Motley Rock Stories

Dying Is Not a Great Way to Make a Living

The untold story of Mick Mars, the driving force behind Motley Crue as told by his bandmate in their dues-paying era in the Hollywood rock scene of the mid- to late 1970s.

It's a comedy. It's a tragedy. This is the true story of two desperate people sharing the same dreams, apartment, road tours, and life in the crazy world of Southern California's rock and roll scene. Watch Mick Mars and his climb to the pinnacle of success from the beer dives of Hollywood. Get a glimpse of the mystery man of Motley Crue from someone who knew him best before he became a huge star.

This is also the story of Mick's friend and bandmate Jack Valentine, the world's first flying drummer.

"Forrest Gump's got nothing on me," says Jack. "You will see my life has been equally as weird as Forrest's."

After inventing the world's first upside-down flying drumming platform, Jack could see fame as a rock star just around the corner. But something caused Jack to throw on the brakes and stop right at the edge of fame and fortune and turn and run the other way.

Their lives took opposite journeys at this juncture, with Mick Mars becoming the lead guitarist for one of America's most notorious and successful rock bands, Motley Crue.

©2006 Jack Valentine (P)2019 Jack Valentine