It had been about 35-years, countless scandals, rehab sessions and multiple celebrity ex-marriages since Mötley Crüe first pulled on their spandex trousers and took to the stage.
But the end is in sight, with Friday's Abu Dhabi show part of their Farewell Tour. The band were never the biggest of the punk-influenced exponents of 1980s LA hair rock, but they were undeniably one of the first. Their 1981 debut album, Too Fast for Love, predating the likes of Guns n' Roses' multi-platinum selling Appetite for Destruction by six years.
Although the relatively cosy crowd at du Arena was testament to the fact the Crüe never challenged the likes of 1980s metal peers such as G n’R or Bon Jovi in terms of sales, their cult status meant every member of the audience was a devotee, singing along to every song, revelling in every exhortation from frontman Vince Neil, and loving every explosion and fire-burst that erupted on Crüe’s notoriously busy stage.
Opening with a pair of classics – Girls, Girls, Girls and Wild Side – the momentum rarely slipped. All the favourites were dusted off, from early mainstays such as Shout at the Devil and Smokin' in the Boys Room to their biggest hit, Dr Feelgood, and the bluesy feel-good rocker Same Old Situation.
What was, perhaps, most impressive about the gig was not so much the songs as the sheer level of camaraderie and enjoyment that still exuded from the band. The Crüe have always been known as showmen and, remarkably, considering their hard-living history, that remains true to this day.
Sure, the heydays when drummer Tommy Lee could reasonably demand revolving drum cages or taking his kit on a rollercoaster ride over the heads of the audience from obedient promoters may be behind them, but they still put heart and soul into the performance, and the obvious bond between the members onstage was clear throughout.
The stage show was as bombastic as ever – most of the set was on fire at one point or another, and Nikki Sixx’s flame-throwing bass guitar was in full effect, to the delight of fans.
I've seen Mötley Crüe several times over the years – something a would-be serious music critic possibly shouldn't admit – and although traditional set-closer Home Sweet Home has always given a strangely emotional twist to the end of an otherwise outrageous gig, there was an added poignancy last night.
Perhaps a little bit of youth died in all of us, knowing that these perennial festival favourites will soon be retire from the stage forever.
cnewbould@thenational.ae
SPECS
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Nayanthara: Beyond The Fairy Tale
Starring: Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan, Radhika Sarathkumar, Nagarjuna Akkineni
Director: Amith Krishnan
Rating: 3.5/5
Champion%20v%20Champion%20(PFL%20v%20Bellator)
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What went into the film
25 visual effects (VFX) studios
2,150 VFX shots in a film with 2,500 shots
1,000 VFX artists
3,000 technicians
10 Concept artists, 25 3D designers
New sound technology, named 4D SRL
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Mamo
Year it started: 2019 Founders: Imad Gharazeddine, Asim Janjua
Based: Dubai, UAE
Number of employees: 28
Sector: Financial services
Investment: $9.5m
Funding stage: Pre-Series A Investors: Global Ventures, GFC, 4DX Ventures, AlRajhi Partners, Olive Tree Capital, and prominent Silicon Valley investors.
SUNDAY'S ABU DHABI T10 MATCHES
Northern Warriors v Team Abu Dhabi, 3.30pm
Bangla Tigers v Karnataka Tuskers, 5.45pm
Qalandars v Maratha Arabians, 8pm
The specs
Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cylinder
Transmission: CVT auto
Power: 181bhp
Torque: 244Nm
Price: Dh122,900
Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League final:
Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports
BLACK%20ADAM
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AT%20A%20GLANCE
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How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
RIVER%20SPIRIT
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Quarter-finals
Saturday (all times UAE)
England v Australia, 11.15am
New Zealand v Ireland, 2.15pm
Sunday
Wales v France, 11.15am
Japan v South Africa, 2.15pm
THE BIO
Ms Davison came to Dubai from Kerala after her marriage in 1996 when she was 21-years-old
Since 2001, Ms Davison has worked at many affordable schools such as Our Own English High School in Sharjah, and The Apple International School and Amled School in Dubai
Favourite Book: The Alchemist
Favourite quote: Failing to prepare is preparing to fail
Favourite place to Travel to: Vienna
Favourite cuisine: Italian food
Favourite Movie : Scent of a Woman
Company%C2%A0profile
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SPECS
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