About the Author

Nikki Sixx is an international rock icon, founding member of Mötley Crüe and Sixx: A.M., four-time New York Times best-selling author (with The First 21, The Heroin Diaries, This Is Gonna Hurt, and Mötley Crüe's The Dirt), philanthropist, photographer, and addiction recovery advocate. Sixx had the #1 nationally syndicated rock radio show, Sixx Sensewith Nikki Sixx on iHeart Media, for eight years. In March 2019, Sixx premiered Mötley Crüe's hit Netflix biopic, The Dirt, based on the band's 2001 autobiography.

Reviews

"There's surprisingly no shortage of new stories to behold here. Perhaps the most fascinating are the lesser known ones; Sixx finally dives deep into the history of pre-Crüe acts such as Sister and London, and working with the likes of W.A.S.P. frontman Blackie Lawless (among others).... Do yourself the favor of getting to know [Sixx] a little better by reading this book, and you might just be glad you do."--Rewind It Magazine

" Amazing... The First 21: How I Became Nikki Sixx is the origin story many have been waiting for.... There are many poignant moments and stunning revelations. You'll learn how he went from sweeping floors to selling out shows at The Starwood, the artists and authors who inspired him, the meaning behind the trademark black lines he wears onstage, how he ripped off everything from Johnny Thunders' look to the name Nikki Sixx, and how James Caan almost lassoed him poolside. However, his determination to succeed is the real story."--The Aquarian

"The First 21: How I Became Nikki Sixx, is an up-and-comers blueprint to creating one of the biggest bands ever."--The Festivals Hub

"[The First 21 is] illuminating and insightful... very honest - painfully so."--Cleveland.com

"[The First 21] explores how [Nikki Sixx's] hand-to-mouth upbringing made him hungry to see his rock-band dreams come to fruition...thoughtful glimpses into the backstory of a very determined musician."--Kirkus Reviews

"[Nikki Sixx] follows his searing memoir, The Heroin Diaries, with an equally exhilarating look at the first 21 years of his life... Fans will relish this passionate look at the man behind the hair."
--Publishers Weekly

"[Nikki] writes it in a way where the reader feels like they're there."--Dr. Phil

"A deeply personal plunge into Sixx's dysfunctional upbringing....The journey from Feranna to Sixx - a name he maybe, sort of stole from another local musician who had dubbed himself Niki Syxx - is a fraught and complicated one. But it's a story that Sixx shares with humor and honesty."--USA Today

"A fascinating read, one that Sixx tells with candor and an awareness of self that few possess."--Audio Ink Radio

"This book is so exciting...I love the backstory of [Nikki's] life...What a great book."--Matt Pinfield, "New & Approved"

"This is a profound true story finding identity, of how Frank Feranna became Nikki Sixx. It's also a road map to the ways you can overcome anything, and achieve all of your goals, if only you put your mind to it."--BraveWords

"This is Sixx's origin story, filled with adventures and misadventures as well as a surprising amount of warmth that puts flesh and heart into the miscreant image he cultivated."--Macomb Daily