Stream It: 'Nothin’ But A Good Time: The Uncensored Story of ‘80s Hair Metal' Part 1

The three-part documentary, Nothin’ But A Good Time: The Uncensored Story of ‘80s Hair Metal finally premiered on Paramount+ yesterday! I watched part one and I was more entertained than I had expected. The documentary is based on the non-fiction book of the same name and does feature commentary by authors Tom Beaujour and Richard Bienstock. The doc is directed by Jeff Tremaine.

Not surprisingly, most of part 1 hinges on the very early beginnings of Sunset Strip glam. In fact, this section is simply called “The Sunset Strip.” There’s a look back at how rock was struggling in the 70s and how record labels were obsessed with new wave acts. Motley Crue and Quiet Riot get a huge portion of this first section since they were pioneers of the look and lifestyle of the heyday. WASP also gets a nice bit of airplay, even interviewing an individual who helped Blackie Lawless develop his saw-like costume pieces. They really were (are!?!) made of metal and developed at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory!

The series is smart in using cartoons to illustrate stories that have no video, like Jack Russell’s criminal history and incarceration for robbery and shooting a woman (she didn’t die) to Motley Crue biting all sorts of people like Eddie Van Halen.

There are musician interviews of course but also commentary from insiders like Tom Zutaut, Alan Niven and Doc McGhee – the usual suspects as it were.

Part one is about 45 minutes long. I didn’t check but I will assume the other two parts clock in at around the same. I am looking forward to watching part two, which I believe focuses a lot on Poison and is called “The Second Wave.”

Motley Crue Announce Hollywood 'Takeover'

This was rumored for awhile but now it is apparently fact: Motley Crue will do a Hollywood takeover and play some of the iconic rock clubs in the area.

There is a charity aspect here so that is good.

The poster below is just wrong though - using the original graphics and having John 5 in one of the squares? Crazy.

Motley Crue 35th Anniversary 'Dr. Feelgood' Set Announced

Coming out November 22, Motley Crue will release a special 35th anniversary Dr. Feelgood box set. The vinyl set is $200 and available for pre-order on Amazon and other websites. The set includes:

Limited Edition green/black 3 LP boxset remastered version of the original album, as well as rare demos and live tracks. Also featured is a 24-page replica tour book with never-before-seen and previously unpublished live and behind-the-scenes photos, a replica Dr. Feelgood Tour itinerary, poster, patch, backstage pass, live show handbill, press kit, medical envelope and guitar pick.

I have to say, I don't need to spend $200 on this but I know a lot of folks will. The package does look cool, but that's a lot of money for a package that was also a special release five years ago. The 30th anniversary set includes things like a medical bag and playing cards. I don't think the vinyl was remastered then (not sure why exactly), so that is the argument to get the new 35th edition set I guess.

I Went To A Show In Moline Once

Heather and I went to a concert in Moline a few years ago. It was actually Motley Crue, Hinder and Theory of a Deadman. We were on the floor and pretty close to the stage. I remember standing for all of Hinder's set and Heather being proud of me for that.

Seeing Mike Tramp's post below made me howl - and instantly reminded me of some Moline memories. Good times.

Do These Licks Sound Similiar?

Ok, help me out here - because I know I'm not crazy. Does the guitar bed of Filter's "Take A Picture" and Motley Crue's "Loveshine" sound freakishly similar? Like, it's something I never noticed until today. I just happened to be listening to my "All Time Faves" playlist on shuffle and the songs thus played after each other... a total mind bender.

Of course "Loveshine" came first... the track predates the Filter hit by several years. But both songs have that distinctive 90s rock sound. "Loveshine" is an example of a Motley Song that absolutely needed John Corabi - not just for vocals, but for the more complex and layered guitar parts. Corabi really complemented Mick Mars well when it comes to guitar work and the acoustic bits on "Loveshine" really make that clear.

All that said, Filter has the better song of the two - and maybe frontman and songwriter Richard Patrick took some influence from the Crue release.

Filter - "Take A Picture"

Motley Crue "Loveshine"

Motley Crue Announce 'Cancelled' EP

Coming October 4, Motley Crue will release a new EP called Cancelled. The EP features previously released "Dogs of War," a cover of the Beastie Boys classic "Fight For Your Right" plus the album's title track. I presume a full video for "Cancelled" is coming in advance of that October 4 release date as well. You can pre-order the EP now and yes, it is available on vinyl.

Motley Crue Shares Footage Of '1981' Show

The other day, Motley Crue played a "secret show" at The Bowery Ballroom in New York City. The Crue dubbed themselves as 1981 for the gig. About 600 folks got to see the intimate concert, which is very cool! It isn't very often that a big band plays in such a tiny space. Really jealous of the fans who got in!