Nikki Sixx

Although singer Vince Neil is the focal point for many Mötley Crüe fans, the band's heart and soul (not to mention their leader) is bassist/founding member Nikki Sixx. Born Frank Carlton Serafino Ferrana on December 11, 1958, in San Jose, CA, Ferrana was abandoned by his father at an early age and raised by his mother, who was a singer in Frank Sinatra's band at one point, as well as other relatives. Subsequently, the youngster moved around a lot. By his teens, Ferrana became fed up with his troubled home life and resorted to crime, at times living on the streets and selling drugs to get by (including a brief stint in a Seattle juvenile detention center). Becoming increasingly intrigued by The Rolling Stones as well as '70s glam rock and heavy metal (Sweet, Stooges, New York Dolls, Aerosmith, Kiss, Alice Cooper, Cheap Trick, etc.), Ferrana decided to pursue music. His first instrument was a stolen guitar, which was later exchanged for bass guitar, as he joined a series of bands. While living in Idaho with his grandparents, Ferrana decided that if he was ever going to make it as a rocker, he would have to move to Los Angeles. A bus ticket was soon purchased, and Ferrana was en route to the City of Angels.

Read More