MOTLEY CRUE - SIXX WINS BATTLE OVER SHOE ADS

MOTLEY CRUE rocker NIKKI SIXX has won a $600,000 (GBP315,800) settlement in a legal battle over the unlawful use of his image in an ad for VANS shoes.

The bassist flew into a rage when he saw a photograph of himself used in advertising for the skateboard shoe and clothing giants - because he hadn't given the firm rights to use him as an endorser.

Sixx marched into court with his wife, former BAYWATCH babe DONNA D'ERRICO, on Wednesday (09FEB05) in a bid to seek justice - and won.

He tells American news show CELEBRITY JUSTICE, "Somebody has to stand up and I was willing to spend my own money and my own time... to stand up for myself and other people.

"Mostly you find that people just let it go but, with me and the guys in Motley Crue, we've never been those kind of people. We believe in standing up for our rights and hopefully we're standing up for other people's rights too."

The judgement could not have come at a better time for Sixx, who heads out on a world tour with Motley Crue today (14FEB05).