Vince Neil discloses stroke, postpones Mötley Crüe residency

Mötley Crüe lead vocalist Vince Neil had a heart-to-heart discussion about the health complications that arose, leading to the postponement of his band’s anticipated Vegas residency.

Neil disclosed in an interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal that he encountered a stroke the day following Christmas. “I had a stroke,” the 64-year-old revealed, adding, “My whole left side went out.” He recounted feeling fine before going to bed on Christmas night, only to awaken to the onset of his health issue.

Due to the stroke and a required medical procedure, Neil was compelled to reschedule Mötley Crüe’s residency at Park MGM. What was initially slated for March and April was ultimately moved to September 12 through October 3 to allow Neil the time needed for recuperation. Despite initial doubts from doctors concerning his return to the stage, Neil remained resolute, saying, “The doctors said they didn’t think I’d be able to go back on stage again. I go, ‘No, no, I’m gonna do it. Watch and see.’”

His bandmates, bassist Nikki Sixx, guitarist Mick Mars, and drummer Tommy Lee, stood by Neil as they made the decision to postpone part of the residency in hopes of his swift recovery.

In reference to his extensive physical therapy regimen post-stroke, Neil described it as a “full-time job.” His journey of progress from being carried to the bathroom due to his inability to walk, to eventually utilizing a wheelchair, then a walker, and finally a cane, marked a significant healing process. While his vocal abilities remained unaffected, his struggle lay in realigning the connection between his brain and legs, echoing the common hurdle faced by stroke survivors in regaining motor function.

After months of persistent effort, Neil eventually mastered running once more, underscoring his tenacious spirit. Looking ahead with optimism, he expressed, “It’s been tough, but I’m back, I’m 90- to 95-percent to where I was before, and it’s going to be great.”

The delay in Mötley Crüe’s Las Vegas residency, as well as their withdrawal from the Boardwalk Rock Festival in Ocean City, Maryland, underscored the significant impact of Neil’s medical procedure on the band’s performance schedule. Originally planned for October 2024, the Vegas residency commenced recently without their presence at the festival.

As a testament to Neil’s resilience and determination, his narrative of overcoming adversity serves as an inspiring tale of triumph over health setbacks. The ordeal that nearly derailed his musical pursuits has transformed into a tale of perseverance and triumph, emblematic of his unwavering commitment to reclaiming his rightful place on the stage.