Nikki Sixx, born Frank Carlton Serafino Feranna Jr. on December 11, 1958, is a legendary American musician, songwriter, author, and radio host, best known as the co-founder and bassist of Mötley Crüe. At 66 years old, Sixx has built a remarkable career in heavy metal, with a net worth of $65 million as of 2025. His journey includes high-profile marriages, turbulent dating history, and a thriving career beyond music, including writing and fashion. This article dives into his age, net worth, career, marriage, dating, and salary, offering fresh insights and personal reflections.
Early Life and Age: The Making of Nikki Sixx
Born in San Jose, California, Nikki Sixx’s age in 2025 is 66, but his energy rivals that of a much younger artist. Raised by his single mother, Deana Richards, and grandparents after his father left, Sixx faced a turbulent childhood. He relocated multiple times, attending seven schools in 11 years, which fueled a rebellious streak. As a teenager, he engaged in vandalism and drug-related activities, leading to his expulsion from school. This chaos shaped his gritty persona, which later defined Mötley Crüe’s raw sound. His early love for bands like Deep Purple and The Rolling Stones sparked a passion for music, leading him to learn the bass guitar with money from selling a stolen guitar.
Reflecting on his youth, Sixx once said, “I was a kid with no direction, but music gave me a way to channel my chaos.” His resilience turned personal struggles into creative fuel, a theme that resonates with fans and aspiring musicians alike.
Career Highlights: From Mötley Crüe to Sixx:A.M.
Nikki Sixx’s career began in Los Angeles at age 17, where he joined the band Sister, only to be fired after a demo. Undeterred, he co-founded London with Lizzie Grey before forming Mötley Crüe in 1981 with Tommy Lee, Mick Mars, and Vince Neil. The band’s debut album, Too Fast for Love (1981), launched them into fame, followed by hits like Shout at the Devil (1983) and Dr. Feelgood (1989), which charted for 114 weeks. Sixx’s songwriting defined Mötley Crüe’s provocative style, cementing their status as glam metal pioneers.
Beyond Mötley Crüe, Sixx explored side projects like Sixx:A.M., formed in 2006 to accompany his autobiography, The Heroin Diaries. The band released five albums, showcasing his versatility. He also collaborated with artists like Alice Cooper and Lita Ford, and launched Sixx Sense, a syndicated radio show. His entrepreneurial ventures include the Royal Underground clothing line, co-founded with Kelly Gray in 2006. Sixx’s ability to reinvent himself across music, writing, and fashion highlights his multifaceted talent.
A unique insight: Sixx’s songwriting often draws from personal pain, a technique he shared in a 2023 interview: “Every scar tells a story, and I put those stories into my music.” This approach has kept his work authentic and relatable, resonating with fans across generations.
Net Worth and Salary: A Financial Empire
As of 2025, Nikki Sixx’s net worth is estimated at $65 million, driven by Mötley Crüe’s album sales, tours, and catalog sales. In 2021, the band sold their music catalog to BMG for $150 million, a savvy move after buying their masters for $10 million in the 1990s. Sixx’s salary includes earnings from touring, royalties, and side ventures like Sixx Sense and book sales from The Heroin Diaries and The Dirt, both New York Times bestsellers. His fashion line and photography exhibits further diversify his income.
Data point: Mötley Crüe’s 2023 stadium tour with Def Leppard grossed over $170 million, per Billboard, with Sixx’s share bolstering his wealth. His financial acumen, from catalog sales to brand partnerships, offers a case study in how musicians can build lasting wealth beyond performing.
Marriage and Dating: A Storied Personal Life
Nikki Sixx’s marriage history is as colorful as his career. He first married Brandi Brandt, a Playboy Playmate, from 1989 to 1996, with whom he has three children: Gunner, Storm, and Decker. His second marriage to Donna D’Errico, another Playmate, lasted from 1996 to 2007, producing daughter Frankie-Jean. In 2014, Sixx married Courtney Bingham, now Courtney Sixx, and they welcomed daughter Ruby in 2019 after a sperm retrieval procedure due to his earlier vasectomy.
Sixx’s dating history includes high-profile relationships with Lita Ford (1981–1984), Vanity (1986–1987), and Kat Von D (2008–2010). His romance with Kat Von D was particularly public, with Sixx appearing on LA Ink for a tattoo of bandmate Mick Mars. Despite rumors of reconciliations, their relationship ended permanently in 2010. Sixx’s current marriage to Courtney, a model and DIY expert, is marked by stability, with the couple sharing a passion for family and creativity.
Courtney shared with People in 2023, “Keeping things spicy keeps us connected.” Their partnership, rooted in mutual respect and shared goals, contrasts with Sixx’s earlier turbulent relationships, offering a lesson in finding balance after a stormy past.
Overcoming Addiction: A Transformative Journey
Sixx’s life was nearly derailed by a heroin addiction, culminating in a 1987 overdose where he was clinically dead for two minutes. Revived by paramedics, he entered rehab and has been sober for over 20 years. His book, The Heroin Diaries, details this dark period, offering raw insights into addiction’s toll. Sixx’s advocacy for mental health and sobriety, shared through platforms like The Dad Edge podcast, inspires fans and recovering addicts alike.
In a 2024 Instagram post (@nikkisixxpixx), Sixx wrote, “Sobriety gave me clarity to create, love, and live fully.” His journey underscores the power of resilience, making him a role model for overcoming personal demons.
Nikki Sixx Biography Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Frank Carlton Serafino Feranna Jr. |
| Stage Name | Nikki Sixx |
| Birth Date | December 11, 1958 |
| Age | 66 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | San Jose, California, USA |
| Nationality | American, Italian ancestry |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch |
| Weight | 86 kg |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Black (dyed) |
| Education | Attended seven schools; expelled for selling drugs |
| Career Start | 1975, joined Sister band |
| Main Band | Mötley Crüe (co-founder, bassist, songwriter) |
| Side Projects | Sixx:A.M., Brides of Destruction, 58, London |
| Notable Albums | Too Fast for Love, Shout at the Devil, Dr. Feelgood |
| Net Worth | $65 million (2025 estimate) |
| Salary Sources | Music royalties, tours, radio, books, fashion |
| Marriages | Brandi Brandt (1989–1996), Donna D’Errico (1996–2007), Courtney Sixx (2014–present) |
| Children | Gunner, Storm, Decker, Frankie-Jean, Ruby |
| Notable Relationships | Lita Ford, Vanity, Kat Von D |
| Sobriety | Sober since 2001 |
| Books | The Heroin Diaries, The Dirt |
| Radio Show | Sixx Sense |
| Fashion Line | Royal Underground |
| Social Media | Instagram: @nikkisixxpixx, Twitter: @NikkiSixx, Facebook: Nikki Sixx |
Unique Insights and Legacy
Sixx’s legacy extends beyond music. His photography, showcased in galleries, captures raw emotion, reflecting his artistic depth. His commitment to Transcendental Meditation since the 2000s has grounded his creative process, a practice he credits for maintaining sobriety. Unlike many rock stars, Sixx’s ability to pivot—whether through writing, radio, or fashion—sets him apart. His story is a testament to transforming pain into purpose, offering hope to those facing similar struggles.
For fans searching for Nikki Sixx’s age, net worth, career, marriage, dating, or salary, his journey is a masterclass in resilience and reinvention. Follow him on Instagram or Twitter for updates, or explore his story on Wikipedia and People.
