The First 21: A Memoir
Nikki Sixx is one of the most respected, recognizable, and entrepreneurial icons in the music industry. As the founder of Mötley Crüe who is now in his twenty-first year of sobriety, Sixx is incredibly passionate about his craft and wonderfully open about his life in rock and roll, and as a person of the world. Born Franklin Carlton Feranna on December 11, 1958, young Frankie was abandoned by his father and partly raised by his mother, a woman who was ahead of her time but deeply troubled. Frankie ended up living with his grandparents, bouncing from farm to farm and state to state. He was an all-American kid—hunting, fishing, chasing girls, and playing football—but underneath it all, there was a burning desire for more, and that more was music. He eventually took a Greyhound bound for Hollywood.
In Los Angeles, Frank lived with his aunt and his uncle—the president of Capitol Records—for a short time. But there was no easy path to the top. He was soon on his own. There were dead-end jobs: dipping circuit boards, clerking at liquor and record stores, selling used light bulbs, and hustling to survive. But at night, Frank honed his craft, joining Sister, a band formed by fellow hard-rock veteran Blackie Lawless, and formed a group of his own: London, the precursor of Mötley Crüe. Turning down an offer to join Randy Rhoads’ band, Frank changed his name to Nikki London, Nikki Nine, and, finally, Nikki Sixx. Like Huck Finn with a stolen guitar, he had a vision: a group that combined punk, glam, and hard rock into the biggest, most theatrical and irresistible package the world had ever seen. With hard work, passion, and some luck, the vision manifested in reality—and this is a profound true story finding identity, of how Frank Feranna became Nikki Sixx. And it’s a road map to the ways you can overcome anything, and achieve all of your goals, if only you put your mind to it.
Embark on a captivating journey through the tumultuous life of Nikki Sixx, the iconic bassist of Mötley Crüe, in his compelling memoir, "The First 21: A Memoir." This raw and unflinching account delves into the formative years of a rock and roll legend, offering an intimate glimpse into the trials, tribulations, and triumphs that shaped his extraordinary career.
With an unvarnished narrative style, Sixx transports readers back to his humble beginnings in Seattle, Washington, where his childhood was marked by instability, poverty, and a yearning for connection. Through evocative prose, he paints a vivid picture of his troubled upbringing, detailing the challenges he faced growing up in broken homes and navigating the foster care system.
As Sixx navigates the complexities of adolescence, he discovers solace in music, finding a sense of purpose and belonging in the raw power of rock and roll. With unwavering determination, he embarks on a musical odyssey, forming bands and honing his skills as a bassist, all while battling personal demons and societal pressures.
Sixx candidly recounts his descent into addiction, vividly capturing the highs and lows of his tumultuous journey. He delves into the depths of his struggles with drugs and alcohol, shedding light on the self-destructive tendencies that nearly derailed his life. His honesty and vulnerability allow readers to connect with his experiences, offering a cautionary tale about the perils of addiction.
Amidst the chaos and despair, Sixx's unwavering passion for music remains a beacon of hope. He chronicles his early days in Los Angeles, where he encounters like-minded musicians and forms the legendary Mötley Crüe. With their explosive live performances and unapologetic attitude, Mötley Crüe quickly rises to fame, catapulted into the stratosphere of rock and roll stardom.
"The First 21" is a testament to the transformative power of music and the indomitable spirit of a man who refused to be defined by his past. It is a story of redemption, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. Through Sixx's captivating storytelling, readers are taken on a wild ride through the highs and lows of a rock and roll lifestyle, leaving them with a newfound appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit.
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