The 1980s:
- Multi-Platinum Albums: Motley Crüe gained recognition with the release of their debut album "Too Fast for Love" in 1981. Their subsequent albums, including "Shout at the Devil" (1983), "Theatre of Pain" (1985), and "Girls, Girls, Girls" (1987), all achieved multi-platinum sales certifications, indicating their widespread popularity.
- Headlining Tours and Stadium Shows: The band's live performances became a hallmark of their popularity. They embarked on extensive headlining tours, selling out arenas and stadiums across the United States and other countries.
The 1990s and Beyond:
- Continued Success: Motley Crüe maintained their popularity in the early 1990s with the release of albums such as "Dr. Feelgood" (1989) and "Mötley Crüe" (1994), which continued to achieve platinum sales.
- Music Videos and Media Coverage: The band's music videos, known for their outrageous visuals and provocative content, gained significant airplay on MTV and helped expand their fan base. They also received substantial media attention for their flamboyant lifestyles, which contributed to their notoriety.
- Reunions and Farewell Tour: Motley Crüe disbanded in 1999 after a farewell tour, but they later reunited in 2004 and continued to tour periodically. Their final world tour, "The Final Tour," took place in 2014-2015 and grossed over $150 million.
Motley Crüe's popularity and influence can be attributed to their aggressive and energetic musical style, their uninhibited stage presence, and the larger-than-life personalities of their members. They are widely regarded as one of the most iconic heavy metal bands of all time, having sold over 100 million albums worldwide and leaving a lasting impact on the music industry.