Career Timeline of Tommy Lee: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Tommy Lee, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Tommy Lee (born Thomas Lee Bass) is an American musician best known as the drummer and co-founder of the iconic heavy metal band Mötley Crüe. Beyond his work with Mötley Crüe, Lee formed the rap metal band Methods of Mayhem and has also released solo musical projects. He is known for his energetic and flamboyant drumming style and his prominent presence in pop culture and entertainment.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1981: Debut Album Release

In 1981, Mötley Crüe released its debut album, Too Fast for Love, on their own independent label, Leathür Records.

1981: Formation of Mötley Crüe

In 1981, after London broke up, Tommy Lee and Nikki Sixx decided to form a new group. Shortly afterward, guitarist Mick Mars joined the band and after recruiting Vince Neil, Mötley Crüe was officially formed.

1982: Record Deal with Elektra

In 1982, Elektra Records signed Mötley Crüe and reissued their debut album.

1983: Release of 'Shout at the Devil'

In 1983, Mötley Crüe released the album 'Shout at the Devil', marking a significant milestone in their career.

1985: Release of 'Theatre of Pain'

In 1985, Mötley Crüe released the album 'Theatre of Pain', adding to their string of successful releases.

1987: Release of 'Girls, Girls, Girls'

In 1987, Mötley Crüe released the album 'Girls, Girls, Girls', further solidifying their status in the hard rock scene.

1989: Release of 'Dr. Feelgood'

In 1989, Mötley Crüe released the album 'Dr. Feelgood', continuing their decade of hit releases.

1996: Soundtrack Contribution

In 1996, Tommy Lee contributed the song "Planet Boom" to the soundtrack of Pamela Anderson's movie, Barb Wire.

1999: Crüe's Greatest Hits Tour and Formation of Methods of Mayhem

In 1999, Tommy Lee rejoined Mötley Crüe for the Crüe's Greatest Hits tour and formed the rap metal band Methods of Mayhem, releasing a self-titled album the same year.

2000: DJ Partnership with DJ Aero

In 2000, Tommy Lee and DJ Aero began DJing together.

2001: Participation in 'The Dirt' Autobiography

In 2001, Tommy Lee participated in Mötley Crüe's autobiography, The Dirt, despite distancing himself from the band after splitting.

August 2002: Ozzfest Mainstage Performance

In August 2002, Tommy Lee and his solo band joined Ozzfest on the mainstage.

2004: Ultra Music Festival Debut

In 2004, Tommy Lee and DJ Aero debuted as DJs on the mainstage at Ultra Music Festival during Winter Music Conference (WMC).

2004: Mötley Crüe Reunion and Anthology Release

In 2004, Tommy Lee reunited with the original Mötley Crüe line-up to release the double-disc anthology album Red, White & Crüe.

2004: Tommy Lee Goes to College

In 2004, Tommy Lee starred in a reality show on NBC titled Tommy Lee Goes to College, where he also served as one of the producers.

2005: The Red, White & Crüe Tour

In 2005, Mötley Crüe embarked on The Red, White & Crüe Tour 2005: Better Live Than Dead, which was the band's first tour in six years. The tour grossed US$33 million and finished the year at #8 on the Top Concert Money Earners list.

2005: Autobiography and Solo Album Release

In 2005, Tommy Lee released his autobiography, Tommyland, and his second solo album, Tommyland: The Ride, which served as a soundtrack to the book.

November 21, 2006: Rock Star Supernova Album Release

On November 21, 2006, the self-titled debut album Rock Star Supernova was released.

2006: Formation of Rock Star Supernova

In 2006, Tommy Lee formed a new band called Rock Star Supernova with Jason Newsted and Gilby Clarke.

2006: Cancellation of Crüe Tour Dates

In 2006, a lengthy leg of Mötley Crüe tour dates was cancelled due to Tommy Lee's participation in reality TV shows, which led to a lawsuit between the band and his manager.

September 2007: Brief Resignation from Mötley Crüe

In September 2007, Tommy Lee initially quit Mötley Crüe before returning to the band.

November 2007: Reported Departure from Mötley Crüe

In November 2007, it was announced that Tommy Lee was no longer a member of Mötley Crüe, reportedly due to a lawsuit between the band and his manager.

2007: Electro Mayhem DJ Tour

In 2007, Tommy Lee and DJ Aero, known as Electro Mayhem, performed over 60 club dates as DJs throughout North America.

2008: Crüe Fest Tour

In 2008, Tommy Lee ended up recording the new album, Saints of Los Angeles, and toured with Mötley Crüe on its Crüe Fest tour.

2008: Battleground Earth

In Spring 2008, Tommy Lee began filming another reality TV show with rapper Ludacris for Planet Green titled Battleground Earth.

2009: Collaboration with Sharam

In 2009, Tommy Lee appeared in select cities with Sharam, accompanying him live on the piano during his house DJ sets.

2010: Protest Against SeaWorld's Treatment of Tilikum

In 2010, Tommy Lee, as a supporter of animal rights and PETA, sent a letter to the president of SeaWorld, Terry Prather, protesting the treatment of Tilikum the orca. Lee advocated for Tilikum's release and criticized SeaWorld's methods of obtaining Tilikum's sperm, deeming them "sick and twisted."

2011: Meowington Hax Tour with deadmau5

In 2011, Tommy Lee and DJ Aero accompanied deadmau5 in his Meowington Hax tour.

2013: Letter to Alberta Premier Regarding Chuckwagon Races

In 2013, Tommy Lee, as a member of PETA, sent a letter to the then-Alberta Premier Alison Redford requesting that she end the Calgary Stampede's chuckwagon races due to the deaths of 50 horses since 1986.