The issue started last week when Vedder was quoted in a New York Times interview explaining his distaste for the 1980s metal scene while referencing the Los Angeles outfit.
“You know, I used to work in San Diego loading gear at a club,” explained Vedder. “I’d end up being at shows that I wouldn’t have chosen to go to — bands that monopolized late-’80s MTV. The metal bands that — I’m trying to be nice — I despised. ‘Girls, Girls, Girls’ and Mötley Crüe: [expletive] you. I hated it. I hated how it made the fellas look. I hated how it made the women look. It felt so vacuous. Guns N’ Roses came out and, thank God, at least had some teeth.”
Sixx responded to the interview days later on social media, saying: “Made me laugh today reading how much the singer in Pearl Jam hated @MotleyCrue. Now considering that they’re one of the most boring bands in history it’s kind of a compliment isn’t it?”
Fast forward to this past Sunday…touring in support of his new album, “Earthling” – which arrives this Friday – Vedder made a subtle reference to Motley Crue without using their name during his introduction to Chad Smith’s drum solo at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.
“That drum kit, that silver, beautiful machine that he is the engine of,” said Vedder, “does not need to elevate or rotate to do its job — let me just point that out!”
The singer’s comments specifically reference Tommy Lee’s drum kit, which in the past has made headlines with its use of hydraulics to rotate and raise it above the stage and over the audience, among other things.
As of press time, there appears to be no response by Sixx or Lee to Vedder’s remarks.
Fans will get to see the latest version of Lee’s drum set when Motley Crue launches a US stadium tour with Def Leppard and others in June.
See also:
Eddie Vedder slams Motley Crue and Nikki Sixx responds
Eddie Vedder streams new single Brother The Cloud
Eddie Vedder reveals Earthling album track list
Pearl Jam host free No Code concert livestream
Search Pearl Jam at hennemusic
