“Do You Remember? Well, We Remember.” Forty-five years ago, the four members of Mötley Crüe introduced themselves to the world with a record that was raw and unapologetic and launched one of rock’s most notorious and enduring careers. Today, Mötley Crüe announced a special 45th-anniversary limited edition box set of its legendary debut album, Too Fast For Love, due out on October 30th through BMG.
One of the best debut albums of all time, Too Fast For Love was the first great Los Angeles hard rock album of the ’80s, helping kick open the doors for that decade’s fertile Hollywood rock scene, as well as the signing frenzy and imitators that followed. Originally independently released in November 1981 in a pressing of just 900 LPs on the band’s own Leathür Records imprint, Too Fast For Love was a true DIY statement. Fueled by the Crüe‘s explosive live shows, the album quickly became a sought-after underground release and Elektra Records signed the band less than six months later.
With a retooled tracklist, a remixed and remastered version of Too Fast For Love was issued in August 1982. Lead single Live Wire hit the airwaves and the classic music video coincided with the recent launch of MTV which gave many hard rock fans their introduction to the Crüe. The band’s punk attitude, glam-rock swagger, and explosive live presence quickly separated them from the pack. Too Fast For Love was certified platinum in the U.S. and gold in Canada and brought their first of many chart appearances, hitting No. 77 U.S., No. 17 U.K. Rock & Metal, No. 77 Scottish Albums and No. 95 Swiss Albums. Opening track Live Wire has been a cornerstone of the band’s live set over the past 45 years and has found a new audience via high-energy, fast-paced uses in video games, TV shows, movies and commercials. The band’s current tour setlist also includes Too Fast For Love and Take Me To The Top, proving the enduring love from the fans for the album. The filth and fury of those tracks contrast with the more reflective On With The Show, Starry Eyes and Merry-Go-Round showcasing the vast songwriting range behind the album.
The centerpiece of the 45th anniversary celebration is a limited edition deluxe box set that includes the 1981 Leathür Records version (which sells for thousands of dollars when one becomes available),the 1982 Elektra Recordsversion, live recordings from the legendary Perkins Palace shows in 1982 (previewing tracks from 1983’s epic Shout At The Devil),never-before-released five-track 1LP featuring demos from the band’s first-ever studio sessions from March 1981, replica demo cassette, replica 7″ single, 100-page hardcover photo book, replica poster and more.
Too Fast For Love 45th-anniversary deluxe edition contents
* 1LP black vinyl remastered 1981 Leathür Records 10-track version
* 1LP black vinyl remastered 1982 Elektra Records 9-track version
* 2LP black vinyl rare live recordings from the legendary Perkins Palace performances in 1982
* 1LP black vinyl first-ever studio session, March 1981
* 100-page hardcover book featuring rare and previously unpublished early-band photographs
* Replica original demo cassette
* Replica original 7-inch single
* CD 1981 Leathür Records 10-track version
* Replica Poster
* Lyric book
An ultra-limited version with additional elements in a hand-numbered run of 250 copies is available exclusively at the Crüeseum.
Standard editions of Too Fast For Love will be available on CD and LP, alongside physical retail exclusive editions at Walmart (CD and LP),independent retail (LP),Amazon (LP) and Revolver (LP).
For the first time ever, Too Fast For Love – Leathür Records Version will be available on streaming services.
You can now listen to the previously unreleased demo Nobody Knows What It’s Like To Be Lonely, recorded in March 1981. Check it out below.
