Generation Swine

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Following the commercial disappointment of their self-titled album, Mötley Crüe faced immense pressure from Elektra executives to regain their 1980s success. Frustrated by tour sales failures, the band fired longtime manager Doug Thaler and producer Bob Rock, hiring Allen Kovac instead. Initially, they worked with vocalist John Corabi on a project titled Personality #9. However, Warner Bros. CEO Doug Morris insisted they reunite with Vince Neil, arguing Corabi wasn't a "star." While bassist Nikki Sixx and Tommy Lee initially refused, Elektra CEO Sylvia Rhone convinced them to proceed with Corabi. The recording process quickly descended into chaos under new producer Scott Humphrey, who clashed with the band and reduced Mick Mars's role significantly. Mars later called this period his only regret as a member, noting that uncredited session musicians replaced him. Corabi eventually quit due to the pressure, opening the door for Neil's return to finish the album.

In Their Own Story

The recording sessions were defined by disorganization and conflict. After firing Bob Rock for being "too expensive," the band brought in Scott Humphrey, who constantly argued with Sixx and Lee over the sound. Mick Mars found his contributions discarded, leading him to describe the experience as a lack of respect, while Corabi grew frustrated seeing his written material completely changed. When Neil returned, he struggled to adjust his voice to the songs mostly written by Corabi, calling the process a "nightmare" because Humphrey wouldn't let him or Mars work in their accustomed styles. The album features Sixx and Lee on lead vocals for the first time; Sixx sang on "Rocketship," a love song for model Donna D'Errico, and parts of "Find Myself," while Lee took lead on "Brandon" (a tribute to his son) and "Beauty." Despite the reunion, critics mocked "Brandon" for being overly sentimental, with Sixx later defending it against those who viewed Tommy as less than human.

Reader's Guide

"Afraid" was released as the first single, featuring Hustler publisher Larry Flynt in its video and reaching #10 on the US mainstream rock charts. The second single, "Beauty," reached number 37, while "Glitter" also saw a release. To promote the album, Skeleteens Beverages created "Motley Brue," a blue soda intended to turn drinkers' urine green, featuring lyrics from the album on the bottle labels. The Japanese edition included "Song to Slit Your Wrist By" by Sixx's solo project 58. Generation Swine debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200, selling over 80,500 copies in its first week and earning Gold certification from the RIAA on August 27, 1997. However, it ultimately sold only about 306,000 copies in the U.S., failing to restore the band's former commercial stature. The album received mixed reviews; Stephen Thomas Erlewine called it an "embarrassment," while others praised its experimental nature and Nikki Sixx's songwriting. Vince Neil later stated in 2008 that the record was "terrible" due to too much experimenting.

Did You Know?

• The album's title is derived from Hunter S. Thompson's book Generation of Swine.
• Mick Mars felt virtually all his contributions were discarded, with uncredited session musicians filling in for him.
• Nikki Sixx and Tommy Lee both sang lead vocals on the album for the first time.
• A promotional soft drink called "Motley Brue" was created to turn the drinker's urine green.
• The Japanese release included a track recorded by Nikki Sixx's solo project, 58.