’ was, like, ‘What?’ I knew music and I knew good music — but that was something else. It really got me,” he recalled, showing how the band’s music initially captured his imagination and led him to explore heavier metal genres.
Gray’s journey with metal music began with Mötley Crüe, but as his tastes evolved, so did his expectations from the band. When Mötley Crüe released Theatre of Pain in 1985, Gray felt disconnect due to the band’s shift toward a more glam rock appearance, moving away from their metal roots. Despite this, he still considers the track “Home Sweet Home” as timeless, acknowledging Nikki Sixx and Mick Mars for their exceptional songwriting and musical skills.
However, Gray’s current views on Mötley Crüe are mixed. While reflecting on recent developments within the band, particularly Mick Mars’ openness to future collaborations, Gray suggested, “I mean at this point dude, I would just bow out. It’s not the same.” He clarified that his criticism comes from a place of affection and the significant role the band played in his life, which makes it tough for him to watch their transformation. “It hits me in such a pure place, and to see it just kind of turn into whatever… it’s hard for me to watch,” Gray shared.
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Acknowledging Individual Talents and Reflecting on Aging in the Industry
Despite his feelings towards the band as a whole, Gray acknowledged the individual talents within Mötley Crüe, particularly pointing out Tommy Lee’s undeniable skill as a drummer. “Tommy Lee is still a beast on the drums,” he said, showcasing his appreciation for his peer.
On the topic of the challenges musicians face as they age, Gray spoke candidally about the inevitable changes in vocal capabilities. “You lose some of your register and frequency, your pitch will drop. That’s just nature. ‘Cause it has with me — my resonant pitch has definitely dropped. I can still get up there, but it’s weird,” he explained, offering a glimpse into the realities of maintaining vocal performance over time.
Gray’s insights provide a compelling look at the fluctuations within the music industry and the personal impact it has on artists who grow up admiring certain bands. While his thoughts on Mötley Crüe stepping back might stir up discussions among fans, it’s clear that his comments stem from a deep-rooted respect and personal connection to the music that shaped his own path in the industry.
For more insights from Chad Gray and his views on music, the full interview is available below:
