Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx has revealed that ongoing health challenges within the band were behind their absence from Ozzy Osbourne’s highly anticipated farewell concert in Birmingham, England earlier this month. The show, titled Back to the Beginning, brought together a historic lineup of rock icons including Metallica, Slayer, and Guns N’ Roses but noticeably absent were Mötley Crüe, longtime peers of Osbourne in the pantheon of heavy metal.

Responding to a fan inquiry on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Sixx wrote candidly, “We have been having health issues within the band…” The message, while brief, pointed to the internal struggles that prevented the Crüe from joining what was likely one of the most star-studded metal gatherings of the decade. Though Sixx did not elaborate on which band member(s) were affected or what the specific ailments were, his comment echoed a sentiment he’s expressed publicly in recent months.

In a follow-up post, Sixx reflected more personally on his current lifestyle and medical outlook. “This 66-year-old pirate ship looks ready to go back to sea,” he joked, referencing the results of recent health tests, before acknowledging that age has made him more cautious about overextending himself. “I work HARD and I’m not interested in dying from work and BS stress,” he wrote, adding that his focus remains on protecting the life he has built, both personally and professionally. “I have a wonderful wife, five golden children, and a beautiful granddaughter. Do you think any part of my past indulgences is worth destroying the beautiful life I built? Never.”

Sixx’s remarks come at a time when Mötley Crüe has been undergoing a transitional period. Earlier this year, frontman Vince Neil underwent a vocal procedure that forced the band to postpone their Las Vegas residency originally scheduled for the spring. At the time, Neil released a statement emphasizing his commitment to recovery: “My health is my top priority so I can bring you the awesome shows you deserve,” he wrote. “Thank you for all the well wishes that keep reaching me. Your support means more than you know.”

Although details of Neil’s procedure remain private, his recovery appears to be progressing as planned. The band is now set to finally begin their rescheduled Las Vegas residency this fall, with dates confirmed from September 12 through October 3.

Despite recent setbacks, Mötley Crüe has kept a foothold in the spotlight. Earlier this year, the band released a collaborative reimagining of their classic ballad “Home Sweet Home” featuring country music legend Dolly Parton. The unexpected crossover received positive fan reaction and marked a rare blending of hard rock and country-pop nostalgia.

Sixx, who has been open in the past about his struggles with addiction and the toll that decades of touring have taken on his body, seems to be taking a more introspective approach to his career. “This is it,” he wrote in his social media post. “Either get your sh*t tighter or die a slow death crawl. We all die, some just give up sooner…. I’m planning on cracking 100. That will piss off the critics.”