Has Vince Neil ever had a number one hit with Mötley Crüe?
Some rock bands from the past did not achieve significant success on the singles charts, including Mötley Crüe, the band led by Vince Neil, who never secured a No. 1 hit. Yet, they managed to reach the top 10 twice, with one of their hits standing out as superior to the other.
One of the notable successes for Vince Neil’s band was the power ballad “Dr. Feelgood.” This single, derived from the album of the same name, climbed to the number 6 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained on the chart for a commendable 16 weeks. The song’s memorable melody and the lyrics referencing the band’s struggles with substance abuse resonated with listeners who appreciate songs that delve into the personal experiences of celebrities.
Another top 10 single from Mötley Crüe was “Without You,” which peaked at number 8 on the charts and maintained its presence for 17 weeks. Featuring on the “Dr. Feelgood” album as well, the success of this song was not surprising given the prevailing popularity of power ballads within the glam metal scene of 1989. While “Without You” may not have the upbeat vibes of other metal ballads like “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” by Poison or “What About Love” by Heart, it effectively captured the zeitgeist of its time.
Reflecting on the 35th anniversary of the “Dr. Feelgood” album, Vince Neil mused in a 2024 interview about the passage of time since its recording. The band’s decision to achieve sobriety during the creation of this album marked a turning point creatively for Mötley Crüe, often regarded as the pinnacle of their career. Neil fondly recalled the recording process as a joyful experience, reminiscing about the camaraderie and sense of purpose shared by the band during their period of sobriety.
Apart from Neil, other band members like Nikki Sixx also shared poignant memories of the impact of the “Dr. Feelgood” album. During a 2019 interview, Sixx expressed the profound effect of this landmark release, reflecting on how it compelled them to pause and contemplate their journey as artists. The process of getting sober not only rejuvenated their bond as a band but also reignited their passion for music, reminiscent of the early days when they were an emerging act striving for recognition on the music scene.
Although Mötley Crüe did not secure a No. 1 hit with the “Dr. Feelgood” album or any of their other releases, they took immense pride in the enduring legacy of their most successful record.