Methods of Mayhem is not some new side project taken up by Tommy Lee, but a side project long left by the wayside since the turn of the 21st century. The 2010 version of Methods of Mayhem is really Methods of Mayhem 2.0. The mere presence of Tommy Lee will ensure the sale of albums and Methods of Mayhem tickets.

The original group formed after Tommy Lee divorced Pamela Anderson back in 1999. They came out with a eponymous debut album that went platinum but quickly lost steam as some audiences were more receptive to the rap rock combo than others. Methods of Mayhem's performance at a metal festival in Italy famously resulted in mass booing and bottles being tossed at the stage, while the crowds at Ozzfest 2000 gave the group a rousing wave of support. The band disbanded soon after in September 2000.