Criss Angel and Tommy Lee
Criss Angel is an engaging magician, but to truly enjoy watching him perform you must suspend any sense of cynicism. While your pragmatic side knows he will ultimately succeed, that doesn’t guarantee that every trick he performs will be a winner; some are even dangerous! These aren’t child’s play – any wrong move could easily kill someone; yet his show remains compelling even though everyone in attendance knows that he will remain safe. It is hard not to look on with wonderment!
Lee hails from West Covina, California and began drumming as a teenager. After playing with several bands – including one featuring future Motley Crue bandmates Nikki Sixx and Mick Mars in the late ’70s – Lee became familiar with Nikki Sixx and Mick Mars from Motley Crue. A regular on Los Angeles’ Sunset Strip, Lee eventually got hired as a drummer in a theater show called Suite 19 called Suite 19, eventually founding Motley Crue as “Black Widow Band.”
Motley Crue was one of the premier heavy metal acts during its heyday in the 1980s, known for their decadent behavior both on and off stage, drug use and outrageous stage antics that included mooning the crowd at nearly every show as well as opening concerts with firefighter-style dives into audiences.
Tommy Lee first left the group in 1999 to pursue other projects; however, he later returned in 2008 for the recording and tour of Saints of Los Angeles album and tour. Additionally, he has appeared in movies as well as various television series.
Though some of his tricks may be simple, he is widely recognized for his incredible sleights of hand. An eight-time winner of the World Magic Awards with an expansive social media following, in 2009 he was recognized by the International Magicians Society as their Magician of the Decade, and then again two years later they bestowed him with their Magician of the Century award.
Mindfreak and Believe, two television shows produced by Cirque du Soleil, received both positive reviews. Believe was specifically recognized, while Mindfreak garnered mixed reactions due to critics failing to see beyond preconceived notions about what a circus show should be and recognize the incredible feats of magic and unique talent displayed during those performances.
Lee will appear in the horror movie The Retaliators, set to be released next year. He’ll join fellow rock stars Five Finger Death Punch, Escape the Fate and Papa Rock on its soundtrack – marking its release under Better Noise Films created by musician/Motley Crue manager Allen Kovac who is also producing their biopic The Dirt. Below you can watch a trailer for it that includes Lee near its end.