There is sad news to report as Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx is mourning the death of his mother, Deana Richards, who reportedly passed away on Saturday (June 8) at the age of 74. Sixx himself revealed the news in a tweet that read, "RIP Mom 5-5 1939 to 6-8 2013."

Richards and her parents jointly raised young Frank Carlton Serafino Feranna Jr. after his father, Frank Sr., left the family. Ferrana Jr. would later change his name to Nikki Sixx after moving to Los Angeles to start his music career.

In a Facebook posting that arrived just prior to his mother's passing, Sixx wrote, "Writing a beautiful song about regret ... Pain always serves up the most brutal truth. I cannot see a ray of sunshine and not find the beauty in the inevitable rain cloud coming in behind it ... I have made mistakes ... Do lyrics and melody really make up for lost time? The saying 'This too shall pass' works both ways."

It is not known whether Sixx will utilize the song for Motley Crue or for his other band, Sixx: A.M., as he's worked on material for both bands this year. Having just finished dates with Motley Crue, Sixx recently stated that he was looking forward to having some time to spend with family and friends this summer. However, he admitted that his "vacation" would still include his photography, recording with Sixx: A.M., working on 'The Heroin Diaires' Broadway production, the Motley Crue-based 'The Dirt' film and doing his daily radio show. He concluded, 'Damn, maybe actually need a real vacation ... Haha."

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