Vince Neil

Vincent Neil Wharton is an American musician, best known as the lead vocalist of ‘Mötley Crüe,’ the heavy metal band he co-founded in April 1981. Neil was the last long-term group member to join the band, which was conceived in January 1981, when bassist Nikki Sixx began rehearsing with drummer Tommy Lee. They quickly decided to form a new band and began a search for possible members, bringing in guitarist Mick Mars in the process. The band was still looking for a lead vocalist. Mars saw Neil perform with the band ‘Rock Candy’ in Hollywood and suggested that they ask Neil to join the band. Lee, who knew Vince Neil from their high-school days, agreed, but Neil rejected the deal, as he was happy where he was. However, as the other members of ‘Rock Candy’ became involved in other projects, Neil grew more interested in trying something new. Thus, when Lee asked him again, Neil accepted the offer and joined ‘Mötley Crüe’ on April 1, 1981, to complete the line-up. Neil left ‘Mötley Crüe’ in 1992, following some disagreements within the band. Soon, he began a solo career. Though he was persuaded to rejoin the band in 1997, he also released four albums as a solo artist. Neil is known for his highly erratic personal life and has experienced a long list of drug and alcohol-related problems which have led to multiple arrests and convictions, including one for “vehicular manslaughter.”