Mötley Crüe took Phoenix on a wild ride at Carnival of Sins tour

There are few bands that can turn a rock concert into a full-blown three-ring circus quite like Mötley Crüe.

Sept. 16 at Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre, the band brought its Return of The Carnival of Sins 20th anniversary celebration to  Phoenix. Forty-five years into their career, Mötley Crüe are just as loud, excessive and entertaining as they were in 1981. Mötley Crüe have created a entire fantasy world that transported the Phoenix audience into their dark carnival.

Extreme opened the night with Nuno Bettencourt leading the charge, showcasing the guitar virtuosity and musicianship that have kept the band relevant across generations, in addition to several hat and guitar changes. Tesla followed with an energetic set from start to finish as fans continued pouring in, keeping the crowd on their feet and singing along before Mötley Crüe took the stage.

The stage was concealed behind a massive red-and-white striped big-top tent before carnival-themed music faded and the curtain opened to reveal the band. They hit the audience with their fast-paced track “Red Hot” as pentagram-shaped microphone stands descended from above and turned into devil’s tails for Nikki Sixx and John 5.

Vince Neil had his own custom “Red Hot” mic stand, and Tommy Lee sat elevated on a circus box drum riser. The attention to detail went beyond the band members and stage; the band’s guitar and drum techs and camera operators ran on and off stage throughout the night costumed as various carnival characters making them part of the show, rather than a distraction.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Mötley Crüe show without girls, girls, girls. The Nasty Habits dance troupe leaned fully into the Carnival of Sins concept, appearing scantily clad as various deadly sins including lust, pride, greed and envy throughout the night.

Underneath all the theatrics, the band itself sounded refreshed. Sixx and John 5 had an undeniable chemistry, constantly playing off each other onstage. Tommy Lee brought his signature swagger while remaining a powerhouse behind the kit. Neil delivered a solid performance overall, with only a handful of pauses throughout the night, as the band moved through a setlist filled with their most iconic tracks including “Too Fast for Love,” “Looks That Kill,” “Smokin’ in the Boys Room,” “Live Wire” and “Dr. Feelgood.”

The band took a few moments to engage with the Phoenix crowd include a heartwarming moment when Nikki spotted a 9-year-old fan who he described as “the future,” and offered her the microphone to say anything. The crowd erupted after she shouted, “Go Mötley Crüe!”

Before performing their ballad “Home Sweet Home,” Sixx and Lee talked about the band’s formation and how the song came together as Neil held an aged piece of paper displaying what looked like lyrics. It offered a touching moment for the band to reminisce on their legacy while anticipating their upcoming 50th anniversary.

Mötley Crüe finished their set with the pounding “Kickstart My Heart,” sending the crowd into a frenzy. Lee’s drum set rose high into the air as the stage erupted with pyro and a massive marquee bearing the band’s name dropped above the stage.