Opinion: Mötley Crüe rocks on with new EP and Beastie Boys cover

Mötley Crüe has always embraced a party-hard attitude throughout their career, but their latest project took a new twist by borrowing from another iconic '80s group known for their raucous style: the Beastie Boys. On August 23, the band announced the upcoming release of their three-song EP Cancelled (due October 4), which includes the original track "Dogs of War," and a guitar lead-driven cover of the Beastie Boys' 1986 hit "Fight For Your Right."

The title "Dpgs of War" is no doubt based on a phrase from William Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar: "Cry, 'Havoc!', and let slip the dogs of war." "Fight For Your Right" is about demanding the right to engage in questionable teenage behavior, which is why — despite being tongue-in-cheeck and catchy as hell — the Beastie Boys sort of disavowed the song over time. But Mötley Crüe's cover marks an unexpected yet fitting turn for the band that built its reputation on excess and rebellion.

While the Beastie Boys — originally a brash rap trio — shifted towards more socially conscious music by the early 1990s, Mötley Crüe has largely stuck to their guns, continuing to revel in the wild rock persona that made them famous. "Fight For Your Right," a song that reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, became a cultural anthem of defiance and youthful rebellion. The Crüe’s version retains the original’s attitude but cranks up the guitars, giving it a heavier, more metal guitar solo-centric feel.

Their rendition became a fan favorite after it was debuted at an intimate 2023 performance for just 450 fans at London’s Underworld club. The band's Instagram say "We’ve played ‘Fight For Your Right’ at all our shows since" that performance.

Mötley Crüe and the new EP

This EP also serves as the band’s first new music since the 2019 single "The Dirt (Est. 1981)," which they recorded for the soundtrack of their biographical film The Dirt. Produced by Bob Rock, who has worked with Mötley Crüe for decades, the EP channels the band’s signature sound—featuring high-energy riffs, pounding drums, and Vince Neil's unmistakable vocals. Longtime members Tommy Lee (drums) and Nikki Sixx (bass) join Neil on the project, along with John 5, the former guitarist for Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson.

John 5 officially replaced founding guitarist Mick Mars after Mars retired in 2022 due to health issues (scoliosis has left Mars "a full three inches shorter than he was in high school").

Reflecting on the recording process, the band shared their excitement in a joint statement: "It was really great getting in the studio and working on some tracks together. What started as a couple of demo ideas turned into this EP produced by Bob Rock. We look forward to getting back into the studio again soon and writing more new music, as well."

The weird aspect of the cover

Despite being in their sixties, Mötley Crüe’s themes of partying and rebellion still resonate in their music. Tracks like their take on
"Fight For Your Right" keep the spirit of mindless, juvenile delinquent defiance alive, with lyrics that center on youthful disobedience —smoking, drinking, and clashing with authority. These topics may seem reminiscent of their early years, but they continue to resonate with the band’s audience, many of whom have grown up alongside the Crüe.

And if all of this makes you say "meh" and you question the wisdom of 60-somethings reliving the good ol' days of highschoolers smoking, maybe you're just not part of the Crüe! What, do you also question the wisdom of US foreign policy as Lee Greenwood sings "God Bless the USA"? Nah, you shut up and sing along (or, in the case of Greenwood's song, perhaps run out of the room screaming, before consulting a medical team about your bleeding ears).

Anyway...

Who is Mötley Crüe?

Mötley Crüe’s longevity in the music world is evidence of their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots, and they've managed success despite most people needing to copy-paste "Mötley Crüe" instead of simply typing "Motley Crue" (which is easier but inaccurate and boring).

Formed in 1981, the band quickly rose to fame during the glam metal movement of the 1980s, dominating the charts with albums like Shout at the Devil (1983), Theatre of Pain (1985), and Dr. Feelgood (1989), with hits like "Girls, Girls, Girls," "Looks That KIll," "Home Sweet Home" and "Kickstart My Heart." They are on those bands that changed the world of rock music, whether one loves them or not.

Their wild antics, both on and off stage, became the stuff of legend, marking their territory as one of the most infamous bands of the era.

The Cancelled EP marks a new era for Mötley Crüe, blending their classic hard-rock sound with fresh material. Fans can expect more from the group in the near future, as they’ve hinted at plans to return to the studio for additional recordings. For a band that has been through breakups, reunions, and lineup changes, Mötley Crüe shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon...well, sort of anyway.