Hubbry Logo
Methods of MayhemMethods of MayhemMain
Open search
Methods of Mayhem
Community hub
Methods of Mayhem
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Methods of Mayhem
Methods of Mayhem
from Wikipedia

Methods of Mayhem is an American rap rock/metal band formed in 1999 by Tommy Lee, who had temporarily quit his position as Mötley Crüe's drummer.

Key Information

History

[edit]

Lee formed Methods of Mayhem on the eve of his divorce from Pamela Anderson. The band's self-titled debut album was released in late 1999 and went on to be certified gold. The album featured appearances by Fred Durst, The Crystal Method, U-God, Kid Rock, Snoop Dogg, Lil' Kim, George Clinton and Mix Master Mike. "It's pretty good for what it is," Lee's former Mötley Crüe band member Nikki Sixx conceded in 2000, "I guess you'd call it rap-rock."[5] The band disbanded for the first time in September 2000.

In March 2009, Lee announced that he was reforming Methods of Mayhem and would start recording new music. Drummer Will Hunt, guitarist J3, guitarist Phil X (who contributed to the first album), and touring bassist Marty O'Brien contributed to the sophomore album, A Public Disservice Announcement, released in September 2010. A live performance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno saw Morgan Rose (of Sevendust) playing drums, DJ Aero on turntables, J3 on guitar and vocals, and Lee on vocals and guitar. No bass player was on stage during the performance. Methods of Mayhem later signed to Loud & Proud/Roadrunner Records.

On April 2, 2019, it was announced that Lee had resurrected the project and had plans to release a new album in the future.[6]

Style

[edit]

The band's self-titled debut featured a rap metal style,[3] while A Public Disservice Announcement was more varied in style, covering genres such as rap rock,[7] nu metal[7] and dance-rock.[7]

Band members

[edit]

Current members

[edit]
  • Tommy Lee – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, drums (1999–2000, 2009–2011, 2019–present)
  • DJ Aero – turntables, electronics (1999–2000, 2009–2011, 2019–present)
  • Marty O'Brien – bass (2000, 2010–2011, 2019–present), synthesizer, backing vocals (2010–2011, 2019–present)
  • John "J3" Allen III – lead guitar, co-lead vocals (2009–2011, 2019–present)
  • Morgan Rose – drums (2010–2011, 2019–present)

Former members

[edit]
  • Stephen Perkins – drums (1999–2000)
  • Will Hunt – drums (2009–2010)
  • Tim "TiLo" Murray – vocals (1999–2000)
  • Chris Chaney – bass (1999–2000, 2009–2010)
  • Mix Master Mike – turntables (1999)
  • Kai Marcus – lead guitar, backing vocals (1999–2000)

Timeline

[edit]

Discography

[edit]
Year Album details Peak chart positions Certifications
US
[8]
AUT
[9]
GER
[10]
1999 Methods of Mayhem
  • Released: December 7, 1999
  • Label: MCA
71 32 93
2010 A Public Disservice Announcement 153

Singles

[edit]
  • "Get Naked" (1999)
  • "New Skin" (1999)
  • "Fight Song" (2010)
  • "Time Bomb" (2010)

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Methods of Mayhem is an American rap metal band formed in 1999 by Mötley Crüe drummer as a solo project after his temporary departure from the band. Blending heavy metal riffs, rap vocals, and electronic elements, the group's sound epitomizes the genre popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The band's debut self-titled album, released in October 1999 on , achieved gold certification from the RIAA for sales exceeding 500,000 copies in the United States. It featured high-profile guest appearances from artists including of , , , , George Clinton, of , and Scott Kirkland of , who co-produced several tracks. Key original members included rapper TiLo (Tim Murray) on vocals, on bass, on drums, and DJ Aero on turntables, with Lee handling drums, guitars, keyboards, and production alongside . Standout singles like "" and "New Skin" showcased the album's aggressive, party-oriented energy, earning positive reviews for its polished production despite mixed critical reception for its rap-rock fusion. Following a tour and brief activity, Methods of Mayhem disbanded in September 2000 amid Lee's return to Mötley Crüe and personal challenges. Lee revived the project in 2009 with a new lineup featuring vocalist and John Allen III (J3), bassist , drummer of , and DJ Aero, signing to ' Loud & Proud imprint. Their sophomore album, A Public Disservice Announcement, arrived in , incorporating more industrial and hardcore influences while continuing the template with guests including of and of . Though less commercially successful than the debut, it demonstrated Lee's ongoing commitment to the supergroup format, with the project resurrected in 2019 for a planned third album, though remaining inactive as of 2025.

History

Formation and debut era (1999–2000)

In 1999, following his departure from Mötley Crüe amid personal challenges including a high-profile divorce and prior legal troubles related to a 1998 domestic battery conviction that resulted in a six-month jail sentence, drummer Tommy Lee formed Methods of Mayhem as a rap rock side project to explore hip-hop and industrial influences. Lee, transitioning to lead vocals and multi-instrumentalist duties, recruited rapper TiLo for vocals, producer Scott Humphrey for keyboards and overall production, and Jane's Addiction drummer Stephen Perkins for additional percussion to build the project's core sound. This lineup emphasized a fusion of heavy riffs, electronic beats, and rap elements, marking Lee's shift from traditional hard rock. The self-titled debut album, Methods of Mayhem, was recorded primarily at The Chop Shop in Hollywood and released on December 7, 1999, through MCA Records. Produced by Humphrey, it featured high-profile guest appearances that amplified its crossover appeal, including Snoop Dogg on "Who the Hell Cares," Kid Rock on "New Skin," Fred Durst, Lil' Kim, George Clinton, and Mix Master Mike on the lead single "Get Naked," as well as U-God and The Crystal Method on various tracks. The album debuted at No. 71 on the Billboard 200 chart and achieved RIAA gold certification on January 12, 2000, for shipments exceeding 500,000 units, reflecting strong initial commercial success in the nu-metal era. The single "Get Naked" further boosted visibility, peaking at No. 16 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. Supporting the album, Methods of Mayhem embarked on a 1999–2000 tour, including prominent slots on the second stage of Ozzfest 2000 alongside acts like and Godsmack. However, the tour faced disruptions from Lee's ongoing legal issues, such as a March 2000 probation sentencing for battery on a female fan and a July 2000 sentencing leading to his return to jail in August 2000 for violating terms related to his earlier conviction, leading to lineup adjustments and momentum challenges. Despite these setbacks, the outing solidified the project's live presence in the scene.

Hiatus and reformation (2001–2010)

Following the release of their self-titled debut album and the completion of an extensive tour, including 2000, Methods of Mayhem disbanded in September 2000 amid internal conflicts among the members. The project remained inactive for nearly a decade, with focusing on solo endeavors and his eventual return to Mötley Crüe in 2004. In January 2009, announced the reformation of Methods of Mayhem, stating that he had begun work on a second album to revive the project with a fresh approach. The reformed lineup shifted toward a hybrid electronic-rock sound, incorporating industrial and alternative elements alongside foundations, marking a departure from the rap-rock aggression of their debut. Key members included Lee on drums and lead vocals, John "J3" Allen III on vocals and guitar, DJ Aero on turntables and electronics, on bass, and on drums for select tracks. The band recorded A Public Disservice Announcement with producer , who also contributed keyboards and programming, emphasizing collaborative songwriting and fan involvement through ideas for the project. The featured guest contributions from artists such as Nickelback's on backing vocals for the track "Louder," as well as additional musicians including on synthesizer and on guitar. Released on September 21, 2010, via Loud & Proud/, it debuted at No. 153 on the chart. Singles "Time Bomb" and "Fight Song" garnered moderate radio airplay and video promotion, including a performance of "Time Bomb" on with . Promotion for the album was limited to a handful of appearances in 2010 and 2011, such as television spots and festival slots, before activity tapered off as Lee prioritized Mötley Crüe's ongoing tours and commitments. This brief revival highlighted Lee's interest in evolving the project's sound but ultimately returned Methods of Mayhem to dormancy.

Post-2010 inactivity and revival (2011–present)

Following the release of their second album, A Public Disservice Announcement, in September 2010, Methods of Mayhem entered a prolonged period of inactivity. Tommy Lee shifted his primary attention to Mötley Crüe, rejoining the band full-time after a brief hiatus and participating in their Final Tour from 2014 to 2015, as well as subsequent activities including the promotion of the 2019 Netflix biopic The Dirt. Lee also pursued solo musical projects and DJ sets during this time, while navigating personal milestones such as his marriage to actress and influencer Brittany Furlan in February 2019. Additionally, he faced health setbacks, including a 2021 stage fall that resulted in four broken ribs, forcing him to sit out parts of Mötley Crüe's Stadium Tour opener in 2022, and ongoing recovery from decades of heavy substance use that had severely impacted his liver function. In April 2019, announced a revival of the project during a guest appearance on Furlan's podcast Worst Firsts, revealing that a third studio was nearly finished and slated for in late April or early May via an independent label. Produced by longtime collaborator , the untitled was described as blending the group's signature sound with contemporary electronic influences and would feature several unconfirmed high-profile guests. attributed the motivation to the enduring fan enthusiasm for Methods of Mayhem's earlier successes and his search for a fresh creative avenue following Mötley Crüe's temporary retirement plans at the time. Promotional plans included a potential rollout of singles and tour dates to support the album, positioning it as the band's first full project since 2010. However, the album was ultimately not released, and no further developments materialized from the announcement. As of November 2025, Methods of Mayhem remains dormant with no new releases or live performances confirmed, though Lee's continued activity with Mötley Crüe— including their ongoing tours and recordings—suggests the side project could resurface as an outlet for his experimental rap metal interests amid his established rock career.

Musical style and influences

Core elements and genre fusion

Methods of Mayhem is primarily classified as a and band, fusing heavy metal riffs and aggressive rhythms with hip-hop flows and industrial electronic textures, a style that emerged prominently in the late 1990s alongside acts like and . This genre blend distinguishes the project from Tommy Lee's rock-centric work with Mötley Crüe, emphasizing programmed beats and hip-hop cadences over conventional guitar-driven structures. Central to their sound are Tommy Lee's heavy drum programming, which integrates breakbeats, loops, and industrial percussion atypical of traditional rock drumming, providing a propulsive backbone for aggressive rap verses that alternate with melodic, hook-driven choruses and layered electronic elements. Lyrical content centers on party anthems celebrating , themes of and defiance, personal excess drawn from Lee's rock lifestyle, and occasional on fame and societal pressures, conveyed through dual vocal delivery that shifts between rapid-fire and sung refrains. The band's style began with raw, high-energy aggression on their 1999 debut, prioritizing visceral rap-metal clashes, before evolving into more polished hybrids by the 2010 album A Public Disservice Announcement, which incorporated broader electronic, punk, and pop influences for a sleeker, multifaceted sound. This progression continued through sporadic activity in the .

Production techniques and guest collaborations

Scott Humphrey has been the primary producer for Methods of Mayhem across their discography, co-producing the band's 1999 self-titled debut album and the 2010 follow-up A Public Disservice Announcement alongside Tommy Lee. Humphrey's approach emphasized digital audio production, incorporating Pro Tools for recording and editing, particularly evident in the second album's innovative fan collaboration project where isolated tracks were shared for contributions in formats including Pro Tools. This facilitated layered electronic effects and sampling, blending rock elements with hip-hop and electronic influences, such as the contributions from The Crystal Method on the debut album, which added synth-driven textures to tracks like "Narcotic". Multi-tracking was a key technique for drums, allowing Tommy Lee's performances to be enhanced with additional layers for rhythmic depth and intensity. Specific production techniques highlighted the band's fusion of genres, including hip-hop scratches provided by on the debut's "Get Naked", which integrated into the framework. Live instrumentation, such as guitars and drums, was frequently blended with synthesizers to achieve a dynamic, cinematic quality in the soundscapes, contributing to the albums' high-energy, experimental edge. Humphrey's mixing ensured cohesion, balancing these elements to maintain a unified sonic identity despite the diverse inputs. The band's guest collaboration strategy focused on recruiting high-profile artists to inject vocal diversity and expand market reach. The debut album showcased over ten guests, predominantly rappers and hip-hop icons for crossover appeal in the late-1990s scene, including on "Who the Hell Cares" and "", and on "", George Clinton on the same track, and on "New Skin". This approach not only diversified the vocal delivery but also leveraged the guests' fanbases for promotional impact. The 2010 album shifted toward rock and alternative vocalists to broaden radio play, featuring of on "", of , and of , while incorporating fan-submitted parts for added communal energy. Humphrey's production unified these varied contributions, ensuring the disparate styles coalesced into trackable, marketable songs that enhanced the band's commercial profile.

Band members

Current members

– lead vocals, rhythm guitar, drums (1999–2000, 2009–2011, 2019–present) DJ Aero – turntables, electronics (1999–2000, 2009–2011, 2019–present)

Former members

served as the and for Methods of Mayhem during its formation and debut era from 1999 to 2000. As a co-founder alongside , he infused the band's rap-rock sound with hip-hop elements, co-writing and performing on key tracks like "New Skin," which highlighted his rhythmic delivery and lyrical contributions. His tenure ended after the initial album and tour, marking him as a pivotal figure in the project's early nu-metal identity. Stephen Perkins contributed additional drums and percussion from 1999 to 2000, bringing dynamic live energy drawn from his extensive experience with . On the self-titled debut album, Perkins provided session drumming that enhanced the record's percussive layers, while his performances during the supporting tour showcased a mesmerizing presence behind an expansive kit setup. His involvement helped bridge the band's rock roots with electronic and rap influences before he returned to projects. Chris Chaney played bass for Methods of Mayhem in two stints: 1999–2000 for the debut album and again from 2009 to 2010 during the . In the early period, he laid down foundational grooves on tracks like those from the self-titled release, and his return for A Public Disservice Announcement (2010) bolstered the album's rock-oriented bass lines amid its genre fusions. Chaney's versatile session work, including tours with the band, underscored his role in stabilizing the lineup across eras. Kai Marcus handled guitar duties and backing vocals from 1999 to 2000 as part of the original touring and recording lineup. His contributions to the debut album included riff-driven elements that supported the rap-metal hybrid, with brief but impactful session roles on several tracks. Marcus's tenure was short-lived, focusing primarily on the initial promotional phase before the band's hiatus. John "J3" Allen III served as guitarist and co-lead vocalist from 2009 to 2010, contributing to the writing and recording of A Public Disservice Announcement. His involvement brought additional rock and vocal elements to the reformation era. Will Hunt played drums from 2009 to 2010, providing the rhythmic foundation for the second album's sessions and early promotional activities. Morgan Rose contributed drums for the 2010 tour, including the appearance, drawing from his experience with to add hardcore intensity. Dave Bassett handled guitar duties during the 2010 tour, supporting the live promotion of the second album.

Timeline

Methods of Mayhem's lineup has undergone several changes since its formation, reflecting Tommy Lee's shifting collaborations and the project's intermittent activity. The band initially featured a core group of musicians for its debut era, with some session contributors, before disbanding. The 2009 reformation introduced a new configuration for the second album, and subsequent announcements in hinted at further activity, though no new releases or tours have materialized as of November 2025. The following table outlines key lineup changes, album releases, and tours, distinguishing between core/touring members and session players where applicable.
YearKey EventLineup Details
1999Formation and self-titled album release; U.S. tour beginsCore/touring: Tommy Lee (drums, vocals, guitar), TiLo (rap vocals), DJ Aero (turntables), Stephen Perkins (drums), Chris Chaney (bass), Kai Marcus (guitar). Session: Phil X (guitar), Danny Lohner (guitar), Scott Phaff (guitar). The tour supported the album through late 1999 into 2000.
2000Tour concludes; disbandmentOriginal lineup disbands after final shows, with no further activity until 2009. Tommy Lee returns to Mötley Crüe.
2009Reformation announced; recording begins for second albumCore: Tommy Lee (vocals, drums, guitar), John "J3" Allen III (guitar), Chris Chaney (bass), Will Hunt (drums), DJ Aero (turntables). Initial rumors included Phil X (guitar), but they did not join the core group. No tour this year.
2010Release of A Public Disservice Announcement; U.S. tour (including Ozzfest appearance)Core/touring: Tommy Lee (vocals, drums, guitar), John "J3" Allen III (guitar), Dave Bassett (guitar), Chris Chaney (bass, until mid-year), Morgan Rose (drums). Session: Marti Frederiksen (drums on select tracks). The tour promoted the album through fall 2010. Chaney departed post-tour for solo commitments.
2011–2018HiatusNo activity; Tommy Lee focuses on Mötley Crüe and solo projects. Original and reformed members pursue other endeavors, such as Perkins with Jane's Addiction and Rose with Sevendust.
2019Revival announced; no album or tour materializesTommy Lee confirms resurrection of the project with plans for a new album by late 2019, but no lineup details or releases follow. Core expected to include returning members like J3 Allen III and DJ Aero, though unconfirmed. Project remains inactive as of November 2025.
This chronology highlights the band's fluidity, with Tommy Lee as the constant figure and frequent use of session musicians for recordings versus a stable touring unit during active periods.

Discography

Studio albums

Methods of Mayhem has released two studio albums to date, both showcasing the band's fusion of , , and hip-hop elements led by . The debut album marked a commercial breakthrough in the late nu-metal scene, while the follow-up in 2010 reflected a more collaborative, fan-involved approach but achieved lower sales and chart performance. The self-titled debut album, Methods of Mayhem, was released on December 7, 1999, by . It consists of 13 tracks and features high-profile guest appearances that contributed to its energetic, party-anthem vibe. Key songs include "Get Naked," a collaboration with , George Clinton, , and , and "New Skin" featuring , which highlighted the album's rap-metal crossover appeal. The album peaked at No. 71 on the chart and was certified gold by the RIAA for sales exceeding 500,000 copies in the United States.
No.TitleLength
1"Who the Hell Cares" (featuring )3:31
2"Hypocritical"3:55
3""3:13
4"Get Naked" (featuring , George Clinton, , and )3:21
5"New Skin" (featuring )3:23
6"Proposition Fuck You" (featuring F.i.l.t.h.e.e. Immigrants)3:40
7"Crash"2:51
8""3:46
9"Narcotic" (featuring )4:11
10""3:19
11"Pissed Off"2:32
12""3:15
13"911 (Is That Bitch Dead?)"4:15
Critically, the album received mixed reviews for its aggressive style and celebrity cameos, with some praising its high-energy production as a fresh outlet for Lee's post-Mötley Crüe creativity, though others noted its formulaic nu-metal tropes; it ultimately achieved cult status among fans for capturing the era's sound. Sales totaled around 500,000 units in the , establishing it as the band's commercial peak. The second album, A Public Disservice Announcement, arrived on September 21, 2010, via Loud & Proud Records. This 11-track effort incorporated fan-submitted samples and collaborations, emphasizing a raw, industrial edge. Standout tracks include "Time Bomb," which critiques media sensationalism, and the opener "Drunk Uncle Pete," known for its chaotic, humorous energy. It debuted at No. 153 on the , selling approximately 2,900 copies in its first week, with no certifications reported.
No.TitleLength
1"Drunk Uncle Pete"2:46
2""3:23
3"Louder"4:37
4""3:56
5""3:27
6"Two Ways"3:22
7"Talk Me Off the Ledge"3:22
8"Only One"4:06
9"Say Hello to God"3:43
10"Inside Maybe"3:30
11"The Rock Revolution"6:27
Reception was generally lukewarm, with critics appreciating the experimental fan involvement but criticizing the inconsistent songwriting and dated sound; user ratings averaged lower than the debut, reflecting its niche appeal. Total sales were significantly less than the first album, contributing to its status as a lesser-known entry in Lee's discography compared to the debut's broader impact.

Singles and other releases

Methods of Mayhem released several promotional singles and miscellaneous tracks outside their primary studio albums, often featuring guest artists and targeting radio or club play. The band's debut-era output included "" in 1999, featuring , George Clinton, , and , which served as the lead promotional single from their self-titled and received significant airplay on . This was followed by "New Skin" in 2000, with on vocals, released as a single to support ongoing promotion of the debut record. In the intervening years, the band issued non-album or remix-focused releases, including "Proposition Fuck You" as a 2000 promo 12-inch single featuring Filthee Immigrants, emphasizing the rap-rock fusion with electronic elements. The 2010 revival with A Public Disservice Announcement brought renewed single activity, starting with "Time Bomb" as the lead radio single, accompanied by an official music video directed toward rock and alternative formats. "Fight Song" followed as a promotional digital single, focusing on anthemic themes and receiving airplay on mainstream rock stations. Additional promos like "Drunk Uncle Pete" were issued as CD singles for industry use, highlighting the album's eclectic guest collaborations. In 2019, Tommy Lee announced plans for a third Methods of Mayhem album, but no further singles or releases have been documented as of November 2025.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.