Studio Album · No. 3
Theatre of Pain Songwriting Credits by Motley Crue
Produced by Tom Werman · Engineered by Duane Baron
Holds writing credit on 9 of 10 tracks
Authorship Breakdown 9 / 10 documented
Scored across the 10 tracks with documented writers, by whether Motley Crue carries a lyricist or composer credit.
Share of the 10 tracks where a band member is credited, by role.
By the Numbers
Theatre of Pain follows the band's settled split: Nikki Sixx writes the lyrics on nearly everything while the music credits open up to Mick Mars, Tommy Lee, and Vince Neil. The exception is the cover 'Smokin' in the Boys Room,' written by Cub Koda and Michael Lutz of Brownsville Station, the one song on the record from outside the band, and a surprise hit.
Theatre of Pain is the third studio album by Motley Crue, released by Elektra in June 1985. Recorded in the wake of Vince Neil's drunk-driving accident, it pushed the band further toward a glam image and a more polished, pop-leaning sound. Nikki Sixx wrote most of the lyrics with music shared across the band, and the album spawned two of their biggest hits: the power ballad 'Home Sweet Home' and a cover of Brownsville Station's 'Smokin' in the Boys Room.' Though reviews were mixed, the album sold heavily and cemented their mainstream arrival.