Tommy Lee Threatened by Ex-Guitarist Over Band Secrets: Drama Unfolds
via Igor S / YouTube
Recent comments from guitarist Johnny Jetson have stirred renewed attention toward the early days of Tommy Lee’s short-lived rap-metal project, Methods of Mayhem. Jetson publicly claimed he was not only part of the band’s initial formation but also privy to behind-the-scenes struggles that contributed to his exit. The guitarist shared these statements through a personal post reflecting on the past and hinting at unresolved tensions.
Tommy Lee quickly dismissed Jetson’s claims, responding with a brief but pointed Instagram comment. His reply instantly fueled online discussion, prompting fans to revisit the chaotic and experimental era in which Methods of Mayhem was born. With the band’s early lineup known for constant rotation and high-profile collaborations, questions began resurfacing about who truly contributed to what during its formative period.
The resurfaced conflict revives a chapter of Lee’s career often overshadowed by his more public controversies and Mötley Crüe commitments. Jetson’s remarks—half critical, half humorous—shed new light on a turbulent time marked by creative experimentation, shifting personnel, and personal chaos surrounding Lee’s life in the late ’90s.
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Jetson’s Claims and the Fallout
In his post, Jetson stated he was the original guitarist when Lee first assembled the project, which was then tentatively named The Outsiderz. He recalled collaborating closely with Lee and developing early material that included contributions from major artists like Snoop Dogg. According to Jetson, creative chemistry between him and Lee was strong in the beginning.
However, Jetson said individuals in Lee’s circle pushed for a guitarist capable of playing a seven-string guitar, which he believes became the justification for replacing him. He explained that he was ultimately let go while touring with Space Age Playboys, though he claims he was unbothered because the band’s direction had begun shifting away from what he felt was authentic. He added sarcastic jabs, including a joke that Snoop Dogg still owed him $40.
Tommy Lee’s response was short: “I have no idea who TF this is?? Johnny Jetson?? Or his dog Elroy.” The tone suggested either genuine confusion or complete dismissal of Jetson’s involvement. This abrupt reaction only intensified the debate around Jetson’s role, causing fans to question the accuracy of everyone’s recollection during that whirlwind era.
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The Origins of Methods of Mayhem
Methods of Mayhem was formed in 1999 during one of the most volatile periods of Lee’s personal life. He had temporarily left Mötley Crüe, was dealing with ongoing legal issues, and was navigating a high-profile divorce from Pamela Anderson. The project became a creative outlet for frustration and reinvention, blending elements of rap, metal, and electronic music.
The band emerged from Lee’s collaboration with rapper TiLo, and its early structure was far from stable. Reports from the time highlight a rotating cast of guitarists—including Kai Marcus, Phil X, Danny Lohner, Ken Andrews, and Scott Phaff—supporting Jetson’s implication that many musicians passed through the lineup. Lee himself filled multiple roles, handling vocals, rhythm guitar, drums, and percussion.
Their self-titled 1999 debut album was commercially successful, earning gold status and featuring major guest artists such as Snoop Dogg, Fred Durst, and The Crystal Method. Songs like “Ill Behavior” showcased the band’s crossover ambitions and the star-studded environment surrounding Lee at the time. Even Nikki Sixx acknowledged the album’s impact, calling it “pretty good for what it is.”
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Where Jetson’s Story Fits In
The original incarnation of Methods of Mayhem dissolved in September 2000, just over a year after its high-energy debut. The group toured heavily throughout 2000, including performing at Ozzfest, before Lee eventually returned to Mötley Crüe and shifted his focus back to mainstream projects. With such rapid movement in and out of the band, gaps in the historical record are unsurprising.
Jetson’s timeline—that he worked with Methods of Mayhem early on and was replaced during a separate tour—fits within the band’s active period. The band’s frequent lineup changes lend credibility to his claims that he contributed during the formative stages before being quietly phased out. His comments also echo the chaotic environment that defined Lee’s creative ventures during that time.
Whether Lee genuinely does not remember Jetson or simply chose to dismiss the claims remains unclear. But Jetson’s remarks and Lee’s reaction highlight how fragmented and contentious memories can be when tied to fast-moving, high-pressure music projects. As fans revisit the band’s origins, the revived drama adds another unpredictable twist to the already wild backstory of Methods of Mayhem.
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