John Corabi

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Corabi's tenure with Mötley Crüe began after bassist Nikki Sixx and drummer Tommy Lee hired him, citing his ability to sing "anything and everything." He recorded the band's 1994 self-titled album, which featured a heavier, more elaborate sound that ultimately failed to sell well. A defining low point occurred before a concert in Tucson, Arizona; despite the venue holding 15,000 seats, only 4,000 tickets were sold. Sixx offered free tickets via radio, but only two fans showed up, convincing him the era was over. When writing for Generation Swine, the record label refused funding unless Vince Neil returned. Corabi departed in 1997 as a result, though he retained co-writing credits on several songs from those early sessions. His contributions were later portrayed by Anthony Vincent Valbiro in the 2019 biopic The Dirt, a depiction Corabi criticized in September 2021 as "incredibly STUPID" and "ludicrous," noting his lack of interest in rejoining the band.

In Their Own Story

The dynamic between the two vocalists came to a head on stage during the Early 2008 Motley Cruise. While performing in the Caribbean, Corabi joined Vince Neil on stage to sing AC/DC's "Highway to Hell." Fans witnessed a rare moment where the former and current frontmen shared the same microphone, bridging the divide between eras. This stood in stark contrast to the tension surrounding his departure years prior. In July 2015, Corabi and his band performed all songs from the 1994 album at a bar, later stating that the record "would have made it if this was under a different band name." He has also maintained a working relationship with original guitarist Mick Mars on studio projects, despite the complicated history following his firing. His autobiography, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, released in 2022, details these experiences as he finalizes a new solo album.

Reader's Guide

John Corabi's career extends far beyond Mötley Crüe, defined by numerous collaborations with established acts. In 1997, he formed the band Union with former Kiss guitarist Bruce Kulick, releasing three albums including The Blue Room. He also played guitar and bass in the Eric Singer Project (ESP), which featured Kulick and included a special appearance by Ace Frehley on a Hendrix cover. Corabi served as the second guitarist on Brides of Destruction's 2004 album Here Comes The Brides, though he left due to creative differences with Tracii Guns and the band's direction regarding their drummer singing lead. He joined Jerry Cantrell's covers band Cardboard Vampyres in early 2004, touring the West Coast until 2005. In August 2008, he parted ways with Ratt to pursue a solo career, having previously replaced guitarist Keri Kelli in that group. He is currently the lead singer for The Dead Daisies and has released solo singles like Your Own Worst Enemy (2022).

Did You Know?

• Nikki Sixx offered free tickets to a Tucson concert when only two people showed up after radio promotion.
• Corabi shared a single microphone with Vince Neil to perform 'Highway to Hell' on the 2008 Motley Cruise.
• He was replaced in Ratt by Keri Kelli, whom he later joined for Brides of Destruction and Angel City Outlaws.
• His autobiography, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, was released in 2022 after a long career as a rock journeyman.
• Corabi criticized his portrayal in the 2019 movie The Dirt, calling it 'incredibly STUPID' and stating he is not interested in rejoining Mötley Crüe.