Tommy on UK Theatre of Pain Tour, 1986

Tommy Lee's Theatre Of Pain Tour live drum set was a custom, all-white setup with a drum riser with the ability to lean forward 90 degrees. Tommy told British show Music Box Power Hour that he especially enjoyed offering the crowd a different look at his kit. "Drummers are always in the back, but [with this overhead view] they get to see everything you hit."

At the same time, playing at this steep angle presents challenges. "Drums weren't meant to be played that way and gravity wants to pull your hands down...It takes twice as much energy to play." Photos: Ebet Roberts & unknown photographers

Digital Photographs, c. 1986

From the Collection of Mötley Crüe