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Vince Neil

Vince Neil, born Vincent Neil Wharton on February 8, 1961, is an American singer and musician best known as the lead vocalist of Mötley Crüe.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Vince Neil, born Vincent Neil Wharton on February 8, 1961, is an American singer and musician best known as the lead vocalist of Mötley Crüe. He fronted the band from its 1981 formation until 1992, later rejoined in 1996, and returned again for the band's 2018 reunion. He has also released solo music and appeared in film and television roles.

Early life

Vincent Neil Wharton was born in Hollywood, California, on February 8, 1961. Public biographical sources identify him as an American musician and singer.

Mötley Crüe

Neil became the lead vocalist of Mötley Crüe when the band formed in 1981. He left in 1992, rejoined in 1996, and later returned again with the band's reunion in 2018.

Solo career

Outside Mötley Crüe, Neil released solo material, including several studio albums. Sources also describe him as a songwriter and recording artist with a solo career beginning in the 1990s.

Acting and other work

Neil has appeared in screen projects and is credited as an actor in entertainment databases. Biographical listings note roles in films such as *The Dirt* and *Hot Tub Time Machine*.

Key facts

  • Vince Neil is the stage name of Vincent Neil Wharton.
  • He is best known as the lead singer of Mötley Crüe.
  • He was the band's vocalist from its 1981 formation until 1992.
  • Neil rejoined Mötley Crüe in 1996 and was again part of the band from its 2018 reunion onward.
  • He has released solo albums, including *Exposed*, *Carved in Stone*, and *Tattoos & Tequila*.
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Canadian context

Vince Neil is relevant to Canadian readers as a major figure in heavy metal and hard rock, genres with strong followings in Canada. Mötley Crüe has toured internationally and remains part of North American rock history.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Vince Neil?
Vince Neil is an American singer and musician best known as the lead vocalist of Mötley Crüe.
What is Vince Neil's real name?
His birth name is Vincent Neil Wharton.
When was Vince Neil born?
He was born on February 8, 1961.
What band is Vince Neil associated with?
He is most closely associated with the heavy metal band Mötley Crüe.
Did Vince Neil leave Mötley Crüe?
Yes. He left the band in 1992, later rejoined in 1996, and returned again for the 2018 reunion.
Has Vince Neil released solo music?
Yes. Sources list solo albums including *Exposed*, *Carved in Stone*, and *Tattoos & Tequila*.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vince_Neil
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, role in Mötley Crüe, band timeline
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0624702/bio/
    Supports: Birthplace, birth name, acting credits, marital biography
  3. AllMusic — https://www.allmusic.com/artist/vince-neil-mn0000808388
    Supports: Music biography and role as Mötley Crüe frontman
  4. Frontiers Records — https://www.frontiers.it/artist/1637
    Supports: Solo releases and biography details