May. 26, 2004 - Issue #449: Super Size Me

Heavy metal bad boy Tommy Lee reinvents himself as an electronica act

No self-respecting heavy metal mofo would have anything to do with electronic music, right?

No self-respecting heavy metal mofo would have anything to do with electronic music, right? Synths and soothers seem the very antithesis of big hair and bass guitars. Still, it’s exactly that crossover that former Mötley Crüe drummer and perennial bad boy Tommy Lee—recently voted the all-around champion on MuchMoreMusic’s “top 20 bad boys in music” poll, beating out the likes of Eminem and Gene Simmons—is seeking to pull off with his new act.

Is this the supreme betrayal of heavy metal? Not so, says Lee. “Any true Mötley Crüe fan would absolutely know that from the very beginning I’ve always used electronic elements in our act—everything from loops to samples,” he says. “I’ve always been into electronic music. I’m into any style of music that has big-ass drumbeats. How could I not be?”

With an emphasis on the percussion he’s famous for, Lee, along with DJ Aero, will blend a variety of elements including drums, decks and other electronic gear into what he calls “a shitload of high-energy big beats, acid house and electroclash.”

Granted, Lee recognizes dance music might not be embraced by diehard metalheads, but he doesn’t seem to care. “Those would be the people that are stuck in a time warp,” he says. “I’ve always tried to be ahead of the game or right on top of it.”

By the same token, he recognizes the fickleness of the dance music community. While he appreciates how touchy dance enthusiasts get at the prospect of anyone trying to co-opt their scene, he says the best testimony he can provide to his commitment to the new act comes from seeing him doing it live. “I take this very seriously,” he says. “I would hope that people who do come out would have an open mind. The people who do get really excited when they see me play the drums and see me happy. I think we’ve put together some of the best music you’re going to hear in a club.”

Selling the idea hasn’t been that difficult, either. He and Aero made their debut at this past spring’s Ultra Music Festival in Miami during the annual Winter Music Conference, an electronic convention that engulfs South Beach in beats from a veritable who’s who of the DJ world. Ultrafest was the ultimate crucible, one that he says they passed with flying colours, sharing the stage with the likes of Paul Oakenfold, regularly voted the world’s number one DJ, and Dutch DJ Sander Kleinenberg.

As it happens, Lee shares the same representation as Oakey and Sander: Chaotica Music Agency, whose roster of acts runs the gamut from trance, house, techno to drum ’n’ bass. Lee says not only does he fit in at Chaotica, but he’s been surprisingly easy for the agency to market as well. “As a matter of fact,” he says, “I just got off the phone with my agent and it’s such a bizarre phenomenon. He can’t even begin to tell me how greatly the dance community and promoters are embracing us. He said these guys can’t wait to have us.”

While busy with the tour, Lee’s still keeping busy in the studio not only with electronic elements, but with material more oriented toward his rock roots. “I’m not sure what I’m going to do next,” he says. “There are four original electronic pieces that are mine. They might come out on my solo album, but I might just keep them separate.”

Also looming is a Mötley Crüe motion picture. “I think it’s awesome,” Lee says. “We just signed the contract with Paramount and MTV about three weeks ago. There’s no casting yet or anything.”

But Lee would much rather talk about his forthcoming Edmonton gig. “Bring your high-heeled runners,” he promises, “because we’re definitely going to be doing some dancing. Maybe some earplugs too, because it’s definitely going to be fucking loud.” V

Tommy Lee
With DJ Aero • Cowboys •
Wed, June 2 (7pm)

New comments for this entry have been turned off and any existing ones are hidden. We apologize for any inconvenience.