Initially conceived as a passion project by Nikki Sixx, the renowned bassist of Mötley Crüe, Sixx:A.M. emerged as a creative escape for him to produce a musical companion to his compelling memoir, The Heroin Diaries. This memoir not only chronicled his tumultuous journey through addiction but also captured the hearts of many, ultimately becoming a New York Times bestseller. The endeavor quickly transcended beyond mere personal expression, evolving into a successful musical venture.
The unexpected success of the lead single, “Life is Beautiful,” from the The Heroin Diaries soundtrack, soared to become a Top 5 hit on rock radio, catalyzing a series of eleven additional successful tracks that followed suit. The talented trio, which includes James Michael as the vocalist and DJ Ashba as the guitarist, released five albums over the years. However, after a period of prolific activity, the group announced a hiatus in 2021, marking a significant pause in their musical journey.
Now, the band is revisiting their legacy with the release of Prayers for the Damned & Blessed, set to launch on June 6. This collection, available on collector’s vinyl and various streaming platforms, masterfully combines their two albums from 2016, Prayers for the Damned and Prayers for the Blessed, while also adding enticing bonus tracks that enhance the overall experience for fans.
READ MORE: Sixx:A.M. Details ‘Prayers for the Damned & Blessed’ Deluxe Set
“From the very beginning, we had a clear vision that we intended to create two records,” shares James Michael in a recent interview with UCR, which you can catch on the UCR Podcast. “This was a concept we discussed with our label, who were supportive of our bold approach. As we began the songwriting process, each song required careful consideration regarding whether it would fit into Blessed or Damned. We were crafting a storyline that demanded thoughtful placement of each track.” [But]
“Though it was a thrilling challenge, we quickly realized the magnitude of what we had taken on. We were also juggling tours at the time, which made it an even more daunting task. At one point, we found ourselves wondering if we had overcommitted. Yet, we persevered, continuously writing and refining our songs until we felt we had curated a cohesive collection that told a compelling narrative.” he reflects.
Watch Sixx:A.M.’s ‘We Will Not Go Quietly’ Video
For Michael, the release of the two albums symbolized a pivotal moment in their evolution as a band. “By this point, we had embraced our identity as a touring band. Our songwriting process was now heavily influenced by our experiences on stage, allowing us to make adjustments to ensure that the songs would resonate with our live audience,” he explains. “In contrast, our earlier records were more studio-focused, lacking that live performance perspective. Blessed and Damned truly reflect our growth as a band, having gained insight from extensive touring. We had come to terms with the fact that we were a band committed to performing live, which transformed our creative process.” [and]
What Lies Ahead for Sixx:A.M.?
Currently, Michael has shifted gears in his career, stating he is largely retired and engaging in “very little music.” However, he has recently embarked on a new journey by launching a podcast where he delves into his rich experiences within the music industry. Additionally, he is sharing his knowledge and passion for music by teaching at a local performing arts school in Northern Ireland, where he resides. While he expresses his joy in seeing the two albums released together, the future for Sixx:A.M. remains uncertain. Reflecting on their past, he notes, “Although we never explicitly addressed it, there was an unspoken understanding that this would serve as the period at the end of our sentence,” he recalls. “The process of writing, producing, recording, and touring was exhausting. It felt overwhelming at times, and by the end, we collectively sensed that pursuing this path again might not be feasible.” [these two albums were]
Listen to Sixx:A.M.’s ‘Prayers for the Damned’
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