VINCE NEIL Says He Is 'Seriously' Thinking About Leaving MÖTLEY CRÜE

Vince Neil ponders exit from Motley Crue after Las Vegas shows

Vince Neil says he is seriously contemplating a split from Motley Crue after their run of concerts at the Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel from Feb. 3-19. “It’s not definite, but I am thinking seriously about it,” the Las Vegas resident said.

The news that Vince might be calling it quits comes on the heels of his 50th birthday this year, obtaining final divorce papers from his ex-wife Lia this past weekend and a long year of international touring with both Motley Crue and his solo band.

Vince and Motley Crue have just wrapped their most successful touring year yet of their careers coinciding with the band’s 30th anniversary, closing with a sold-out U.K. tour. Vince then jetted to his yacht in the Bahamas for a vacation, where he told me exclusively that he might not continue with the group after Las Vegas.

Vince had just returned from a fishing trip where he hauled in a 350-pound bull shark off Bimini and then let it go back into the Atlantic waters, saying, “I’m having a great time here -- I could stay a year! I’m sitting on my yacht, contemplating my future, and I'm not sure it will be with Motley Crue after Las Vegas. Great things are coming up and pushing me in another direction.

“This is all about me thinking about the second half of my life, thinking about my future, and that future might not include Motley Crue after Vegas. There are so many opportunities that are in front of me that I’m really excited about. I just don’t want to look back later in life and regret that I didn’t pursue them.

“I’m just not sure I can give these opportunities the time and effort I’ll need to and continue with the band. It’s been a great ride, and I've enjoyed every second of it, but being out here relaxing in this beautiful place has given me the chance to reflect on what direction I want the rest of my life to take. I'm really giving it a lot of thought.”

This wouldn't be the first time Vince has exited the Crue. In 1992, when the band was at its chart-topping heights, Vince left Motley Crue and was replaced, but the combination of a new singer and a changing musical climate proved disastrous for the band's next album. By 1997, the original band members were back together.

There have been other personnel changes in the band, notably drummer Tommy Lee leaving in 1999 to pursue a solo career. However, with the band's return to the charts in 2005 with "Red, White & Crue," Motley Crue has again become one of the nation's most successful touring acts.

Vince says he’s in a comfortable and contented place in life and that he’ll make a final decision about what’s next in his life after the Hard Rock concerts have ended. Vegas DeLuxe will follow this developing story and keep you posted first with his final plans.

Source: http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2011/dec/20/vince-neil-ponders-exit...