Beyond The Leather

Chapter 157: Generation Swine

L.A

I stood in front of my suitcase, contemplating what to pack for the Live Swine Listening Party tour. My mind was a whirlwind of emotions, from excitement to nervousness. Clothes were strewn across the bed, and I carefully picked out a few comfortable outfits, making sure there was enough room for essentials for both me and our unborn baby. The thought of traveling, especially with my growing belly, brought a wave of insecurity and apprehension.

These past few weeks have been intense in our household regarding Nikki and Motley Crue's upcoming album. It started when we heard the news that Nikki and Motley Crue would be inducted into West Hollywood's Rock Walk. It was a dream come true to see them being honored in front of several hundred people for their immense contribution to rock 'n roll. I've followed Nikki's journey for years, witnessing the highs and lows, and this moment feels like a culmination of all his hard work and dedication. The Rock Walk isn't just any sidewalk; it's a gallery that celebrates legends such as Jimmy Page, James Brown, Aerosmith, Johnny Cash, The Ramones, KISS, Ozzy Osborne, BB King, Stevie Wonder, and more who have shaped rock into the universal art form it is today. Seeing Nikki's name among these greats is incredibly gratifying.

We had spent hours sorting through my wardrobe. Nikki made it a fun challenge, pulling out items and giving me his honest feedback. Some of his suggestions were laughably out of touch like the spiked leather dress I'd worn to one of my fashion shows years ago. But eventually, we found a flowing, emerald, green dress that hugged my curves in all the right places while still allowing room for my growing belly.

At the ceremony, I stood beside him, my hand firmly in his. The speeches were heartfelt, filled with stories of the band's highs and lows, their wild escapades, and their undeniable influence on rock music.

When I watched the Motley Crue guys step forward to place their handprints on the cement of the Rock Walk, a wave of pride and emotion surged through me. Nikki's face was lit with a mix of humility and joy, his hand was pressed firmly into the wet cement alongside his bandmates. That moment was a culmination of years of hard work, wild adventures, and relentless passion for their music. Seeing Nikki beaming, his eyes shining with the recognition he so deeply deserved, made my heart swell with love and admiration.

When the representative from Elektra Records stepped forward to present them with the commemorative plaque, acknowledging over thirty million records sold worldwide, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride. Nikki accepted the plaque, his expression a blend of gratitude and disbelief, and I couldn't help but feel a tear slip down my cheek. This was more than just a milestone; it was an acknowledgment of their incredible journey and the indomitable spirit that had carried them through countless challenges. At that moment, surrounded by cheering fans and fellow musicians, I knew that Nikki's legacy was immortalized not just in the annals of rock history, but in the hearts of everyone who had ever been touched by their music.

Then watching Nikki buzz with excitement over the upcoming Generation Swine tour was like witnessing a dream come to life. His energy was electric, practically infectious, as he spoke about the renewed interest in Mötley Crüe. Every time he mentioned the sold-out shows, his eyes sparkled with the same fervor he had when they first started the band. The fact that Time Magazine planned to cover their Los Angeles shows was a huge deal, and Nikki couldn't stop talking about how it felt like validation for all the hard work they'd put in over the years.

The news from Hustler Magazine about featuring Motley Crue on the cover to coincide with their big arena tour in October only added to his exhilaration. He'd been flipping through the mock-ups they sent, grinning from ear to ear. And their appearance on Howard Stern's show was the cherry on top. Nikki had come home after that broadcast, still buzzing from the experience. He told me about the fan who named his children Brandon Lee and Skylar Neil, a heartfelt homage to Vince and Tommy. It moved him deeply, reminding him of the profound impact their music had on people's lives.