I was working away at my computer when a phrase caught my eye: “All good things must come to an end.” In a world saturated with ads, it’s no surprise that the Internet always seems to know our interests. This one was about the Mötley Crüe farewell tour making a stop in my town that weekend. Truth be told, I hadn’t been keeping up with the latest news in the metal scene. Blame it on busy mom life, soccer practices, or perhaps the endless scroll through Pinterest, but I had no idea Mötley Crüe was disbanding. I wasn’t even sure they were still producing new music—my playlist still feels like it’s stuck in the late 2000s.
Is this truly a band breakup, or just another clever tactic to boost ticket sales? I’ve always viewed farewell tours with skepticism, anticipating a reunion tour shortly after. Bands often part ways due to disagreements, legal troubles, or personal battles, only to reunite later for a nostalgic comeback tour. I find myself out of the loop when it comes to the music world, thanks in part to my kids who have me immersed in their favorite shows. While I may not know the latest hits, I can easily sing along to whatever’s popular on kid-friendly channels. My minivan lacks satellite radio, as my little ones usually prefer watching DVDs or creating their own delightful chaos.
If I were to compile a list of my top favorite ’80s metal bands, Mötley Crüe would undoubtedly top the chart. I’ve seen them perform live twice, and I often reminisce about the vibrant late ’80s and ’90s when long hair and leopard print were all the rage.
Seeing that ad felt like a personal invitation from Nikki Sixx himself, so I urged my husband to arrange for a sitter and snag some tickets. Attending a metal concert in my 40s is a far cry from my 20s. Instead of meticulously planning my outfit, I opted for whatever was clean and appropriate at the last minute. My focus during the concert shifted from proximity to the stage to simply enjoying the show without being trampled by enthusiastic fans. Do people still throw their underwear on stage?
Now, as a 40-something, I find myself remembering to bring cash for the babysitter and scouting out early dinner specials, since late nights are a luxury of the past. Yet, the thrill of anticipation before the show was just as palpable as it was decades ago. I cranked up my favorite ’80s metal tracks, taking a trip down memory lane to my earlier Crüe concerts—one of which, if I’m honest, is a bit hazy.
On the way to the venue, my husband and I chatted about our kids (of course) and debated whether we should replace the aging water heater now or hold off until next year. If that doesn’t embody the essence of adulthood, I’m not sure what does.
I was ready to rock out and enjoy a fantastic performance. The show did not disappoint. It quickly became evident that this was not merely a gimmicky farewell tour. The Jumbotron flashed hashtags for social media—how things have changed! One hashtag that stood out was #RIPMOTLEYCRUE. Throughout the two-hour show, “for the last time” echoed repeatedly as Vince, Tommy, and Nikki shared nostalgic moments. With flair and fireworks, they made it clear this was truly goodbye. They played with passion, and if any of it was staged, I was completely fooled.
As I sang along and played air guitar from my seat (no shame!), a wave of nostalgia washed over me. Mötley Crüe had been a part of my life for 34 years. I can still vividly recall the day in 1983 when I bought “Too Fast for Love” on vinyl, dancing around my room and daydreaming about a glamorous life with Nikki Sixx by my side.
As the final show approaches on New Year’s Eve, I feel a sense of sadness. It’s not just about missing their music; Mötley Crüe hit their peak long ago, and their best work is forever encapsulated in my playlist. The members have aged, just like their fans—myself included. Vince Neil doesn’t have the same physique he did in 1988, and I don’t either.
If Mötley Crüe continued touring, there would eventually come a time when they wouldn’t fill the big venues anymore. It’s a tough pill to swallow, witnessing a band you adored in your youth performing at smaller venues. Trust me, I learned this the hard way when I saw Bret Michaels at a local event in Missouri.
So, hats off to Mötley Crüe for gracefully bowing out, yet their farewell has forced me to confront my own mortality, something I never anticipated while driving home from a rock concert. While it was exhilarating to relive my younger days, a part of me feels like I lost a fragment of my youth as “Home Sweet Home” played its last note.
Music evokes a powerful sense of nostalgia, stirring a whirlwind of emotions. I’m grateful for those eight words that flashed across my screen that day. All good things must come to an end. Indeed, they do. As they famously sang: seasons must change—separate paths, separate ways.
Cheers to you, Mötley Crüe. You’re leaving, but not in anger. Thank you for 34 incredible years. I can honestly say I remember most of them.
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Summary:
In this reflective piece, Jenna Collins shares her experience attending the farewell concert of the legendary band Mötley Crüe, highlighting the bittersweet emotions tied to their departure and the nostalgia that music evokes. From reminiscing about her youth to confronting the realities of aging and change, she illustrates how the end of an era can bring about a sense of loss, even amidst the excitement of a live performance.