Gunner Nicholas Sixx: The Musician Carving His Own Path Beyond His Father’s Shadow

Gunner Nicholas Sixx, born January 25, 1991, is the eldest son of Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx. He’s a musician and visual artist best known for co-founding the alternative rock band Figs Vision with Jordan Spoliansky in 2013.

Growing up as the son of a rock legend comes with expectations. But Gunner Nicholas Sixx has spent over a decade proving he’s more than just Nikki Sixx’s eldest son. He’s a musician, visual artist, and creative force building his own identity in the alternative music scene.

Born on January 25, 1991, Gunner is now 34 years old and has established himself as a multi-talented artist who refuses to follow his father’s heavy metal footsteps. Instead, he’s created a sound that’s distinctly his own.

This article explores Gunner’s musical journey, his relationship with his famous father, and how he’s creating art on his own terms. You’ll learn about his band Figs Vision, his solo work, and what makes him stand out in today’s music landscape.

Who Is Gunner Nicholas Sixx?

Gunner Nicholas Sixx is the eldest child of Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx and model Brandi Brandt. He has four siblings: two full siblings (Storm and Decker) and two half-sisters (Frankie-Jean and Ruby).

His parents married in 1989 but divorced in 1997 when Gunner was just six years old. Despite the separation, Gunner maintains a close bond with his father. Nikki has publicly called his son his “hero” and “best friend” in birthday tributes over the years.

Early Life and Family Background

Gunner grew up in Los Angeles during the height of his father’s fame. His mother, Brandi Brandt, was a Playboy Playmate of the Month who later faced legal troubles in 2014 related to drug smuggling charges in Australia.

The name Gunner comes from Swedish origins meaning “battle powerful.” His middle name Nicholas derives from Greek, meaning “victory of the people.” These strong names hint at the independent spirit he would develop.

Unlike many celebrity children who shy away from the spotlight, Gunner chose to engage with it on his own creative terms. He started playing music at age 12 and never looked back.

The Birth of Figs Vision

At 12 years old, Gunner met Jordan Spoliansky in sixth grade. Their friendship began with music, and Gunner taught Jordan his first guitar song: “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds.”

By 2013, when Gunner was 22, the two formally launched Figs Vision. The band’s name honors a mutual friend they call “Old Fig,” someone they describe as having “inexplicable visions of unparalleled complexity and beauty.”

Musical Style and Influences

Figs Vision creates alternative and indie rock music that draws heavily from 1990s influences. The sound is moody, introspective, and raw—nothing like Mötley Crüe’s glam metal.

Jordan Spoliansky handles lead vocals and guitar. Gunner plays keyboards. The lineup has included Zackary Darling on bass, Mike Musselman, and Mario Cerutti. At one point, Gunner’s sibling Storm also joined the band on vocals.

Their early work included singles available on YouTube, Bandcamp, and SoundCloud. In 2014, they released their first full-length album titled “Mother” after a successful Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign.

Notable Releases and Performances

Figs Vision’s discography includes:

• “Mother” (2014) – Their debut album
• “Choo Choo” EP (2019)
• “Hot Rod” EP (2020)

The band performed at The Troubadour in West Hollywood in January 2015. This venue held special significance: Mötley Crüe had played there 33 years earlier in 1982. Nikki attended the show and expressed pride in watching his sons perform at the same legendary venue.

Actress Evan Rachel Wood became a fan after discovering them at a Los Angeles show in 2016. She wrote extensively about her friendship with the band members and her admiration for their album “Mother.”

Gunner’s Solo Work and Artistic Evolution

Beyond Figs Vision, Gunner creates music under his own name. In 2018, he released a four-track EP titled “Matter of Time.” This solo work showcases his individual artistic vision separate from collaborative projects.

Visual Art Career

Gunner is also a visual artist who shares his work on social media. His Instagram account has attracted over 16,000 followers who engage with both his music and artwork.

This dual creative output—music and visual art—distinguishes him from many musicians who focus on a single medium. It demonstrates his commitment to artistic expression in multiple forms.

The Father-Son Dynamic

Nikki Sixx has been vocal about his support for Gunner’s career. In 2013, he publicly promoted Figs Vision on social media, writing about his hopes of passing creativity to his children.

“As a father you hope to pass this on to your kids,” Nikki stated when introducing Figs Vision to his followers. He even photographed early promotional images for the band.

Breaking Free From Expectations

Gunner faces unique challenges as the son of a rock icon. Many would expect him to pursue heavy metal or trade on his father’s name. Instead, he’s deliberately chosen a different path.

His music style is softer, more introspective, and aligned with indie rock sensibilities. This choice reflects artistic integrity and a desire to be known for his own work rather than his lineage.

Nikki has publicly praised this independence. He noted that Figs Vision has “a different sound and their own unique vibe which is what NEW music is all about.”

Gunner’s Personal Life

Details about Gunner’s personal life remain relatively private. He was reportedly married but filed for divorce in Los Angeles County Superior Courts in 2021 after two years of marriage.

He maintains relationships with his siblings, particularly Storm and Decker. The three siblings from Nikki’s first marriage appear to share close bonds despite their parents’ divorce decades ago.

Relationship With Nikki Sixx

The relationship between Gunner and Nikki goes beyond typical father-son dynamics. Nikki has described facing abandonment by both parents in his own childhood—his father left when he was three, his mother when he was six.

This painful history seems to have made Nikki especially committed to being present for his own children. He’s stated publicly: “I didn’t have a father, and I always loved being a father. It’s an itch I can’t scratch.”

For his 25th birthday, Nikki posted: “Happy 25th birthday to my hero and son Gunner.” These public declarations suggest genuine closeness between them.

What Sets Gunner Apart?

Several factors distinguish Gunner Nicholas Sixx in the crowded landscape of celebrity offspring pursuing music:

Authenticity: He’s not trying to recreate his father’s success or sound. His music reflects his own influences and artistic vision.

Longevity: Gunner has been creating music for over 15 years—since age 12. This isn’t a fleeting hobby or publicity stunt.

Multi-disciplinary talent: His visual art adds another dimension to his creative identity beyond music alone.

Collaborative spirit: Figs Vision represents a true partnership with Jordan Spoliansky, not a solo vanity project trading on the Sixx name.

Low-key approach: Despite access to major industry connections, Gunner has built his career gradually through independent releases and grassroots promotion.

The Sixx Family Musical Legacy

The musical gene clearly runs in the family. While Decker chose a different path, both Gunner and Storm have embraced music careers. Their sister Frankie-Jean has also shown interest in creative pursuits.

Current Status and Future Outlook

As of 2025, Gunner continues creating art and music. While Figs Vision activity has been sporadic in recent years, the band released material as recently as 2020.

Gunner’s Instagram remains active with both visual art and occasional music updates. He appears to be working on new material, though specific release dates haven’t been announced publicly.

Challenges and Opportunities

The music industry has changed dramatically since Nikki Sixx’s heyday. Independent artists now have more distribution options but face fiercer competition for attention.

Gunner’s challenge is building sustainable success in an era where streaming has replaced album sales. His advantage lies in his authentic artistic voice and the dedicated following he’s cultivated over 15 years.

Lessons From Gunner’s Journey

Gunner Nicholas Sixx’s story offers several takeaways for aspiring artists and anyone dealing with family legacy:

Create your own identity: Don’t let family connections define your entire existence. Find what makes you unique.

Stay committed: Gunner has pursued music for over 15 years without major mainstream success. Persistence matters.

Embrace multiple creative outlets: His visual art complements his music and provides additional avenues for expression.

Value genuine relationships: His lifelong friendship with Jordan Spoliansky forms the foundation of his most significant work.

Accept support without dependency: Gunner accepts his father’s encouragement while maintaining artistic independence.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Gunner Nicholas Sixx?

Gunner was born on January 25, 1991, making him 34 years old as of 2025.

What band is Gunner Sixx in?

He’s a founding member of Figs Vision, an alternative rock band formed with Jordan Spoliansky in 2013.

Does Gunner Sixx have a relationship with Nikki Sixx?

Yes, they maintain a close relationship. Nikki has called Gunner his “hero” and “best friend” in public statements.

What kind of music does Gunner Sixx make?

He creates alternative and indie rock music influenced by 1990s sounds, very different from his father’s heavy metal style.

Is Gunner Sixx on social media?

Yes, he’s active on Instagram where he shares both music updates and visual artwork with over 16,000 followers.

Conclusion

Gunner Nicholas Sixx represents a new generation of artists who happen to have famous parents but refuse to coast on family names. His 15-year commitment to creating authentic music and art demonstrates genuine passion beyond publicity.

While he may never achieve the stadium-filling success of Mötley Crüe, that was never the point. Gunner has built something arguably more valuable: artistic integrity and a body of work that’s entirely his own.

His journey reminds us that success isn’t only measured in platinum records or sold-out arenas. Sometimes it’s found in staying true to your vision, nurturing creative friendships, and making art that resonates with those who discover it. Gunner Nicholas Sixx proves that you can honor your family while creating something entirely your own, and you can discover more inspiring stories of artists forging their unique paths on earlymagazine.