Rock and roll, the genre that has always thrived on pushing boundaries and breaking norms, has given birth to some of the wildest and most infamous parties in music history. From excessive drug use to eccentric costumes and outrageous performances, these rock stars spared no expense in taking their revelries to the extreme. Here, we delve into the stories behind some of the most notorious rock parties that have gone down in history.
Nikki Sixx Rocks ’til He Drops
Mötley Crüe, known for their electrifying performances and wild antics, reached the pinnacle of rock stardom during the 1980s. However, it was one party in 1987 that almost cost bassist Nikki Sixx his life. Surrounded by fellow rockers Slash, Steven Adler, Robbin Crosby, and David Ellefson, Sixx indulged in a drug-fueled escapade that ended with him overdosing on heroin. Declared dead for two minutes before being revived, Sixx’s out-of-body experience during those critical moments left a lasting impact on him. Reflecting on the incident, he said, “Nikki Sixx — or the filthy, tattooed container that had once held him — was lying covered face-to-toe with a sheet on a gurney being pushed by medics into an ambulance.”
Vince Neil’s Fatal Car Crash
Mötley Crüe’s gluttony for revelry rivaled any other rock band, and a party with glam metal outfit Hanoi Rocks led to a tragic car crash. Vince Neil, heavily intoxicated, got into an accident while driving to get more beer, resulting in the death of Hanoi Rocks drummer Razzle and severe injuries to others. Neil’s punishment for his actions was surprisingly light, which raised eyebrows, given the magnitude of the tragedy.
Freddie Mercury’s Extravagant Birthdays
Freddie Mercury, known for his exceptional vocal prowess and flamboyant stage presence, lived life to the fullest, and his birthday parties were no exception. In 1987, the Queen frontman celebrated his 41st birthday at the Pikes Hotel in Ibiza. Flying in 700 friends, including Bon Jovi, Spandau Ballet, Anthony Quinn, and Jean-Claude Van Damme, the party was an extravagant affair with 350 bottles of Moet & Chandon champagne, a towering cake modeled after the Sagrada Familia, and a jaw-dropping fireworks display. A black and white party on another occasion saw 100 guests dressed in formal drag. Mercury’s parties were legendary, reflecting the excess and grandeur of his iconic stage presence.
Billy Idol’s Streak in Thailand
Billy Idol’s wild streak reached its peak during a weeks-long bender in Thailand. With copious substances and a trail of hotel destruction, Idol’s partying got so out of hand that the military had to intervene, escorting him out of the country on a gurney. It was a display of excess and hedonism that left lasting memories for those involved.
Led Zeppelin’s Whipped Cream Party
Led Zeppelin’s legendary antics included a bizarre and risqué party idea. Guitarist Jimmy Page and drummer John Bonham hatched a plan to entertain a roomful of groupies by having Page get naked, cover himself in whipped cream, and be escorted to their guests on a cart by Bonham dressed as a waiter. This scandalous party moment became one of the band’s more fabled antics.
Ozzy Osbourne Out-Parties Mötley Crüe
Ozzy Osbourne, the Prince of Darkness, has always known how to steal the show at any party. During a tour with Mötley Crüe, a poolside gathering took a shocking turn when Ozzy snorted a line of live ants and then licked his own urine off the ground, challenging Mötley Crüe’s bassist Nikki Sixx to do the same. Ozzy emerged as the undisputed party animal of the night.
Iggy Pop’s Celebrity Rehab Party
Iggy Pop’s rehab party was a truly unique event, with David Bowie smuggling in cocaine and arriving at the facility dressed in spacesuit costumes. The two celebrities indulged in a drug-fueled soiree, making the party an unconventional but memorable event in rock history.
Elton John’s 50th Birthday Party
Elton John, known for his extravagant performances and lavish lifestyle, spared no expense for his 50th birthday bash in 1997. The celebration at the Hammersmith Palais music hall saw over 600 guests in attendance, with Elton making a grand entrance in an ostentatious King Louis XIV-inspired outfit with a three-foot-tall wig. The party was a spectacle of costumes, with guests dressing in lavish attire to match the grandeur of the event.
Queen’s “Jazz” Album Launch Party
Freddie Mercury’s penchant for extravagance was on full display at Queen’s “Jazz” album launch party. With a budget that far exceeded the band’s original plan, the party was a lavish affair featuring contortionists, fire-eaters, drag queens, and other eccentric entertainers. It remains one of the most talked-about album launch parties in rock history.