All Good Things Must End: A Fond Farewell to Mötley Crüe

pregnant woman in blue dress with coffee muglow cost ivf

While I was at my desk one day, eight words appeared on my screen, startling me: “All good things must come to an end.” In a world flooded with ads, it was just another reminder that the Internet knows what we like. This particular message, however, was announcing the farewell tour of Mötley Crüe, stopping in my city that weekend. Admittedly, I’ve been a bit out of the loop when it comes to my favorite metal bands. Whether it’s mom-brain, endless soccer practices, or a Pinterest addiction, I had missed the memo that Mötley Crüe was disbanding. I wasn’t even sure if they were still producing music; my playlists are stuck firmly in 2008.

All good things must come to an end.

Was this truly a band breakup, or just a clever marketing ploy? Farewell tours often lead to reunion tours, after all. Bands break up for all sorts of reasons: arguments, legal troubles, rehab stints, and egos clashing. They drift apart, only to reunite with much fanfare. I can’t help but feel my kids are partly to blame for my ignorance of the current music scene. While I can effortlessly sing the theme songs from the latest Nick Jr. hits, I have no clue what’s considered “hot” today. Forget satellite radio in the minivan; our rides are usually filled with DVD requests and a cacophony of noise.

If you asked me to list my top ’80s metal bands, Mötley Crüe would undoubtedly claim the top spot. I’ve seen them perform live twice, and I can’t help but reminisce about the late ’80s and early ’90s, when rockstars with flowing hair and leopard print spandex ruled the stage.

This ad felt like a personal invite from Nikki Sixx himself, urging me to grab tickets. I turned to my husband and suggested we call the babysitter.

Going to a metal concert in my 40s is a vastly different experience than it was in my 20s. I didn’t plan my outfit for days; I simply put on whatever was clean and appropriate just a half hour before we left. I didn’t care about being close to the stage; I wanted a good view without being crushed by overly enthusiastic fans. Do people still throw their underwear at the stage?

In my 40s, attending a concert means remembering to grab cash for the sitter and searching for restaurants with early bird specials to ensure we eat before the show, as it’s typically past our bedtime by the end. Yet, despite these changes, the thrill building as the hours counted down felt just the same. I listened to my classic ’80s metal and reminisced about my first two Crüe concerts—one of which, if I’m being honest, is a bit of a blur.

On our way to the venue, my husband and I chatted about our kids (naturally) and debated whether we should replace our aging water heater now or postpone until next year. If that doesn’t scream “Decade of Decadence,” I don’t know what does.

I was eager to rock out, enjoy the show, and I was not let down. It quickly became apparent that this farewell tour was no gimmick. The Jumbotron flashed hashtags for social media, and one stood out: #RIPMOTLEYCRUE. Throughout the two-hour performance, the words “for the last time” were uttered repeatedly. Vince, Tommy, and Nikki shared heartfelt insights, emphasizing that this was truly goodbye. They played with such energy that if it was staged, they had me fooled.

As I belted out the lyrics and strummed my air guitar in my seat (no shame here), a wave of sadness washed over me. Mötley Crüe had been rocking together for 34 years, and I’ve been along for the ride almost as long. Some memories from the ’80s may be hazy, but I vividly recall the day in 1983 when I bought Too Fast for Love on vinyl. I’d dance around my room, singing into my hairbrush, dreaming of how Nikki Sixx would swoop in and whisk me away to a glamorous life in stiletto heels.

All good things must come to an end.

The last show is set for New Year’s Eve, and it weighs heavily on me. Not because I’ll miss their music; I know their best days are behind them. I can revisit those classic tracks anytime, thanks to my playlist. Vince and the gang are aging, just like their fans—myself included. Vince Neil doesn’t rock the same physique he did in 1988, but neither do I. And that’s okay.

If Mötley Crüe were to continue touring, inevitably, they would find themselves playing to smaller crowds, perhaps at county fairs or casinos. I’ve experienced that firsthand, having seen Bret Michaels perform at a rib festival in Missouri in 2010.

So here’s to Mötley Crüe for departing gracefully, even if they’ve forced me to confront my own mortality—something I never expected to ponder while driving home from a rock concert. While it was exhilarating to relive my glory days, I felt a sense of loss as a part of my youth seemed to drift away with the final notes of “Home Sweet Home.”

Music evokes powerful nostalgia, stirring emotions from joy to sorrow. I’m grateful those eight words graced my screen that day.

All good things must come to an end. Indeed, they do. As they say: Seasons must change—separate paths, separate ways. Cheers to Mötley Crüe. It seems you’re not leaving in anger, but you are leaving. Thank you for 34 incredible years. I remember most of them.

Summary

The farewell of Mötley Crüe marks not just the end of an era for the band but also prompts a wave of nostalgia for many fans, including the author. As they reflect on their youth and the changes that come with age, the bittersweet farewell serves as a reminder that all good things must come to an end.

Keyphrase: Mötley Crüe farewell tour

Tags: home insemination kit, home insemination syringe, self insemination