Motley's Crue 2005 reunion tour--the first since 1999 to feature original members Nikki Sixx (bass), Mick Mars (guitar), Tommy Lee (drums) and Vince Neil (vocals)--was one of the surprise successes of the year. The group played over 100 arena dates in the U.S., according to the band's official website.

Before launching the tour, the Crue issued "Red, White & Crue," a two-disc best-of set that features 37 tracks, including three new songs: "If I Die Tomorrow," "Sick Love Song" and a cover of The Rolling Stones' "Street Fighting Man." The album sold more than 90,000 copies during its first week in stores, and debuted at No. 6 on The Billboard 200 album chart.

A new DVD titled "Carnival of Sins," which captures the Crue's April 27 performance in Grand Rapids, MI, followed in October. The set also includes behind-the-scenes footage and other bonus materials.

Fans can also look forward to a new studio album from the group, according to Sixx, who recently told Detroit radio disc jockey Doug Podell that the band will begin writing and demoing material for a new set on May 1. Producer Bob Rock (Metallica), who worked with the group on 1989's "Dr. Feelgood" and again on the three new "Red, White & Crue" tracks, will helm the new album sessions.

"We are very excited about making a new record," Sixx told Podell during the interview on WRIF 101.1 FM. "I think new music is so important. We have a great catalog of music--people love to hear all the hits, and we've been playing obscure songs as well--but new music is really the lifeblood of any rock 'n' roll band."

Podell's complete interview with Sixx--which, in part, hyped the band's upcoming New Year's Eve concert in the Detroit area--is available at WRIF's website.