Happy 4th Sixx:A.M. fans…Yesterday was a day that I’ll remember for a long time. It started with the news that “Lies Of The Beautiful People” had reached #1, which in and of itself was enough to make it an amazing day. But, it just so happened that Motley Crue was in Nashville so Nikki and I were able to celebrate together. We hung out all afternoon and had some great laughs reflecting back on our nearly 12 year friendship. We couldn’t help but think of how far we’d come since the day we first met…
Flashback to 1999: Nikki had called me and asked if I would want to write some Motley songs for their new record. I eagerly said “yes” so we arranged to meet at my apartment in Hollywood. Upon arriving, Nikki gets out of his car and steps right into a pile of dog shit! So we spend the first half hour digging shit out of the treads of his converse high tops with a stick and laughing our asses off. This clearly set the tone for the decade long friendship that followed! If my memory serves me, that day we wrote “Hollywood Ending” and “Dragstrip Superstar” (two songs that ended up on the New Tattoo album. From that day on Nikki and I knew that we were meant to be writing partners because it was effortless and fun (two qualities that hadn’t been present in music for either one of us in a while).
Fast Forward about a year: I’m driving down the 101 listening to the radio after leaving Nikki’s house and “Hollywood Ending” comes on the radio…I remember telling myself “I’ll never forget this moment”. Then there was “Rest In Pieces” which is a song that we wrote for Saliva. It ended up being a big hit for them and as a result I was able to afford to pay my rent on time for the first time in many years! “R.I.P” actually got me my first publishing deal so it truly was another pivotal moment in my life. Then of course there was the incredible success of The Heroin Diaries and “Life Is Beautiful” followed by the Cruefest tour and Sixx:AM performing live for the first time.
And yesterday “Lies Of The Beautiful People” is #1 on the Rock charts; and we’re just getting started with the album, This Is Gonna Hurt; The Soundtrack To The Book … All of these memories me to this point: over the past 12 years, I can remember countless times where I’ve said “I’ll never forget this moment” and so many of those times involved Nikki. So, as I ended my night at the Motley Crue show (truly one of the best Motley shows I’ve seen) I found myself overwhelmed with gratitude for having so many “I’ll never forget this” moments. I don’t know how I got so lucky.
-James
Thank you so much for this. Sometimes, as an artist, I see other artists and go “they got it MADE!” Knowing that you struggled with rent, even while writing songs with one of the greatest bands ever, reminds me that I am OK, and I am on the right path, and money does NOT mean SUCCESS. Doing what you love is SUCCESS.
Congratulations, and I hope you have a million more unforgettable moments of great accomplishment from doing what you LOVE.
With a ton of respect,
CAT and Chlöe Crüehead
Cat you rock and I hope your day comes real soon!
How can you go wrong with Chloe Cruehead by your side.
I personaly think you have a great heart…what you said was truth and I feel the same way… I will never forget what you said yesterday.
With a ton of respect,
kaitlin salmon
James, you did not just “get lucky” You have lots of talent and work freaking hard. Ummm evidenced in you two year awaited vacation. Have a great vacation.. can’t wait to hear all about it. Sending you lots of love and safe travels. Dorinda
I’m so happy for you that I could hug you for ages and give you a kiss…. on the cheek. You damn deserve it, James. You have worked so hard over the years and look what happen. Two awesome albums with Sixx:A.M. and all the songs you wrote/ co-wrote with other bands like Papa Roach, Halestorm, Motley Crue etc. I know the list is very long.
And I’m very proud to be a Sixx:A.M fan and fucking happy that LIES OF THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE” made it #1. The song has given so many people a new perspective about their lives and make them feel better about themselves like their never felt before. Thank you guys not only for this amazing song but for all the song on the new album.
Much love, Jeanette <3 xoxo
@ Jenny… no one could have said that better.. I second what she just said.
We really hope the next ”I’ll never forget this” moment is a second you’re on stage, the crowd’s going nuts and 2 of your best friends are on that stage with you. It would be that kind of moment for us as well!
Vesa… I hope that comes true for all of us! USA & Europe!!!!
I’ll tell you how you got so lucky ( beside your obvious talent!) it was Nikki stepping in that dog shit! Lol THAT is considered very good luck!
Soooo happy that you’ve been able to live your dream. You are a very lucky man indeed to have so many great people in your life. Love hearing your stories, listening to your amazing songs & beautiful voice. Sending you my wishes for many more moments you’ll never forget! XO
I was so caught up in the moment last night, I forgot to tell you CONGRATULATIONS!! You are so inspiring to me & can’t wait to see you again back in Nashville – there will be many more occasions to celebrate! Happy 4th, James! You make me “smile”! : )
You all deserve it, i’m so glad to hear that you’re all so happy. And i can’t be more proud to call you all my idols. I love you guys. SIXX:A.M. RULES!
I love this post, and I absolutely can’t wait to see what comes next. Congrats on the #1, the album was truly worth the wait and the more I listen, the more I love it. I agree, last night was unbelievable! The show & fans were great! Where else can you sit front & center with people dying to get soaked by blood (which I did). Wish I could have seen your face, hate I just missed you at the Hilton. I think a Sixx: A.M. tour may go a long way towards making me feel better… Enjoy your vacation! Much love, Sarah
i’m SO happy for you James! Enjoy those amazing & happy moments! Maybe you’re lucky, but most of all, you’re talented & work hard! with Sixx AM, you deserved this success! we’re so happy & proud to be fan of this amazing band! your songs are so beautiful & touching. Now you know what we’re waiting for… SIXX AM TOUR! please …. & you know, for sure it’ll be amazing & happy moments that you’ll nerver forget too!!
<3 from France
James I am so happy for you & I wish I could give you a big hug & congratulate you in person. You have worked so hard for so long, & you do so much for so many other people to help them be successful, too. So very glad you have reached this point in your life & that all your hard work has paid off in the successes you are now enjoying. Your love for what you do comes through in your voice when you sing, in the music & lyrics you write, the smile on your face in the pictures you post, & the sincerity in your tone when you talk about what you do. You truly deserve all the happiness and success that life can bring. Truly thrilled for you & SIXX:A.M. on the success of LOTBP. TIGH is an amazing album with messages we all need to hear & I am glad it’s getting the recognition it deserves after all the hard work that went into creating it. Have a happy 4th of July, & have a very safe & wonderful vacation. I am glad your finally taking the time to relax & recharge after working so hard for so long. Love ya! xoxo ♥
I LIKE everything you said, Rosalin
Thank you Vesna, I liked yours too.
You made me think… usually, I criticize you… not because I don’t like you, just the opposite, I hope you know that… I always want some more from you- I want you to be more on fb, I want you to have E mail address, I want you to have a tour… and I will not say that I am sorry about it…that’s the way it goes when you really like somebody…but, this time I will just say one thing: I AM HAPPY FOR YOU JAMES. I really mean it. Cause I really think you are an amazing man.
Love, V.
JAMES… CONGRATS…… I never had a doubt! I HONESTLY KNEW This Was Destined For #1…. And dont be suprised if two more songs make it there as well!!!!! You guys are making the kind of music people have waited AGES FOR!!!! God Bless Brother!
Soooooooooo true Richard! When I heard the first record, I was like, whoooooooooooah WTF is this, it’s amaaaaaazing, and it’s about time!
James,
I loved this post… You are so talented, inspiring, and a fantastic and beautiful person. You seem so down to earth, and that in itself is a beautiful trait. I’m so proud of you, Nikki, and Dj deserve this so much.. I’m so proud of you guys!! This is a fantastic album… Many more number ones to come!!! Have a wonderful vacation… You deserve it!!
James,
You have made me feel so much better about myself… Thank you…
Kari xoxo
The sincerity of your post was very touching James. I am very happy for your success, you deserve it. You are a very talented artist who has only just begun! Sending positive energy and love, Debbie
Hey James, for me having so many “I’ll never forget this” moments means, that no matter what, you ´re enjoying life!..thats awesome!!!…and please..don´t forget about all those hidden little things in life that make us feel better and sometimes pass us by, without warning… congrats….I big hug from Honduras…Ana.
So incredibly happy for you! It goes to show if you believe in yourself, anything is possible. Have a fabulous time during your vacation! Peace & love always, Jen
James your music is fantastic and I love sixx:a.m. so much i have a feeling that i will remember this until the day i die.. Never stop trying what you love…
With great respect,
kaitlin salmon
James, that’s a beautiful post and story, that reflects the sincerity and humbleness. You deserve all the success and happiness that life can bring and all the recognition that comes your way as you’re amazingly talented and work hard and prove that dreams do come true. The love for music is reflected in your lyrics, voice and personality. Lies getting to number one, is what you, Nikki and DJ deserve. It was destiny the three of you getting together, as TIGH and HD is a testament to. I love Sixx AM and am proud to be a fan, without you at the helm James, we wouldn’t be experiencing your talent. There’s so many people that would like to hug and congratulate you. Enjoy your vacation! Well deserved! Love Sue
You have a lot of talent James. It has been recognized. Maybe we all need a little luck, but it’s certainly not all due to luck. You deserve it, as you have the talent to make it happen.
Josee
Bravo To James, Nikki and DJ. What a threesome, lol!!!
you are an unforgettable person…we’re glad Nikki brought your talent out for everyone to see…I know that both the Heroine Diaries and This is Gonna Hurt have been an unforgettable influence for me.
Much love & respect…Sha
we are the ones who thank you for doing and creating amazing music. I wish you all the best and thank you for being good-hearted and close to your fans. I hope you can have many other great moments
you deserve it !!.. *Hugs*..
**Mystika**
James, to find someone so incredibly gifted as you are who is also so humble and real is amazing. Please do not ever change!
James,
I think there is some amount of luck in everything that comes our way but your talent is what got you where you are. You are certainly and amazingly multi-talented and as a fan I am so grateful for Sixx:AM. Thank YOU, NIKKI and DJ for sharing your talents with the world.!!!!!
What got you to where you are is a) humility; b) hard work; c) a great attitude; d) going far beyond what’s expected. Connecting with Sixx might have been a little bit of fate thrown in there. Everything that man touches turns to gold … or platinum.
Congratulations mate…but don’t be too supprised that your work is Turning Heads…and making everyone stand up and take notice…..because you cannot Suppress Talent …and You have an Endless supply of Talent…:)
James…yes there may be some luck involved but you have earned all of this…hard work, talent, determination….and not to mention you just seem like an awesome guy…and humble. So, congratulations on this number one and many more to come and on all your successes. So happy for you
Now…umm….about that whole tour thing for Sixx:A.M. … can we talk? lol….
I hope that anyone from the band is reading this. I have started a group on facebook based on the idea of showing the beauty that is on the inside. Its called-The Truth(Photography Project). Sixx:A.M. inspired me to do this group so that people can see what real beauty is. That everyone is the same. We are all human. There is no changing that. So, what if you are different? You are beautiful on the inside. And that’s the group is all about.
James, you deserve ALL of the wonderful success you have now. You are extremely talented. Sixx A.M. is the best thing to have come around since ^A^. The music you guys have pumped out is really something else, and it has changed me forever. Love you guys soooooooooooooooooooooooo much!
Bravo To James, Nikki and DJ !!!