Sixx:A.M. at the Best Buy Theater

In 2007 in Los Angeles, California, Nikki Sixx, bassist of Mötley Crüe, wrote music as a soundtrack for his memoir, The Heroin Diaries: A Year in the Life of a Shattered Rock Star, thinking his book might become a movie. He recruited guitarist DJ Ashba and vocalist James Michael for the project. Although originally not intending to become a band, they gave themselves a moniker using Sixx's surname and the initials of the other two team members, Sixx:A.M. The hard rock band has now released three EPs and three albums. The most recent album, Modern Vintage, was released on October 7, 2014.

Fans hoping for a Mötley Crüe-styled band did not find that at Sixx:A.M.'s concert at the Best Buy Theater on Times Square tonight. Sixx A.M. plays a completely different brand of classic rock. While Mötley Crüe was high-volume rock and roll revelry, Sixx:A.M. juggled Queen-style concept rock with Journey-esque melodies. As the houselights dimmed, the audience heard the spoken word "X-mas in Hell" introduction from Sixx:A.M.'s debut album. Sixx:A.M., along with several touring members, took the stage as the audience cheered, and appropriately launched into "Let's Go." Michael sang with a soaring voice and Ashba ripped into melodic leads, but the music was rather saccharine from the start. Even through anthems like "This Is Gonna Hurt", "Lies of the Beautiful People" and the final encore, "Life Is Beautiful," the technically perfect set sounded like a rock musical that could have been staged at a Broadway theater around the corner. The songs were well-crafted, many with positive, hopeful messages, the sound was crisp and penetrating, and three principal band members remained energetic and engaging throughout the show. Devoid of elements of defiance and danger, however, the concert was smooth, safe and bland.

Visit Sixx A.M. at www.sixxammusic.com.