Mötley Crüe quickly built a strong fanbase and they released their debut album, Too Fast for Love in 1981, on their own independent label (Leathür Records). Elektra Records decided to sign the band shortly thereafter, reissuing their debut in 1982. The band then began a string of hit releases throughout the decade -- 1982's Shout at the Devil, 1985's Theatre of Pain, 1987's Girls, Girls, Girls, and 1989's Dr. Feelgood -- establishing the quartet as one of the biggest hard rock/metal bands of the '80s. During this time, Lee used several memorable gimmicks during his drum solo at concerts, such as having his entire kit revolving and spinning, or having the entire kit float above the crowd while he continued to play. He also played drums in a turkey costume from time to time.

Tommy Lee had married a model/stripper Elaine Starchuk[[1]] in 1984 they were together for three years and the marraige only lasted for three months.

As the popularity of the band rose, Lee also made the headlines with his numerous romantic involvements. He married actress Heather Locklear in 1986, but they divorced in 1993.

Pam & Tommy Lee: Hardcore & UncensoredIn 1995, he married actress Pamela Anderson. They have two children, Brandon Thomas, born July 5, 1996, and Dylan Jagger, born December 29, 1997. It was with Anderson that one of Lee's most famous incidents arose when one of their private videos was stolen in 1997. The couple had videotaped their sexual activities while on vacation. The tape was widely circulated, and was one of the first examples of nude celebrities on the Internet. The couple divorced in 1998, and he served four months in prison after pleading no contest to kicking Anderson in the crotch. The couple legally divorced, although they reunited briefly upon his release.