Although his later life has seen media focus more on his poor live performances[2] and off-stage controversy, Neil's visual aesthetic and distinctive singing voice are still considered synonymous with the American glam metal movement of the 1980s.

Neil was born in the Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California,[3] to Shirley (née Ortiz) and Clois "Odie" Wharton.

His biggest musical influence in the early days was Van Halen, imitating the look and the attitude of their frontman David Lee Roth.

The newly formed band was seeking a lead vocalist and was impressed by Neil after seeing him perform live at drummer Tommy Lee's suggestion.

Neil's drinking was beginning to affect his ability to perform, and after he failed to show up for a band rehearsal on February 10, 1992, Sixx, Lee and Mars agreed that the vocalist was "holding us back".

Lee accused him of failing to contribute to the creative process and Neil stormed out, and his firing was announced to the public four days later.

[10] The album featured Steve Stevens (who played all bass and guitar tracks on "Exposed"), Dave Marshall, Robbie Crane, and Vik Foxx.

Neil toured with his solo band, which consisted of Slaughter members Jeff Blando and Dana Strum, as well as drummer Zoltan Chaney.

Mötley's fortunes got a boost when Neil and Lee put aside their differences to tour in support of the 2005 compilation Red, White & Crüe.

Dubbed Carnival of Sins, the tour featured acrobats, fire breathers and a midget as part of the overall circus atmosphere the band created.

The album is a soundtrack to the book Neil released in the same year, Tattoos & Tequila: To Hell and Back with One of Rock's Most Notorious Frontmen.

[17] Following Mötley Crüe's 2014 and 2015 final world tour, Neil confirmed in September 2018 that the band had reformed and plans to release new music.

[18][19] In November 2016, Neil revealed that he had been contacted and was scheduled to play with his own band at the inauguration of Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., on January 20, 2017.

[citation needed] Neil founded Vince Vineyards, a winemaking venture that produced a 2003 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon and a 2003 Sonoma County Chardonnay.

On January 19, 2008, Neil played a free concert on the streets of downtown West Palm Beach to celebrate the grand opening of Dr Feelgood's.

[citation needed] In 1989, Neil had a small role for Police Academy 6: City Under Siege, which showed him being protected by Lieutenant Moses Hightower (Bubba Smith).

[28] In 1990, Neil had a small part in the film The Adventures of Ford Fairlane playing Bobby Black, lead vocalist of the fictional rock band that consisted of Carlos Cavazo, Randy Castillo, and Phil Soussan.

Opening sequences of the film featured the band playing at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, where Neil's character makes a grand entrance by swooping on stage via zip line.

As Neil told Eddie Trunk, "My wife [Lia] hasn't talked to my mom since the wedding", which took place January 9, 2005, in Las Vegas.

[29] In 2012, Neil participated in flight training in Henderson, Nevada for the PBS television series The Aviators, as reported by the Las Vegas Sun.

[52] In September 1985, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Edward Hinz Jr. sentenced Neil to 30 days in jail and five years' probation.

[53][54] Neil was paroled after serving 15 days in jail for good behavior; Mötley Crüe dedicated their third studio album, Theatre of Pain, to Razzle.

[56] In 2003, Neil was arrested again after accusations that he assaulted a sex worker at the Moonlite BunnyRanch by grabbing her around the throat and throwing her against a wall.

[58] On December 15, 2004, an arrest warrant for misdemeanor assault was issued for Neil after a fight during a show on October 30 where he left a soundman unconscious for 45 seconds.

In 2007, Neil was arrested for suspicion of DUI in Las Vegas after police spotted him making some erratic moves in his Ferrari.

[60] In June 2010, Neil was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in Las Vegas after having allegedly smashed a fan's camera,[61] and was released on $2,000 bond.

[69] In April 2016, Neil was charged with misdemeanor battery for assaulting a woman outside the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

Kelly Guerrero approached Neil for an autograph when he pulled her to the ground by her hair before actor Nicolas Cage restrained him.

Guerrero sued Neil for $150,000 for medical expenses, lost wages, and physical and emotional distress caused by the incident.

In response, Neil demanded the case be thrown out, denying all allegations of wrongdoing and accusing Guerrero of seeking publicity.