Mötley Crüe’s Setlist Change: Deep Cuts Coming to 2026 Tour

Nikki Sixx Reveals Mötley Crüe’s Setlist Change Plans

Nikki Sixx isn’t holding back when it comes to discussing Mötley Crüe’s setlist change for 2026. During a recent interview with WMMS, the legendary bassist opened up about the creative process behind selecting songs. The band wants to deliver both the massive hits fans expect and the deeper album tracks that showcase their versatility.

According to Sixx, the conversation always starts with recognizing what fans want. Obviously, the hits are non-negotiable. Songs like “Kickstart My Heart” and “Dr. Feelgood” have to be there. But there’s also room for experimentation. The band has so many incredible songs in their catalog that rarely get played live.

The bassist mentioned that during their recent Las Vegas residency, they experimented with adding “On With the Show” to the setlist. The response was fantastic. This track from their 1981 debut showed fans a different side of the Crüe. It proved that audiences are hungry for more than just the radio staples.

What makes Mötley Crüe’s setlist change particularly exciting is the band’s willingness to take risks. They could easily coast on their greatest hits package. Instead, they’re choosing to challenge themselves and their audience. This approach keeps their live shows fresh and unpredictable, even after 45 years.

Deep Cuts Getting the Spotlight

The most exciting aspect of Mötley Crüe’s setlist change involves the deep cuts. Sixx specifically mentioned “On With the Show” and “Starry Eyes” as candidates for the 2026 tour. Both tracks come from the band’s debut album Too Fast for Love. These songs represent the raw, hungry sound of the early Crüe.

“Starry Eyes” is a particularly interesting choice. The song features a more melodic approach than many of their later hits. It’s a track that showcases Vince Neil’s vocal range and the band’s ability to craft memorable hooks. Many fans discovered the band through later albums like 80s classics Girls, Girls, Girls or Dr. Feelgood.

Sixx pointed out that playing these early tracks creates special moments for the audience. Newer fans get to discover the band’s roots. Meanwhile, longtime supporters finally hear songs they’ve been requesting for decades. It’s a win-win situation that adds depth to the concert experience.

The bassist also mentioned “Live Wire” as another important early track. While it’s more commonly performed than “On With the Show” or “Starry Eyes,” it still represents that crucial debut album era. These songs tell the story of how four street kids from Los Angeles became rock legends.

The Balancing Act: Hits vs. Rarities

Creating the perfect setlist is one of the toughest challenges any band faces. For Mötley Crüe, it’s particularly complex. They have multiple platinum albums and countless hits. Every song they drop to make room for a deep cut represents a risk. Sixx acknowledged this struggle openly during his interview.

The bassist revealed they recently made a tough choice during their Vegas residency. They added “On With the Show” to the setlist but had to remove “Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away).” That’s a massive hit from the Dr. Feelgood album. The decision wasn’t easy, but Sixx explained both songs have similar tempos, making the swap logical.

This kind of strategic thinking shows how seriously the band takes their setlist changes. They’re not randomly throwing songs together. There’s consideration given to pacing, energy levels, and the overall show flow. The setlist influences everything from lighting cues to pyrotechnic moments to costume changes.

The challenge becomes even more complex when you consider the band’s diverse catalog. Do you focus on the early Elektra years with Shout at the Devil and Theatre of Pain? Or do you lean into the mega-successful era of Girls, Girls, Girls and Dr. Feelgood? What about the 90s material that many fans also love?

Fan Involvement in the Decision

One of the most exciting revelations about Mötley Crüe’s setlist change is the band’s plan to involve fans directly. Sixx mentioned that they’ll give fans an opportunity to weigh in on which songs they want to hear. This democratic approach to setlist creation is relatively rare for classic rock bands.

The bassist explained they can “pick and choose” from fan suggestions. Then they’ll “salt and pepper” the set with deeper tracks based on that feedback. This approach ensures the shows reflect what audiences actually want rather than what the band assumes they want.

It’s a smart strategy that acknowledges different types of fans. Some Crüeheads have been following the band since 1981. They know every word to every album track. Others discovered Mötley Crüe through The Dirt movie on Netflix or through their recent tour updates. Both groups deserve consideration.

Sixx acknowledged this divide in the fanbase. Some fans insist the band should only play deep cuts. Others just want to hear the hits they know from radio. Finding the sweet spot between these preferences is crucial. The fan input process should help the band strike that perfect balance.

Return of the Carnival of Sins 2026

The upcoming Return of the Carnival of Sins tour represents a massive undertaking for Mötley Crüe. The 33-date North American tour kicks off in July 2026. It celebrates both the 20th anniversary of the original Carnival of Sins tour and the band’s 45th anniversary.

Tesla and Extreme will join as special guests throughout the run. These aren’t just random opening acts. Both bands represent important eras in classic rock history. Tesla brings their bluesy hard rock sound, while Extreme adds funk-metal sophistication. It’s a powerful triple bill.

The tour promises a “reimagined show” with updated production values. Anyone who saw the original Carnival of Sins tour remembers the spectacle. The circus theme, the elaborate staging, the over-the-top pyrotechnics. All of that returns but enhanced with modern technology and fresh creative ideas.

Tickets went on sale in November 2025, with VIP packages available earlier. The band is also donating $1 from every ticket to ASAP (After School Arts Program). This charitable initiative supports music and arts education for children, a cause close to the band’s heart.

The tour marks Mötley Crüe’s return after their successful Las Vegas residency at Dolby Live. That residency gave them a chance to test new songs and production ideas. Now they’re taking that refined show on the road across North America, hitting major amphitheaters from coast to coast.

Why This Setlist Change Matters

Mötley Crüe’s setlist change represents more than just swapping songs. It demonstrates the band’s commitment to artistic integrity. They could easily phone it in with the same 15 hits every night. Instead, they’re pushing themselves creatively and respecting their audience’s intelligence.

For longtime fans, hearing songs like “Starry Eyes” or “On With the Show” live is a dream come true. These tracks rarely appear in modern setlists. When they do, it creates special moments that differentiate one tour from another. It gives fans a reason to see multiple shows on the same tour.

The decision also serves an educational purpose. Newer fans who discovered the band through The Dirt or recent tours get exposed to the full depth of the Crüe’s catalog. They learn that there’s more to the band than just the MTV hits. This helps preserve the band’s legacy for future generations.

From a musical perspective, playing these older songs keeps the band sharp. “On With the Show” and “Starry Eyes” are technically demanding tracks. They require precision and energy. Incorporating them into the setlist challenges the members of Mötley Crüe to stay at the top of their game.

Final Thoughts

Mötley Crüe’s setlist change for the 2026 Return of the Carnival of Sins tour shows a band still willing to take creative risks. After 45 years, they could rest on their laurels. Instead, they’re actively working to make each show special and unique.

Nikki Sixx’s willingness to discuss the process openly demonstrates respect for the fanbase. He acknowledges the challenge of balancing hits with deep cuts. He recognizes that different fans have different preferences. Most importantly, he’s involving the audience in the decision-making process.

The inclusion of tracks like “On With the Show” and “Starry Eyes” promises to make the 2026 tour memorable for both casual fans and hardcore Crüeheads. These songs represent the band’s raw early days before superstardom. They showcase a different side of the Crüe that many newer fans have never experienced.

As the tour approaches, excitement continues to build. Fans are already speculating about which deep cuts might make the final setlist. Will “Take Me to the Top” return? What about “Piece of Your Action”? The mystery adds to the anticipation.

One thing is certain: Mötley Crüe’s 2026 tour will be more than just another classic rock nostalgia trip. It’s a celebration of a band that changed rock music forever. It’s a showcase of deep album cuts alongside massive hits. And it’s a testament to the enduring power of rock and roll when done right.

Despite the recent controversy with Mick Mars, the band pushes forward with guitarist John 5 bringing his own technical wizardry to the stage. Even with lineup changes, the core spirit of Mötley Crüe remains intact. The setlist changes prove that the band still cares about delivering the best possible show to their fans.