Nikki Sixx reveals details of 'Heroin Diaries' in LA

Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx revealed details of his forthcoming book 'Heroin Diaries' and premiered songs from the accompanying soundtrack with his new band Sixx:AM at a press conference in Los Angeles this morning (July 16).

The bassist spoke frankly about his former addiction to heroin and other drugs, which is chronicled in the book, due out in September.

'Heroin Diaries' contains excerpts from Sixx's 1987 diaries during the height of Motley Crue's fame, and graphically depicts the bassist's life-threatening struggle with drugs.

It also includes writings from people close to him at the time, including Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee, Guns N Roses guitarist Slash, and Prince back-up singer Vanity.

"I felt the book wasn't complete without other people's perspectives and opinions on what I was like as an addict," said Sixx. "They would tell me if I was full of shit."

Sixx said the 'Heroin Diaries' soundtrack is based on chapters from the book. "We weren't writing for radio - we wrote music based on what everybody felt from the book," he said. The musical soundtrack is reportedly the first to accompany a book, and is due out August 21.

Sixx announced that 25 per cent of the proceeds from the project will go toward Covenant House California, a charity that aims to keep youth off the street and provides them with shelter and counselling.

"Music gave me the opportunity to get off the streets and gave me something to live for," Sixx said.

Before wrapping up, Sixx:AM previewed the melodic, heavy rock songs from the 'Heroin Diaries' soundtrack for the media and a handful of fans sporting Motley Crue T-shirts, tattoos and big hairdos. They also premiered the video for Sixx:AM's first single, 'Life Is Beautiful'.

The band played:

'Van Nuys'
'Pray For Me'
'Heart Failure'
'Accidents Can Happen'
'Life Is Beautiful'
'Life After Death'

--By our Los Angeles staff.
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