Shout at the Devil

The song "Shout at the Devil" by Mötley Crüe, from their 1983 album of the same name, is a heavy metal anthem steeped in controversy and intrigue. Written by bassist Nikki Sixx, the track was originally titled "Shout With The Devil," reflecting Sixx's brief exploration of Satanism at the time. According to Tom Zutaut, who signed the band to Elektra Records, he witnessed a bizarre incident during this period where a knife and fork rose off a table and stuck into the ceiling, prompting him to urge Sixx to change the title to "Shout At The Devil" to avoid dangerous connotations. Sixx later clarified in a 2015 Entertainment Weekly interview that the song was about pushing back against perceived enemies, including political figures like Ronald Reagan, whom Sixx jokingly believed might be the Antichrist due to the six letters in each of his names. The song’s menacing spoken-word intro, "In the Beginning," credited to the fictional Allister Fiend and voiced by engineer Geoff Workman, sets a dark tone, narrating a world where evil has triumphed, urging listeners to "be strong and shout at the devil."

The song stirred significant controversy upon release, with Christian and conservative groups accusing Mötley Crüe of promoting Satanism, largely due to the album’s pentagram artwork and the song’s provocative imagery. Despite not being released as a single, "Shout at the Devil" became a fan favorite and a staple of the band’s live performances, with over 1,500 plays in concert. In a 1984 TV interview, Sixx held up the album cover, emphasizing the word "AT" to counter accusations of devil worship. Social media posts from fans on platforms like Reddit highlight the song’s enduring appeal, with one user, Lucy from Slovakia, describing it as “a song about pushing back,” capturing its rebellious spirit. The track also found its way into pop culture, used as entrance music for MMA fighter Brock Lesnar and featured in video games like Guitar Hero II and Rocksmith 2014.

Mötley Crüe formed in Los Angeles in 1981, founded by bassist Nikki Sixx and drummer Tommy Lee, who were soon joined by guitarist Mick Mars and vocalist Vince Neil. The band emerged from the gritty Sunset Strip scene, channeling their hunger for success into a raw, theatrical sound that blended glam and heavy metal. Sixx, who had previously played in the occult-leaning band Sister with Blackie Lawless, brought a flair for provocative imagery to Mötley Crüe, including the pentagram used on the "Shout at the Devil" album cover, which he got Lawless’s permission to adapt. Their debut album, Too Fast for Love, released in 1981 on their own Leathür Records, gained underground traction, leading to a deal with Elektra Records. The release of "Shout at the Devil" in 1983 catapulted them to stardom, selling 200,000 copies in two weeks and establishing them as a leading act of the 1980s metal scene.

The band’s official website is motley.com, where fans can find tour updates and merchandise, including the 40th-anniversary deluxe box set for "Shout at the Devil." Their social media presence is active on Facebook, Instagram, and X, where they share nostalgic posts, like a 2019 tweet celebrating the album’s release and their tour with Ozzy Osbourne. Fan communities thrive online, with groups like the Mötley Crüe Fans Facebook group fostering discussions and sharing memories. Fan websites such as Mötley Crüe Fan Club offer exclusive content and forums for dedicated "Zoo Freaks" to connect over their love for the band’s rebellious legacy.