Music
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The First 21: How I Became Nikki Sixx
Rock-and-roll icon and three-time bestselling author Nikki Sixx tells his origin story: how Frank Feranna became Nikki Sixx, chronicling his fascinating journey from irrepressible Idaho farmboy to the man who formed the revolutionary rock group Mötley Crüe.
Nikki Sixx is one of the most respected, recognizable, and entrepreneurial icons in the music industry. As the founder of Mötley Crüe, who is now in his twenty-first year of sobriety, Sixx is incredibly passionate about his craft and wonderfully open about his life in rock and roll, and as a person of the world. Born Franklin Carlton Feranna on December 11, 1958, young Frankie was abandoned by his father and partly raised by his mother, a woman who was ahead of her time but deeply troubled. Frankie ended up living with his grandparents, bouncing from farm to farm and state to state. He was an all-American kid—hunting, fishing, chasing girls, and playing football—but underneath it all, there was a burning desire for more, and that more was music. He eventually took a Greyhound bound for Hollywood.
In Los Angeles, Frank lived with his aunt and his uncle—the president of Capitol Records—for a short time. But there was no easy path to the top. He was soon on his own. There were dead-end jobs: dipping circuit boards, clerking at liquor and record stores, selling used light bulbs, and hustling to survive. But at night, Frank honed his craft, joining Sister, a band formed by fellow hard-rock veteran Blackie Lawless, and formed a group of his own: London, the precursor of Mötley Crüe. Turning down an offer to join Randy Rhoads’s band, Frank changed his name to Nikki London, Nikki Nine, and, finally, Nikki Sixx. Like Huck Finn with a stolen guitar, he had a vision: a group that combined punk, glam, and hard rock into the biggest, most theatrical and irresistible package the world had ever seen. With hard work, passion, and some luck, the vision manifested in reality—and this is a profound true story finding identity, of how Frank Feranna became Nikki Sixx. It's also a road map to the ways you can overcome anything, and achieve all of your goals, if only you put your mind to it.
Nikki Sixx is one of the most respected, recognizable, and entrepreneurial icons in the music industry. As the founder of Mötley Crüe, who is now in his twenty-first year of sobriety, Sixx is incredibly passionate about his craft and wonderfully open about his life in rock and roll, and as a person of the world. Born Franklin Carlton Feranna on December 11, 1958, young Frankie was abandoned by his father and partly raised by his mother, a woman who was ahead of her time but deeply troubled. Frankie ended up living with his grandparents, bouncing from farm to farm and state to state. He was an all-American kid—hunting, fishing, chasing girls, and playing football—but underneath it all, there was a burning desire for more, and that more was music. He eventually took a Greyhound bound for Hollywood.
In Los Angeles, Frank lived with his aunt and his uncle—the president of Capitol Records—for a short time. But there was no easy path to the top. He was soon on his own. There were dead-end jobs: dipping circuit boards, clerking at liquor and record stores, selling used light bulbs, and hustling to survive. But at night, Frank honed his craft, joining Sister, a band formed by fellow hard-rock veteran Blackie Lawless, and formed a group of his own: London, the precursor of Mötley Crüe. Turning down an offer to join Randy Rhoads’s band, Frank changed his name to Nikki London, Nikki Nine, and, finally, Nikki Sixx. Like Huck Finn with a stolen guitar, he had a vision: a group that combined punk, glam, and hard rock into the biggest, most theatrical and irresistible package the world had ever seen. With hard work, passion, and some luck, the vision manifested in reality—and this is a profound true story finding identity, of how Frank Feranna became Nikki Sixx. It's also a road map to the ways you can overcome anything, and achieve all of your goals, if only you put your mind to it.
Editorial Reviews
"[Nikki] writes it in a way where the reader feels like they're there."―Dr. Phil
"This book is so exciting...I love the backstory of [Nikki's] life...What a great book."―Matt Pinfield, "New & Approved"
"A deeply personal plunge into Sixx's dysfunctional upbringing….The journey from Feranna to Sixx – a name he maybe, sort of stole from another local musician who had dubbed himself Niki Syxx – is a fraught and complicated one. But it's a story that Sixx shares with humor and honesty."―USA Today
" Amazing... The First 21: How I Became Nikki Sixx is the origin story many have been waiting for…. There are many poignant moments and stunning revelations. You'll learn how he went from sweeping floors to selling out shows at The Starwood, the artists and authors who inspired him, the meaning behind the trademark black lines he wears onstage, how he ripped off everything from Johnny Thunders' look to the name Nikki Sixx, and how James Caan almost lassoed him poolside. However, his determination to succeed is the real story."―The Aquarian
"[The First 21] explores how [Nikki Sixx's] hand-to-mouth upbringing made him hungry to see his rock-band dreams come to fruition…thoughtful glimpses into the backstory of a very determined musician."―Kirkus Reviews
"[Nikki Sixx] follows his searing memoir, The Heroin Diaries, with an equally exhilarating look at the first 21 years of his life… Fans will relish this passionate look at the man behind the hair."
―Publishers Weekly
"This book is so exciting...I love the backstory of [Nikki's] life...What a great book."―Matt Pinfield, "New & Approved"
"A deeply personal plunge into Sixx's dysfunctional upbringing….The journey from Feranna to Sixx – a name he maybe, sort of stole from another local musician who had dubbed himself Niki Syxx – is a fraught and complicated one. But it's a story that Sixx shares with humor and honesty."―USA Today
" Amazing... The First 21: How I Became Nikki Sixx is the origin story many have been waiting for…. There are many poignant moments and stunning revelations. You'll learn how he went from sweeping floors to selling out shows at The Starwood, the artists and authors who inspired him, the meaning behind the trademark black lines he wears onstage, how he ripped off everything from Johnny Thunders' look to the name Nikki Sixx, and how James Caan almost lassoed him poolside. However, his determination to succeed is the real story."―The Aquarian
"[The First 21] explores how [Nikki Sixx's] hand-to-mouth upbringing made him hungry to see his rock-band dreams come to fruition…thoughtful glimpses into the backstory of a very determined musician."―Kirkus Reviews
"[Nikki Sixx] follows his searing memoir, The Heroin Diaries, with an equally exhilarating look at the first 21 years of his life… Fans will relish this passionate look at the man behind the hair."
―Publishers Weekly
Readers Top Reviews
Teresa R.stacy l.
This is an amazing book. Its not written its like Nikki is talking to you. His story is the best
gilbert Figueroa
Great book but kinda short I always want more when it comes to rock and roll so enjoy it as and fock on everybody
Connie Knight
Another great book from Nikki. He's a man o f great words. I only wish it would have continued. I hope for another in the near future.
I’ve read The Dirt & Heroin Diaries. Nikki is easy to read. I’ve enjoyed them all. Took me a few days to get through. Thanks Tom & Nona?
christina
I really enjoyed reading this book. Read the whole thing in 1 day. I highly recommend reading it
