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97 of 103 found the following review helpful:
 Lewd, Crude, Rude, and -(what?)- Sensitive! Jul 31, 2001
By doomsdayer520
This autobiography strongly resembles the Aerosmith book "Walk This Way" from a few years ago. You start out with the band's early days of non-stop partying, drugs, and chicks, and it's like the fun never stops. Then the story gets darker as the drugs take their toll and everyone loses their friends, money, and careers (at least temporarily). This pattern is clearly evident in the Motley Crue book, and to an even more extreme level than Aerosmith. The debauchery of the early years is truly excessive and explosive. If you love to act that way yourself, or do it vicariously by reading about the exploits of others, then you'll love those portions of this book. The only drawback is lurid descriptions of degrading things being done to women.When the darkness sets in, I was surprised by the senstive and emotional writing of the guys in the band. Mick Mars (an extremly funny guy) discusses his painful bone disease that will probably lead to his early demise, Nikki Sixx (who's more intelligent than I imagined) talks about his traumatic childhood and family life, and Tommy Lee (a real sweetheart) includes his letters to Pamela from prison and shows a deep love for his sons. The most moving part of the book is when Vince Neil (who I don't think is a very cool person otherwise) discusses the death of his four-year old daughter from cancer, and how it changed his entire outlook on life. This book also avoids the pitfalls of many biographies (and history books) by covering all time periods equally, instead of ignoring recent history at the expense of the glorified good old days. There's good coverage of the band's years with temporary singer John Corabi, and their recent not-so-glamorous struggles with the changing musical landscape. The only problem in this regard is the lack of dates and specific historical information, if you're the type that wants to know exactly when things happened. Otherwise, this was an extremely entertaining book, covering the expected rock star excesses with a surprising amount of realism and sensitivity. Good for both Crue fans and general rock fans alike.
97 of 118 found the following review helpful:
 THEATRE OF PAIN...INDEED! Feb 09, 2002
By M. Grant
"MacGyver of the Books"
I'm not a fan of Motley Crue (the people or their music) but this book came to my attention through all of the stories I have heard over the years. As far as rock biographies go, it's a fast paced read. Motley Crue epitomizes the message of "Sex, Drugs, and Rock N' Roll!" So since there are so many other reviews I think I'll just share what I have learned about the band members through their 430 page opus. Vince Neil has the most penultimate tear-jerker in the chapter that deals with the death of his daughter. In a book made to shock and astonish, this was as touching a moment as anything I have read. Beyond his love and loss, he comes off like a stand-up guy who enjoys the life style and isn't making excuses. Nikki Sixx had a rough childhood and has so many father-son issues it's not even funny. While I respect the fact that he's been through more turmoil than I'll ever know...get over it. There's nothing more pathetic than listening to rock star millionaires pining away about how sad they are. I guess money can't buy happiness. Mick Mars has the least to say in this book and this left me the most intrigued. He has battled rough times from personal illness to divorce to just plain being the victim of emotional abuse. I'm amazed he stayed with the band as long as he has. His is the true sad story in The Dirt. Tommy Lee...moron. Here is the epitome of a millionaire jerk who just never learns. How a guy like this managed to bag babes like Heather Locklear, Pamela Anderson, and Carmen Electra...is beyond me. Don't expect to learn anything from his chapters except to see a spoiled baby who is used to getting anything he wants, and if he doesn't then the tantrums start...then and now. It's a testament to this book that I enjoyed reading it. The chapters flow quickly telling each band member's story and author Neil Strauss never slows down. And unlike biographies by other rock groups, these characters actually have some bizarre stories to tell...and how they survived is beyond me. While I may not be racing out to buy any Crue music, I'm very happy that I read this biography.
41 of 49 found the following review helpful:
 Not A Crue Fan But A Great Read Nonetheless May 21, 2004
By Tate Hemlock
"invisibledj"
I'll be honest with you, I am not a Motley Crue fan. I can't think of a single song they do that doesn't make me cringe. HOWEVER, I can understand why others might like them so I am not going to sit here and diss on them. When I saw this book I was intrigued enough to flip through it. I read a few passages and decided to start at the beginning. Every member of the Crue has the chance to speak their mind and the author does a good job of letting them do it in their own voice (though Tommy Lee's excessive use of the word "dude" has the effect of nails on a chalkboard). Everything from the band's execessive drug use to the fights and wild sexual escapades are covered in great detail. Nikki Sixx, though bitter, comes across as the most sensible. His anger and family history is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the book. Unfortunately, the tragedy of Vince Neil's daughter's death should have been emotional but he diminishes the impact by continuing to namedrop and act the braggart. As the most unlikeable character in the book, talking about his daughter's death should have gained my sympathy but it didn't. Maybe he really did throw up on Kelsey Grammar but the way he talks it's like he has this air of superiority and arrogance ("I know Kelsey Grammar and Shannon Doherty and you don't"), when in fact he is really nothing more than a second rate David Lee Roth. Also, Tommy Lee's assertion that the Crue should have played with real bands like Iggy Pop and Husker Du instead of pop-metal fluff like Warrant and Poison really bugged me. It's as if he and Nikki mistakenly thought they were in a band of the same calibre of the Stooges or Pistols and were oblivious to the fact that they were a fluffy pop metal band. All the band members diss on their contemporaries (Guns N Roses, etc) as if they were somehow better than them. Motley Crue started the whole pop metal genre and imitation is the most sincere form of flattery so it's kind of sad when they call Poison and Whitesnake lame. Still, if you want to read about weird sex orgies, mass drug use, big brawls, wasted money and celebrity dirt then you will enjoy this book. I even enjoyed it. I still don't like Motley Crue though.
14 of 15 found the following review helpful:
Wow! Man, be prepared to be blown away! May 22, 2001
By PJ
Most people know that Motley Crue was/is a crazy band. We know the stories of them dating playboy playmates, getting crazy with Ozzy Osbourne and doing crazy drugs. But, in The Dirt, you get all the nasty, gutrenching information on one of the greatest Rock N Roll bands to ever walk this earth. The book covers each of the band members childhood. To the suprising story of Vince Neil growing up on Compton, CA and already getting hot chicks at age 16, to Nikki's very strange and sad childhood. The book covers the Crue's early days of partying, which should warn people to be get ready to be shocked, amused, grossed out, stunned and freaked out. The book also captures each of the band members honesty. Neil Strauss not only did a great job of writing, but also getting each band member to open up. The chapater on Vince losing his daughter was very tough to read. I must admit, I got emotional. The stories about all the girls is crazy and fun to read. It makes you feel want to be one of the guy's so much, but then you read about how these guys have sufferd in life as well. Not just with heavy drug use, but losing money and family. At the end of the book, you will most likely take a deep breath and say...Wow! I cannot believe these guys lived through all this. Weather your a Motley Crue fan or even a Rock N Roll fan for that matter, this book is a must read. I always thought only a movie and not a book could blow me away, but I was very wrong after I read "The Dirt"
7 of 7 found the following review helpful:
One of the best books of the year!!! Sep 27, 2001
By Susan
First of all, I am not a Motley Crue fan and have never been one. I can't even name a song. But of course, being an avid watcher of VH1 and E!, etc. I know the members and some of their "history". The book sounded interesting so I bought a copy and sat down one night to read. Wow! I really had a difficult time putting it down. These guys are really, really out of their minds! I can't say how impressed I am by their candor. No matter what they did, they are more than willing to take responsibility for it. They give a whole new meaning to out-of-control. The writing was humorous, witty, engaging, thoughtful and emotional. So emotional at times that it was heart wrenching when Vince describes the death of his daughter, Skylar. I got so choked up! These guys get so many kudos for being embarassingly honest about their roots, behavior and image. Most stars would never be so willing to call themselves a nerd or an a--hole. Reading about how they came together and reached the peak, then toppled was truly fascinating. So many stories about celebrity interactions are also mixed in, which was great! I always suspected that Pamela was no good. Also enjoyed the chapters from the managers, former managers, etc. Very interesting to get a different version of the same story recounted in others' chapters. I do admit that I learned some new things about the female anatomy which I could have done without but that just adds to the story. This book really is a celebration of talent and where it can take you if you are willing to give it your all. It is really a shame that these talented guys got sucked in to a decadent lifestyle of booze, drugs and women that it ultimately affected their talent. They can count me as a fan albeit a late one.
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