In 1973, Nikki Sixx walks away from his drunk mother Deana after years of abusive stepfathers and moves from Seattle to Los Angeles in 1978. After a failed attempt to connect with his biological father, Frank legally changes his name to Nikki Sixx in 1980. A year later, after a falling out with members of London (heavy metal band) gig at the Whisky a Go Go, Nikki befriends drummer Tommy Lee and reveals to him that he is forming a new band. Joining the band is guitarist Mick Mars, who suffers from ankylosing spondylitis. The trio then recruit lead vocalist Vince Neil from the cover band Rock Candy, and after some brainstorming, the quartet name themselves Mötley Crüe.