Former Godsmack drummer Shannon Larkin recently issued a public apology to Motley Crue’s Nikki Sixx. The controversy arose as Larkin claimed Sixx was using backing tracks during live performances. Sixx had previously responded with a sharp message suggesting Larkin may have been motivated by jealousy over the band’s success.
In a heartfelt and candid statement, Larkin clarified that he never planned to single out Sixx maliciously. He explained that his comments were taken out of context and that he used Sixx merely as an example during a broader discussion about backing tracks in live shows.
“I put my two cents in it, and then where I messed up and started this f*cking drama is I used Nikki Sixx as an example of someone that I’ve seen singing at a mic and then walking away from it and his vocal’s still going or whatever, or the bass thing, whatever it is. And I called him out, I guess, but I didn’t… Like I said, it was taken out of context because I was talking about the whole thing and then I kind of said, ‘Like Nikki Sixx does when he’s at the mic,’” Larkin said.
Jimmy Larkin publicly apologized to Nikki Sixx, saying he never intended to attack him personally. Larkin expressed deep admiration for Sixx, calling him a legend who fully deserves his success, accolades, and legacy.
He also noted that he has been a longtime fan, owning Mötley Crüe’s original Leathür Records release, and emphasized that his comments came from respect rather than malice.
“So I wanna make an open letter to Nikki Sixx. And I’m looking at Nikki Sixx, I’m looking at you, and I’m talking to you. You’ll probably never see this. And I didn’t think you’d ever even respond or hopefully wouldn’t see the thing, but I had nothing to do with that,” he continued. “That’s why I’m apologizing. I was not doing that to attack you. I had f*cking your first record on Leathür Records [Mötley Crüe’s original record label]. I have nothing but respect for you. You’re a legend, and you deserve all the accolades that you’ve gotten and every award and all those gold records, platinum records, all that shit — you deserve all that.”
Larkin was also clear that his original comments were not meant as an attack on the use of backing tracks in general. He then noted that the practice is widespread in the industry.
“I made the mistake, which I’m apologizing for, sincerely too. Look at my eyes talking to you, because I’m sorry. I used you as an example. I’m one of those guys that’s I’m on the… I don’t do the tracks, but I have nothing against bands that do. And fuck, 80% of bands probably run the tracks. I don’t give a f*ck,” he said. “I wasn’t trying to get publicity, and you’re so famous, though, that I mentioned you in a sentence just as an example, and I shouldn’t have done that ’cause people take the track thing negatively. But I was being on the fence about the whole issue and just giving my opinion on what I felt.”
He went on to highlight that he has no interest in feuds and reiterated his sincerity throughout.
“I don’t like beefs. I don’t like that L.A. f*cking, like how you guys all hate each other and shit. Beefs suck, and I don’t want to be in a beef. And I didn’t do this for f*cking publicity. I don’t give a f*ck. I walked away from this shit,” Larkin said. “I’m sincere when I say I have utmost respect for you, and you deserve everything that you have and got… It just popped in my head because it was just an obvious example. I’m sorry for that.”
Larkin concluded with a final, direct message to Sixx, urging him to take the apology at face value.
“I hope you see it and just f*cking take me for real and know that I am sorry for saying it, for using you like that. But it wasn’t for what you think it was for, for this f*cking press and attention… I was not starting shit… And so, for what it’s worth, you don’t know who I am, but you can sleep at night knowing I do respect you, and I didn’t mean to call you out like that. That was bullshit. Anyway, f*ck it. I’m done. I’ve been talking to you, man, and I’m sorry. And that’s the truth.”
