Kickstart My Heart

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank it up with Mötley Crüe's "Kickstart My Heart" from their 1989 album Dr. Feelgood! This high-octane anthem, written by bassist Nikki Sixx, was inspired by his near-fatal heroin overdose in 1987. Sixx was clinically dead for two minutes before a paramedic, reportedly a Crüe fan, revived him with two adrenaline shots to the heart. In a 2015 interview, Sixx shared that he wrote the song while strumming an acoustic guitar, initially thinking it was a throwaway track until his bandmates shaped it into the iconic banger we know today. The song’s lyrics, like “When I get high, I get high on speed,” reflect Sixx’s shift to chasing natural adrenaline rushes post-rehab, capturing the band’s newfound sobriety during the Dr. Feelgood sessions.

The track’s energy didn’t just light up the charts, peaking at number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100; it also made waves in pop culture. In 2019, a Canadian driver blamed "Kickstart My Heart" for pushing him to speed at 90 mph, earning a $639 fine after the cop, also listening to the song, wasn’t impressed by the excuse. The song’s raw power, driven by Mick Mars’s buzz-saw guitar riff, has fueled everything from a 2014 Dodge Charger commercial to its inclusion in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy game. Its music video, shot at the Whisky a Go Go with comedian Sam Kinison chauffeuring the band in a 1946 Buick ambulance, became an MTV staple, cementing its status as Mötley Crüe’s most streamed track with over 1.5 billion plays.

Mötley Crüe formed in Los Angeles in 1981, founded by Nikki Sixx and drummer Tommy Lee, soon joined by lead singer Vince Neil and guitarist Mick Mars. The band’s gritty glam-metal sound and rebellious image took root in the sleazy clubs of the Sunset Strip, like the Starwood and Gazzarri’s, where their wild performances and hedonistic lifestyle built a cult following. Their debut album, Too Fast for Love, released in 1981, showcased their raw energy and caught the attention of Elektra Records. By 1983, Shout at the Devil propelled them to mainstream fame, with MTV amplifying their larger-than-life personas. Despite struggles with addiction and internal conflicts, their vision, led by Sixx’s songwriting and theatrical flair, made them heavy metal icons.

Stay connected with Mötley Crüe through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for the latest updates on tours and releases. Fans can dive deeper into the Crüe’s world at sites like MotleyCrue.com, a hub for news and merch, or join discussions on the Mötley Crüe Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks can share their love for the band’s legacy. Whether you’re spinning vinyl or streaming, keep rocking with the Crüe!