Added: Oct 16, 2023
In this episode of Club Random with Bill Maher, the guest is Tommy Lee, the drummer of the rock band Mötley Crüe. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including Tommy Lee's sobriety, the excesses of the rock and roll lifestyle, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the state of music today.Tommy Lee begins by discussing his decision to become sober and the challenges he faced in maintaining his sobriety. He talks about the temptations of the rock and roll lifestyle and the pressure to constantly party and indulge in drugs and alcohol. He reflects on the wild times of his youth and the toll it took on his body.
Maher asks Tommy Lee about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and whether Mötley Crüe should be inducted. Tommy Lee expresses his ambivalence towards the Hall of Fame, noting that many artists who have been inducted are not necessarily deserving. He also mentions that the band has never been approached about being inducted and that they are not particularly interested in the honor.
The conversation then turns to the state of music today and the decline of rock and roll. Tommy Lee expresses his love for popular music and the importance of catchy melodies and memorable songs. He also discusses the unique challenges of being a drummer and the physicality of drumming.
Maher brings up the topic of tattoos, noting that Tommy Lee has many tattoos. Tommy Lee explains that he got tattoos to cover up track marks from his drug use. He also discusses his love for drumming and the therapeutic nature of the instrument.
The conversation takes a lighthearted turn when Maher asks Tommy Lee which member of The Beatles he thinks had the longest penis. Tommy Lee jokingly responds that it was George Harrison. They discuss the unique talents of drummers and the physical demands of the instrument.
Tommy Lee continues by talking about how he brought a gift for Bill Maher and expresses his belief that their friendship will last a long time. He mentions that the gift is a bonsai tree, which he has been working on. They discuss the importance of lyrics in music, with Tommy Lee expressing his love for songs that have meaningful lyrics. They also talk about the divide between the lyrics musicians sing and the reality of their lives.
The conversation then shifts to religion, with Maher mentioning his documentary "Religulous" and discussing the different sects and beliefs in Jerusalem. They talk about the Greek Orthodox religion and its differences from other Christian denominations. Tommy Lee shares that he did not have a religious upbringing and did not go to church. They discuss the importance of structure and belief in religion for some people.
They also touch on the topic of cancel culture, with Tommy Lee mentioning that Mötley Crüe has never been canceled and jokingly saying that he wants to try harder to get canceled. They discuss the sensitivity of some people and the need for freedom of expression.
The conversation then turns to their experiences in different cities. Maher expresses his preference for California over New York, while Tommy Lee shares his love for New York but admits that he can only stay there for a few days before feeling overwhelmed. They discuss the differences between the two cities and their personal preferences.
They also talk about the challenges of parenting in the age of social media. Tommy Lee mentions the need to be cautious about sharing personal information online and the potential dangers of kidnapping. They discuss the importance of considering the safety and well-being of loved ones.
Maher brings up the topic of monologue jokes and shares a joke that he regrets not using on his show. They discuss the skill of writing monologue jokes and the importance of editing and selecting the best ones. Tommy Lee mentions that he has used aliases when staying in hotels, such as "Heywood Jablomi" and "Peter Goin." They joke about the reactions of their family members to these aliases.
The conversation continues with a discussion about truth and freedom. Tommy Lee shares that he values truth and chose a Japanese symbol for truth as a tattoo. Maher agrees and mentions that he values freedom above all else. They discuss the challenges of being in a relationship and the need to consider the other person's needs and feelings.
The discussion then shifts to the concept of "everything happens for a reason." Maher argues that this belief is often expressed by affluent people who have interesting and varied lives. He contrasts this with individuals born into poverty, who often experience a lack of opportunities and struggle to escape their circumstances. Maher expresses his frustration with the notion that everything happens for a reason, as it seems dismissive of the challenges faced by those in poverty.
Tommy Lee agrees with Maher's perspective and shares his own experiences growing up in a working-class family. He acknowledges that his success as a rock star was partly due to luck and opportunities that others may not have had. Tommy Lee expresses empathy for those who are trapped in poverty and acknowledges that not everything happens for a reason in their world.
The conversation then takes a lighthearted turn as Maher and Lee discuss their shared love for rock music and the excitement of attending live concerts. Tommy Lee mentions that he is about to perform at a big rock concert and expresses his enthusiasm for the experience.
