ROCK MOMENT – Motley Crue ‘Kickstart My Heart
Few songs capture the wild spirit of 1980s hard rock quite like ‘Kickstart My Heart’ by Mötley Crüe. Released in 1989 on the band’s album Dr. Feelgood, the track is more than just a high-energy rock anthem—it’s based on one of the most infamous real-life moments in rock history.
The song was written primarily by bassist and band leader Nikki Sixx and tells the story of his near-fatal heroin overdose in December 1987. At the time, Sixx had been struggling with heavy drug use while the band was at the height of its fame. One night, after injecting heroin, Sixx overdosed and was declared clinically dead for several minutes. Paramedics revived him after administering two shots of adrenaline directly into his heart—a dramatic moment that would later inspire the title and concept of the song.
Sixx later described the sensation of being revived as feeling like his heart had literally been “kickstarted.” The experience ultimately became a turning point for both him and the band, helping push Mötley Crüe toward sobriety during the recording of Dr. Feelgood.
When the band entered the studio with producer Bob Rock, they were determined to create the biggest and most powerful album of their career. Rock pushed the band to refine their performances and focus on tight, polished production. ‘Kickstart My Heart’ was built around a roaring guitar riff from guitarist Mick Mars, thunderous drumming from Tommy Lee, and the gritty vocals of Vince Neil.
The result was a relentless, adrenaline-fueled track that perfectly matched the story behind it. Lyrically, the song references the chaos of the band’s lifestyle while celebrating survival and second chances.
Although it wasn’t the biggest chart hit from Dr. Feelgood, ‘Kickstart My Heart’ quickly became one of Mötley Crüe’s signature songs. Its explosive energy made it a staple of live shows, sporting events, and film soundtracks.
Today, the song remains one of the most recognizable hard rock anthems ever recorded—an electrifying reminder of the band’s wild past and the moment that nearly ended it all. ⚡🎸
