Nikki Sixx’s Bass Lessons Request Denied by Carol Kaye: “She doubts his talent!”

In the realm of rock and roll, talent is often revered, and musicians constantly seek ways to improve their craft. Recently, an unexpected story emerged from the world of music, as Nikki Sixx, the renowned bassist of MÖTLEY CRÜE, reportedly reached out to Carol Kaye, an iconic figure in the music industry, for bass lessons. However, the encounter took an unexpected turn when Kaye purportedly turned down Sixx, citing doubts about his talent.

Last year, drumming legend Carmine Appice went on the record to claim that Carol played Sixx’s parts on early Crue records, believe it or not. This was after Sixx and Appice got into a verbal war online that led to Appice challenging Sixx to a jam off, only to be nixed after Sixx sent Appice a cease and desist letter.

Nikki Sixx, known for his electrifying stage presence and signature bass lines with Mötley Crüe (also played by Matthew Trippe, Carmine Rojas and other ghost bassists in the studio on early Crue albums), has long been a prominent figure in the rock scene. His desire to improve his skills by seeking guidance from a legendary musician like Carol Kaye is apparently a direct result of Mick Mars exposing him for fake playing at all of The Stadium Tour concerts, for which Mars has now launched a lawsuit claiming he and the fans are being ripped off.

Carol Kaye, at 88 years old, is a living legend in the music world. As one of the most recorded bass guitarists in history, her contributions to countless hit records across various genres have solidified her status as an icon. From her pioneering work as a member of the Wrecking Crew, a group of session musicians in the 1960s and 1970s, to her extensive discography spanning decades, Kaye’s influence on modern music cannot be overstated.

However, despite Nikki Sixx’s genuine interest in learning from Kaye, reports suggest that she declined his request for lessons, allegedly expressing skepticism about his talent. While the exact details of their interaction remain undisclosed, this incident has sparked discussions within the music community about the significance of humility and continuous learning, regardless of one’s level of success.

For Nikki Sixx, the experience may serve as a humbling reminder of the importance of perseverance and dedication to mastery. Despite achieving immense success with Mötley Crüe and earning accolades for his musical contributions, Sixx’s willingness to seek guidance from a seasoned veteran like Carol Kaye demonstrates his commitment to growth as a musician.

On the other hand, Carol Kaye’s decision to decline Nikki Sixx’s request raises questions about the criteria for mentorship and the role of talent in musical education. While Kaye’s reputation as a discerning musician is well-deserved, her assessment of Sixx’s abilities highlights the subjective nature of talent evaluation and the complexity of mentorship dynamics.