Summary
Overview
Tommy Lee joins Joe Rogan for a wide-ranging conversation covering his legendary career with Mötley Crüe, the evolution of rock and roll, his passion for bonsai, vintage cars, and reflections on fame, creativity, and staying authentic in a rapidly changing world. The drummer shares stories from over four decades in music, discusses the physical demands of drumming, and reveals how he maintains his passion for performing while finding balance through unexpected hobbies.
Early Success and the Wild 1980s Rock Scene
Tommy reflects on Mötley Crüe's explosive breakthrough in 1980 when he was just 17-18 years old. He describes the era as a time of complete freedom with no phones, no documentation, and unlimited possibilities. The conversation touches on how the band's biography 'The Dirt' accurately captured the chaos of that period, with young fans today asking if it was really that wild - and Tommy confirming it absolutely was.
- Tommy Lee was only 17-18 years old when Mötley Crüe broke out in 1980
- The 1980s rock scene had no cell phones or documentation, allowing complete freedom
- Young fans today are amazed and disappointed they missed that era of rock and roll
- The movie 'The Dirt' accurately portrayed the wild lifestyle of that time
" It was just full on until the wheels fall off. You could get away with fucking murder, literally. There was no phones. Anything goes, pretty much. "
Rock and Roll Legends Still Crushing It
Tommy and Joe celebrate older rock stars who continue performing at the highest level, particularly Rick Springfield at 76 and the Rolling Stones in their 80s. They discuss seeing Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood completely hammered 20 minutes before a show, then watching them transform into perfectly performing rock gods once they hit the stage. The segment emphasizes that passion doesn't diminish with age.
- Rick Springfield is 76 years old and performing 'Jesse's Girl' with full energy and passion
- Tommy saw the Rolling Stones when they were barely able to talk before going on stage
- Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood were 'walking on their lips' drunk, then performed flawlessly
- Mick Jagger is approximately 80 and still moving and dancing on stage
- There were no old rock stars touring in the 1980s, but now it's normal
" They bring a bartender around with them so there's a guy set up just slinging fucking drinks. Mick isn't hammered but fucking Keith and Ronnie dude they were fucking walking on their lips. I'm like, how are these guys going to fuck? There's no way they're playing. And all of a sudden, lights go out boom they fucking started with Start Me Up and it was like a switch flipped. "
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