Nikki Sixx, born on December 11, 1958, is one of the most admired heavy metal bassists in the world. Teenage crime, drug addiction, overnight success, enchanting musical spells, and an overdose — he has seen it all. His fans around the world celebrate the day by playing his hits on repeat. After spending decades at the back of a moving van, he has now settled into a peaceful life with his wife, Ruby.
Fast Facts
Full Name:
Frank Carlton Serafino Feranna Jr.
Nickname:
Sixxdawg
Birth date:
December 11, 1958
Age:
65
Zodiac Sign:
Sagittarius
Height:
6' 0"
Relationship Status:
Married
Net Worth:
$50 million
Background
Frank Carlton Serafino Feranna Jr, also known as Nikki Sixx, was born on December 11, 1958, in San Jose, California. His sound is largely shaped by his tumultuous life and the struggles he faced since the age of six. He was raised by his grandparents in Jerome, Idaho. Throughout his early years of education, he switched schools seven times. The lack of parental guidance and the instability induced by multiple schools sent him into the throes of crime. Shocked by his decline, his grandmother sent him back to his mother in Seattle, which made things worse for him. He faced bouts of absenteeism and resentment from his mother during his teen years. After surviving several years of trauma at the hands of his own family, he packed his bags and left for Los Angeles.
The 17-year-old arrived in Los Angeles in 1975 with nothing but a dream and a guitar that he bought with stolen money. For the next couple of years, he bussed tables, mopped floors, and kept auditioning in bands. He joined his first band, Sister, in 1978. While the collaboration turned sour within a year, the opportunity exposed him to the world of professional metal artists and performers. Since then, he has been a part of numerous groups, including his flagship band Mötley Crüe. Apart from his eccentric stage performances and killer bass, he is also the chief writer behind some of his most iconic songs.
He continued to struggle with intense alcohol, heroin, and drug addiction in his 20s and 30s. While Mötley Crüe announced their final show in 2012, he went back to his roots and started focusing on his family. Today, he is sober and a happily married father of three children.
Career timeline
Nikki Sixx, known as Ferrana, joins American singer Blackie Lawless’s first band, Sister.
He, alongside drummer Tommy Lee, founds his legacy band, Mötley Crüe.
Mötley Crüe releases their fifth album titled “Dr. Feelgood,” which gains national fame and charts for 114 weeks.
He forms Brides of Destruction with Tracii Guns and signs a deal with Sanctuary Records.
He forms his final band, Sixx:AM, with James Micheal and D.J. Ashba, and releases five albums under the name.
Why We Love Nikki Sixx
Once a legend, always a legend
His years of struggles, drug addiction, and substance abuse are just one side of the coin. On the other side, you’ll find iconic stage performances, stellar music, and evergreen tunes that strike a chord. His complicated legacy is worth the celebration, and so is his birthday.
He is 20 years sober
When he couldn’t get a hold of his heroin supplier for 24 hours, the glaring reality of his dependency erupted across his body in the form of soaring pain, mind-bending anxiety, and unavoidable restlessness. This was the event that triggered his first attempt at achieving sobriety. Happily, the efforts paid off and he is now nearly 20 years sober.
He represents an iconic era of American music
He, alongside legends like Tommy Lee, Meat Loaf, Steve Jones, and Ozzy Osbourne, is largely responsible for shaping the global domination of the ‘80s and ‘90s heavy metal. It is often said that all the greatest years of heavy metal music are behind us. He is responsible for a considerable portion of that playlist.
5 Surprising Facts
He changed his name
He adopted a new name because Frank was his abandoned father’s name.
He never forgave his mama
When he was only six, his mother abandoned him on the porch, an incident that became a formative point of pain as an adult.
The drug supplier supplied the wake-up call
He has confessed that the unavailability of drugs is the event that triggered his sobriety.
He was a drunkard since childhood
He revealed in his book, “The Heroin Diaries,” that he had his first shot of whiskey when he was only six years old.
He died
He was declared clinically dead for two minutes after a drug overdose in 1987.
Nikki Sixx FAQs
Is Nikki Sixx still performing with Mötley Crüe?
American rock band Mötley Crüe will resume touring in 2023 with lead bassist Sixx and the rest of the members.
Is Nikki Sixx still friends with Tommy Lee?
The former band members continue to maintain a cordial relationship with each other.
Is Nikki Sixx Sober?
He has been sober for nearly 20 years.
Nikki Sixx’s birthday dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | December 11 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | December 11 | Thursday |
| 2026 | December 11 | Friday |
| 2027 | December 11 | Saturday |
| 2028 | December 11 | Monday |
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