Due to the generosity of my buddy since sixth grade, Jason, I recently read "Tattoos & Tequila" by Vince Neil. This was his response to the best selling Motley Crue memoir "The Dirt". All I can say is this is one of the worst books I can remember reading. All he did in this book was whine. All of the bad in his life was blamed on someone or something other than him. Pretty pathetic.
I am old school (I am old, sorry) Motley Crue fan. Vince and Tommy are from our hometown and that was pretty cool growing up. Motley Crue had this something about them that pissed of parents, pissed off junior high school principals with the sight of their t-shirts and new wavers. I can remember wearing a Motley Crue shirt to school in the sixth grade and Dr. Demming, the Principal at Sunflower Junior High, just about shitting his pants at the sight of my Pomona Car Swap Meet bought, flaming Motley shirt. Ah, good times! I was not going into this book blindly.
A common thread in this book is Vince denying that he is an alcoholic. He openly admits that alcohol makes him feel normal. He has 2 DUI's, one resulting in the death of Razzle Dingley of Hanoi Rocks. That being said, there are interviews from all of Vince's ex-wive's gave their accounts of their meeting, marrying, divorcing and everything in between. The common thread there was that Vince was constantly drinking, and fucking other women. Vince openly admits that his vices are booze and pussy. When you have to have a drink or 5 to relax around people that is a sign that you may have a problem.
Another thing that is beaten to death is the strong distaste he has for his fellow band mates Nikki Sixx, Tommy Lee and Mick Mars. He is constantly saying that they are not friends but that he is just 1/4 owner in the business, so to speak. Nikki Sixx had a blurb in the book and addressed Vince's issues with the band. He said that it was unfortunate that Vince felt the way he did and then continued to sing Vince's praises. Dude is psyched to be a huge rock star and gave Vince props for help making that happen.
I noticed that so many people declined to be interviewed for this book. I can see why. This book is a turd compared to "The Dirt". I hate to compare the two, but, I did not learn anything in the book that I had not known before and after reading "Dirt".
The part of the book that was actually compelling was Vince discussing the death of his daughter Skylar. Being the father of a 3 1/2 year old son, I can never imagine losing a child. This little girl had a six pound tumor that wrapped around her insides, burst and spewed cancer throughout her body. I found myself weeping while reading the hell that little girl went through. It is amazing what children can withstand and just keep fighting. I feel for this man.
In conclusion, this book was just a big woe is me for a guy that had the world in his palm. Dude, you are one of the biggest bands in the world. That funds your chain of restaurants and ink slinging joints. You should be lucky that anyone wants to see you perform. You sing about half of the lyrics anyway! Motley needs you just as you need Motley. Admit that you have an addiction and embrace the help to stay sober.
