Nikki Sixx & YUNGBLUD
Digest
This podcast covers a range of topics, beginning with political advertisements for Tom Steyer's gubernatorial campaign in California, focusing on affordability and education. It then transitions into the world of rock music, featuring an extensive interview with emerging artist Young Blood. Young Blood discusses his musical journey, his album "The Idols," his collaboration with Ozzy Osbourne, and his views on the current state and future of rock music. The podcast also includes a detailed conversation with Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue, covering their upcoming tour with Tesla and Extreme, the importance of songwriting, stage production advancements, and Sixx's various creative projects. Interspersed throughout are advertisements for Metro by T-Mobile, Lowe's Pro Rewards, Nordstrom Rack, and Pandora. The episode concludes with a recap of the Young Blood interview and announcements of future guests.
Outlines
Political Campaigns and Holiday Savings
The podcast opens with political advertisements for Tom Steyer's gubernatorial campaign, highlighting his platform on affordability, utility rates, and education. This is followed by promotions for holiday savings from Metro by T-Mobile and the Lowe's app for Pro Rewards members.
Introduction to Trunk Nation and Eddie Trunk's Christmas Episode
The podcast introduces itself as "Trunk Nation," a show for rock and metal fans, setting an energetic tone. Eddie Trunk then hosts a Christmas Day episode, expressing gratitude and discussing the podcast's focus on artist interviews, while also promoting his SiriusXM radio show.
Motley Crue Tour and Nikki Sixx Interview
Eddie Trunk interviews Nikki Sixx about the upcoming Motley Crue tour with Tesla and Extreme. They discuss tour production, songwriting, family life during the holidays, and the band's flexible schedule. Sixx elaborates on the tour package, the importance of strong songs, and the challenges of booking amphitheater tours.
Motley Crue's Production, Vegas Residency, and Early Influences
Nikki Sixx details the revival of the "Carnival of Sins" branding for the tour, discussing technological advancements in show production, including AI. He also touches on the Motley Crue's Vegas residency, innovative stage production, and reminisces about early Kiss stage stunts and their inherent dangers.
Setlist Strategy, Vince Neil's Health, and Creative Projects
The discussion shifts to the challenges of creating a Motley Crue setlist, balancing hits with deeper tracks. Vince Neil's recovery from a stroke and his resilient performance are highlighted, emphasizing the paramount importance of health. Sixx also mentions the "Theater of Pain" box set and his ongoing creative projects, including an animation company and new books.
Nikki Sixx's Creative Ventures and Entrepreneurial Spirit
Nikki Sixx further details his animation company with Rob Minkoff, his passion for storytelling, and his upcoming fifth book. He humorously recounts his early entrepreneurial spirit, hinting at ventures that funded his musical aspirations, and discusses the biggest Motley Crue songs in the streaming era.
Iconic Motley Crue Songs and Give Back Initiative
Sixx discusses the impact and significance of iconic Motley Crue songs like "Kickstart My Heart" and "Home Sweet Home," highlighting their role in the band's evolution. He also promotes the Motley Crue Give Back initiative, supporting after-school arts programs.
Tour Ambitions and Interview Recaps
Eddie Trunk suggests Motley Crue play Dodger Stadium and speculates about potential collaborations for a larger tour. He recaps his interview with Nikki Sixx, recommending Sixx's book "The First 21," and considers rerunning a past interview.
Tour Opening Acts, Production, and Box Set Details
Trunk praises Extreme and Tesla as opening acts for the Motley Crue tour, highlighting the anticipated high-energy production. He provides details on tour dates and the release of the "Theater of Pain" box set, summarizing the upcoming tour as a highly anticipated hard rock event.
Introduction to Young Blood and His Impact on Rock Music
Eddie Trunk introduces his interview with Young Blood, calling him the "buzz guy of 2025" in rock music and expressing excitement about his potential to elevate the genre. Young Blood discusses his stage name's origins and the impact of stage names in rock.
Young Blood's Musical Journey and "The Idols" Album
Young Blood details his musical journey, starting at 18 with punk and hip-hop influences, evolving through three albums before his breakthrough with "The Idols." He explains that "The Idols" represents him as a fully-fledged artist, returning to his roots and capturing the raw energy of classic rock.
Collaboration with Ozzy Osbourne and Live Performance Impact
Young Blood recounts his relationship with Ozzy Osbourne, culminating in singing "Changes" at Villa Park. He reflects on the seismic impact of this performance, which brought him widespread recognition and respect within the rock community, describing the surreal experience of the unannounced performance.
Embracing Rock's Future and Musical Versatility
Young Blood discusses embracing the expectation of being a torchbearer for rock music, emphasizing his love for the genre and commitment to authenticity. He also talks about his multi-instrumental abilities and vocal influences, listing artists like Freddie Mercury and Chris Cornell.
Collaborations with Joe Perry, Steven Tyler, and "The Dirty Bats"
Young Blood shares his collaboration with Joe Perry and Steven Tyler on an EP, detailing how Perry discovered him. He describes the creative chemistry with Steven Tyler, calling him the greatest living American frontman, and recounts a private show with an all-star band called "The Dirty Bats."
Gratitude, Andrew Watt's Role, and Grammy Nominations
Young Blood expresses gratitude for his experiences, crediting producer Andrew Watt for bringing musicians together. He discusses his Grammy nominations, including for the live performance of "Changes" with Ozzy Osbourne, and reflects on the risk-taking involved in releasing his "Idols" album.
"Idols" Album's Impact, Authenticity, and Future Plans
Young Blood explains how the "Idols" album prepared him for increased spotlight and discusses the importance of staying true to oneself. He reveals plans for the second part of the "Idols" double album and a new record, addressing how he handles rapid success and criticism by focusing on authenticity.
Supporting Young Bands and Rock Music's Resurgence
Young Blood expresses his desire to support new bands and classic rock, encouraging authentic music creation. He highlights the current vibrant state of rock music, citing diverse artists and signaling a positive resurgence for the genre.
"Hello Heaven Hello" Music Video and Artistic Vision
Young Blood describes the challenging filming of the "Hello Heaven Hello" music video in sub-zero temperatures and defends the artistic integrity of his "Idols" album, emphasizing immersive musical experiences over radio-friendly edits. He discusses the value of living in the music.
2026 Plans, Eddie Trunk's Support, and Closing Remarks
Young Blood outlines his plans for 2026, including a US tour and album releases, expressing gratitude to his fans. Eddie Trunk expresses strong support for Young Blood, recognizing his potential to revitalize rock music. The podcast concludes with final pleasantries and announcements of future guests.
Podcast Recap and Advertisement Repeats
The podcast concludes with a recap of the Young Blood interview and announcements of upcoming guests. Repeats of the Tom Steyer campaign ad and the Metro holiday savings ad are included, along with a Pandora music streaming service advertisement.
Keywords
Motley Crue Tour
The upcoming summer tour featuring Motley Crue, with supporting acts Tesla and Extreme. The tour emphasizes strong songwriting and a high-quality production, reviving the "Carnival of Sins" branding.
Nikki Sixx
Bassist for Motley Crue, discussing the band's upcoming tour, creative projects including an animation company and books, and reflecting on Vince Neil's recovery and the band's legacy.
Young Blood
A rising artist in the rock scene, known for his album "The Idols" and his performance of "Changes" with Ozzy Osbourne. He is seen as a potential torchbearer for the future of rock music.
"The Idols" Album
Young Blood's latest album, described as a return to his roots and a representation of him as a fully-formed artist. It features a nine-minute opening track and explores themes of self-discovery and classic rock influences.
Rock Music Revival
The current resurgence and diverse landscape of rock music, with established and emerging artists contributing to its evolution. Young Blood is seen as a key figure in this movement.
Live Performance Technology
Advancements in stage production and technology, including AI, used to enhance live shows. This is discussed in the context of Motley Crue's upcoming tour and their past Vegas residency.
Songwriting Importance
The crucial role of strong songwriting in a band's success, as discussed by Nikki Sixx. He emphasizes that great songs are fundamental, regardless of musical skill or stage presence.
Vince Neil's Recovery
The resilience and recovery of Motley Crue's frontman, Vince Neil, after a stroke. His performance during the Vegas shows highlighted his courage and determination.
Cross-Generational Appeal
The importance of rock music connecting with audiences of all ages. Young Blood aims to create music that resonates with both older and younger generations, fostering unity within the genre.
Grammy Nominations
Young Blood's recognition at the Grammy Awards, including nominations for "Changes" (live performance), "Zombie" (best rock song), and "Idols" (best rock album), highlighting his critical acclaim.
Q&A
What is the main focus of Tom Steyer's political platform?
Tom Steyer's platform centers on addressing the cost of living crisis by focusing on affordable housing, cutting utility rates by 25%, and improving California's education system to be a top 10 state.
What are the key highlights of the Motley Crue tour with Tesla and Extreme?
The tour features a strong package of bands with great songs, emphasizing high-quality production reminiscent of "Carnival of Sins," and leveraging modern technology for an enhanced live experience.
How did Young Blood gain significant recognition in the rock scene?
Young Blood's recognition surged after his performance of "Changes" with Ozzy Osbourne at Villa Park, which brought widespread attention to his album "The Idols" and his potential as a rock artist.
What is the significance of the "Idols" album for Young Blood?
"The Idols" album represents Young Blood's artistic maturity and return to his rock roots, capturing raw energy and serving as a confident statement of his identity as an artist.
What are Nikki Sixx's current creative endeavors outside of Motley Crue?
Nikki Sixx is involved in an animation company with Rob Minkoff, has written multiple books including an upcoming fifth book, and is passionate about creating diverse content beyond music.
How does Young Blood view the current state of rock music?
Young Blood sees a positive resurgence in rock music, characterized by cross-generational appeal, diverse artists, and a return to authentic, guitar-driven sounds, emphasizing unity within the genre.
What challenges did Young Blood face when releasing his album "Idols"?
Young Blood faced resistance from his label regarding the album's artistic choices, particularly the nine-minute opening song, but he stood firm on his vision for creating deep, immersive musical experiences.
What is the Motley Crue Give Back initiative?
The initiative supports after-school arts programs (ASAP) by donating a dollar from every ticket sold, emphasizing the importance of arts education for children's development and future opportunities.
Who was featured in the recent interview, and what is his significance?
The recent interview featured Young Blood, an artist noted for carrying the flag for rock music, getting people talking about it again, and potentially inspiring younger artists.
What are the upcoming guests on the podcast?
The podcast will feature Dave Mustaine and The Warning in upcoming episodes, which are highly recommended not to miss.
Show Notes
Nikki Sixx joins Eddie Trunk to discuss Motley Crue's Carnival of Sins summer tour featuring Tesla and Extreme. Sixx reveals how they selected supporting acts, emphasizing the importance of bands with strong song catalogs. He shares details about potential production elements, reflecting on the original Carnival of Sins tour from 20 years ago and hinting at new technology enhancements. Sixx also praises Vince Neil's perseverance through recent health challenges, discusses the Theater of Pain box set, and mentions his upcoming fifth book and animation project with Lion King director Rob Minkoff. Plus, rising rock star YUNGBLUD joins Eddie Trunk to discuss his breakthrough performance of 'Changes' at Ozzy Osbourne's Back to the Beginning concert that catapulted him into the spotlight. He shares stories about growing up in his family's guitar shop, his musical influences, and his recent collaborations with rock legends Steven Tyler and Joe Perry. YUNGBLUD also talks about his Grammy-nominated album 'Idols,' his commitment to bringing authentic rock music to younger audiences, and his experience performing with an all-star lineup including Eddie Vedder, Bruno Mars, and Slash at a recent private show in New York.
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