The First 21

A Memoir

By: Nikki Sixx

Narrated by: Nikki Sixx

Rock-and-roll icon and three-time best-selling author Nikki Sixx tells his origin story: how Frank Feranna became Nikki Sixx, chronicling his fascinating journey from irrepressible Idaho farmboy to the man who formed the revolutionary rock group Mötley Crüe.

Nikki Sixx is one of the most respected, recognizable, and entrepreneurial icons in the music industry. As the founder of Mötley Crüe, who is now in his 21st year of sobriety, Sixx is incredibly passionate about his craft and wonderfully open about his life in rock and roll, and as a person of the world. Born Franklin Carlton Feranna on December 11, 1958, young Frankie was abandoned by his father and partly raised by his mother, a woman who was ahead of her time but deeply troubled. Frankie ended up living with his grandparents, bouncing from farm to farm and state to state. He was an all-American kid - hunting, fishing, chasing girls, and playing football - but underneath it all, there was a burning desire for more, and that more was music. He eventually took a Greyhound bound for Hollywood.

In Los Angeles, Frank lived with his aunt and his uncle - the president of Capitol Records - for a short time. But there was no easy path to the top. He was soon on his own. There were dead-end jobs: dipping circuit boards, clerking at liquor and record stores, selling used light bulbs, and hustling to survive. But at night, Frank honed his craft, joining Sister, a band formed by fellow hard-rock veteran Blackie Lawless, and formed a group of his own: London, the precursor of Mötley Crüe. Turning down an offer to join Randy Rhoads’ band, Frank changed his name to Nikki London, Nikki Nine, and, finally, Nikki Sixx. Like Huck Finn with a stolen guitar, he had a vision: a group that combined punk, glam, and hard rock into the biggest, most theatrical and irresistible package the world had ever seen. With hard work, passion, and some luck, the vision manifested in reality - and 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.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2021 Nikki Sixx (P)2021 Hachette Books

killer storyline because it's the real deal

I've always been a fan so to get a glimpse behind the curtain was incredibly enjoying! It's a great story and a great book.

Another incredible book

Nikki has such a talent for writing that goes beyond music. His books are incredible and this was no different than the others. Was his life growing up to Motley Crue days. Thoroughly enjoyed the book

Another great book

This was another great book for me. Can't wait for your next book. I love all the stories.

The First 21 is awesome!

I loved it! Nikki is one of my favorite musicians and it is so awesome to hear the story from him. The story details his childhood and through the making of motley crue and I couldn't stop listening.

Another great one!!

I loved it! Nikki sure can tell a story and his narration is on point. his books are always a great read.

great listen

a friend advised me the check out the book. better than the heroin diaries. bands never retire

Striking and real

Enjoy knowing the closely held secrets of Sixxs youth. If you’ve been a fan for 40 years and still need that hard to reach hold on how and why this book is for you. Ties a lot together!

Inspiring

Nikki Sixx does it again! Awe inspiring! Relatable for myself! Loved it! Will read again.

fantastic

very interesting loved hearing what made Nikki who he is today. big fan for sure

Amazing

To hear how it all started for a band that I grew up with was incredible . Nikki is a rock genius and will probably never stop creating . This really shows what you can do if you have a dream and never stop chasing it!