Dr. Feelgood

About this song

"Dr. Feelgood" arrived at a critical moment for the band, under heavy pressure to follow up their two previous records, and came out as the style of metal they played was starting to fade. The music video leaned fully into the band's flashy image, with big flames, heavy makeup, towering hair and oversized shoes. The track is arguably the biggest of their career, peaking at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Gold certification in the US, and it helped push the Dr. Feelgood album to quadruple platinum.

What it's about

The song deals with excess and drug use, with Vince Neil singing words written by Nikki Sixx that draw on first-hand experience of that lifestyle.

Fun facts

• Sampled in 2 other songs, like “1989 by The Hood Internet”.
• Covered 4 times, including “Dr. Feelgood by Autumn 33”.
• Written by Nikki Sixx and Mick Mars.
• Produced by Bob Rock.