During the first show of Mötley Crüe’s 2022 stadium tour, at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia, drummer Tommy Lee was forced to abandon his post behind the drums after playing five songs.
The culprit, broken ribs.
Lee told the crowd:
“We did it! You did it. We did it. We’re fucking here, two and a half years.”
“Okay, well, anyway, what I’ve gotta tell you is about 14 days ago, I fuckin’ broke not one, not two, not three, but four fuckin’ ribs right here.”
“I wish I had a fuckin’ badass story, like me and Connor McGregor fuckin’ scrapping out in some fuckin’ bar or something. But I don’t,”
He continued,
“Anyway, I hope you guys have a fucking great time. And my boy Tommy Clufetos back here, he’s gonna help me get through this. ‘Cause the doctors told me, ‘No playing, bro. No playing.’ And I was like, ‘Are you fucking high, bro? We’ve got a fucking tour to do.’ So anyway, I ain’t fuckin’ sitting out for shit. My boy’s gonna help me out here, and I’ll see you guys later. On with the goddamn show.”
Lee had announced, before the tour began, that he had broken his ribs, but the drummer vowed he would still play.
Lee posted this on his instagram:
“Man y’all ain’t gonna believe this s–t, I broke four f–kng ribs!”
“But I’ve been resting and healing and even though the doctor tells me I shouldn’t play at all, you know I’m stubborn and I’ll beast through the pain every show for as many songs as I can.”
“We’ve all been waiting years for this moment and there’s no way I’m missing this! On with the show.”
Joining Mötley Crüe on tour will be Joan Jett, Def Leppard and Poison.
Delayed since 2020, the tour kicked off Thursday night in Atlanta, ending on September 9 in Las Vegas.
Before the tour began, the Crüe said:
“It’s on! We don’t think we’ve ever looked forward more to kicking off a tour than this one. We can’t wait to finally see all the fans across North America again. Get ready for a wild ride this summer!”
Lee completed drumming on Wild Side, Shout at the Devil, Too Fast for Love, Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away) and Saints of Los Angeles before being forced to step down. He told the crowd that he had broken four ribs recently and was performing against the advice of doctors.
The next show is at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL, on Saturday.
With replacement Tommy Clufetos on standby, the band continued on with Live Wire, and completed the remainder of the set.
Motley Crue Setlist:
With Tommy Lee:
Wild Side
Shout at the Devil
Too Fast for Love
Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)
Saints of Los Angeles
With Tommy Clufetos:
Live Wire
Looks That Kill
The Dirt
Medley: Rock and Roll, Part 2 / Smokin’ in the Boys Room / White Punks on Dope / Helter Skelter / Anarchy in the U.K.
Home Sweet Home
Dr. Feelgood
Same Ol’ Situation (S.O.S.)
Piece Of Your Action
Girls, Girls, Girls
Primal Scream
Kickstart My Heart
We will see how long Lee’s injuries will keep him sidelined!
Stay tuned for more info
