The Making of Dr Feelgood by Motley Crue

Introduction

In the late summer of 1989, the world of rock music was electrified by the release of Mötley Crüe’s fifth studio album, Dr. Feelgood. It marked a significant turning point for the band, as they embarked on a journey of sobriety and musical reinvention. Produced by the legendary Bob Rock, the album not only achieved commercial success but also became a defining moment in the glam metal genre, etching its place in music history.

This article will delve into the genesis of Dr. Feelgood, exploring the recording process, its commercial performance, and the lasting impact it has had on the music industry. We will examine the creative minds behind the album, the technological intricacies of its production, and the cultural phenomena it inspired.

Reflecting on its enduring significance, Dr. Feelgood remains a seminal album, known for its polished production and the iconic tracks that continue to resonate with fans worldwide. As Nikki Sixx, the band’s bassist, once said, “It was a record that saved us, both personally and professionally.” Producer Bob Rock described the album as “a sonic masterpiece that pushed the boundaries of what the band could achieve.”

The Genesis of “Dr. Feelgood”

The late 1980s was a tumultuous time for Mötley Crüe, a band that had become synonymous with the excesses of the glam metal scene. With their previous albums, including Shout at the Devil and Girls, Girls, Girls, the band had cemented their place in the rock hierarchy, yet they were also battling personal demons. By 1989, the need for change was evident, leading to the creation of Dr. Feelgood, an album that would redefine their sound and image.

Prior to the album’s conception, Mötley Crüe had achieved significant success, but it came at a cost. The band’s lifestyle was rife with substance abuse, culminating in bassist Nikki Sixx’s near-fatal heroin overdose in 1987. This wake-up call prompted a collective decision to pursue sobriety, a decision that heavily influenced the thematic and musical direction of Dr. Feelgood.

Central to the album’s creation were the band’s core members: Vince Neil (vocals), Mick Mars (guitar), Nikki Sixx (bass), and Tommy Lee (drums). The production team was led by Bob Rock, whose meticulous approach and innovative techniques helped the band achieve a sound that was both polished and powerful.

Below is a table listing the band members and their roles:

The album’s production was financed by Elektra Records, with a substantial budget that allowed for the use of state-of-the-art recording equipment at Little Mountain Sound Studios in Vancouver. The album artwork, designed by Mark Ryden, features a caduceus with a snake wrapped around a dagger, symbolizing themes of recovery and redemption.

Recording Process

The recording of Dr. Feelgood at Little Mountain Sound Studios in Vancouver was a pivotal moment for Mötley Crüe. Known for its state-of-the-art facilities, the studio provided the perfect environment for the band to craft their most polished album to date. Bob Rock’s role as producer was instrumental, bringing his experience from working with artists like Bon Jovi and Aerosmith to the sessions.

The sessions took place over several months from 1988 to 1989, with each band member recording their parts separately to minimize conflict. This approach, while challenging, resulted in a cleaner and more refined sound. Key personnel included Randy Staub as the engineer and George Marino, who mastered the album at Sterling Sound in New York.

While specific hardware details are often shrouded in mystery, assumptions based on Little Mountain’s known capabilities at the time suggest the use of Neumann U87 microphones, SSL mixing desks, and Marshall amplifiers. Below is a table of likely hardware used:

Despite the rigorous recording process, the sessions were not without their challenges. Bob Rock’s insistence on perfection sometimes led to tension, but it ultimately resulted in an album that set new standards for the band. The next table lists other albums produced by Bob Rock:

Commercial Performance and Reception

Upon its release, Dr. Feelgood quickly climbed to the top of the charts, marking Mötley Crüe’s first number one album on the Billboard 200. The album’s commercial success was unprecedented for the band, solidifying their place in the music industry and expanding their fan base worldwide.

Globally, the album achieved significant sales, earning multi-platinum certifications in the United States, Canada, and other countries. The album’s singles, such as “Dr. Feelgood” and “Kickstart My Heart,” became radio staples, further driving its success. Below is a table of Mötley Crüe’s album sales:

The competitive landscape of 1989 was fierce, with significant releases from other rock and metal bands. Notable albums included Pump by Aerosmith [7 million], Trash by Alice Cooper [2 million], and The Real Thing by Faith No More [1 million].

• Pump by Aerosmith [7 million]
• Trash by Alice Cooper [2 million]
• The Real Thing by Faith No More [1 million]

In terms of accolades, Dr. Feelgood received a Grammy nomination for Best Hard Rock Performance and won the American Music Award for Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Album in 1991.

Singles and Track Analysis

The singles released from Dr. Feelgood played a crucial role in the album’s success, each contributing to its chart-topping status and cementing Mötley Crüe’s legacy in rock history.

Below is a table detailing the tracks on the album and their writing credits:

Note: Songs marked with * were released as singles. “Dr. Feelgood” peaked at No. 6, “Kickstart My Heart” at No. 27, and “Without You” at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100.

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Influences and Legacy

Dr. Feelgood drew upon a rich tapestry of musical influences, reflecting the band’s diverse tastes and the broader cultural trends of the time. The album’s sound was heavily inspired by the hard rock and glam metal bands of the era, including Aerosmith and Alice Cooper, while also nodding to the burgeoning hip-hop scene with its emphasis on rhythm and bass.

Below is a table highlighting the influences on the album and the artists it subsequently inspired:

Released in 1989, Dr. Feelgood coincided with a year of significant global events. The Berlin Wall fell, marking the end of the Cold War, and the Tiananmen Square protests in China highlighted the global struggle for democracy. In cinema, films like Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and Batman dominated the box office, reflecting a period of cultural transition and upheaval.

Five Things about Dr. Feelgood

Here are five intriguing facts about Dr. Feelgood:

Media and Television Usage

Many songs from Dr. Feelgood have been featured in various media, underscoring their lasting appeal. Below is a table of known media appearances:

Critical Reviews and Retrospectives

Dr. Feelgood has been the subject of numerous critical reviews and retrospectives, reflecting its status as a pivotal album in rock history. Below is a table summarizing some of these reviews:

After Dr. Feelgood

Following the release of Dr. Feelgood, Mötley Crüe experienced both triumph and turmoil. The album’s success propelled them to new heights, but the pressures of fame and the changing musical landscape soon took their toll.

After an extensive tour, the band released Decade of Decadence in 1991, a compilation that marked the end of an era as Vince Neil temporarily left the band in 1992. Despite lineup changes and varying commercial success, the band reunited with Neil in 1997, continuing to tour and release new music.

As of October 2023, Mötley Crüe remains active, with recent performances and a new EP featuring guitarist John 5, demonstrating their enduring appeal and resilience in the rock world.

Remasters and Reissues

Over the years, Dr. Feelgood has been remastered and reissued several times, each edition offering fans a chance to rediscover the album’s magic. Below is a table of notable reissues:

Conclusion

Dr. Feelgood stands as a testament to Mötley Crüe’s resilience and creativity. Its impact on music and culture is undeniable, with its influence felt across generations of rock musicians. As Vince Neil reflects, “It was a turning point for us, both personally and musically.”

For further exploration, readers can visit the Wikipedia page for Dr. Feelgood, the official Mötley Crüe website, and Elektra Records.

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