Being the son of a rock legend sounds glamorous, right? All that fame, fortune, and backstage access to the wildest concerts.
But for Neil Jason Wharton, son of Motley Crue’s iconic frontman Vince Neil, the reality has been quite different. There’s no wild partying or tabloid scandals here. Instead, we get a man who learned early that blood doesn’t always guarantee a fairy-tale childhood.
Early Life and Education
Neil Jason Wharton entered the world on October 3, 1978, in Los Angeles, California. Born when his father was just 17 and still climbing the ladder to rock stardom, Neil’s early years were far from the glittering lifestyle you’d expect.
His parents, Vince Neil and Tami Jones, were high school sweethearts who met after Vince broke his leg skateboarding. Tami came to his rescue, and their teenage romance resulted in Neil’s birth.
But here’s where the story takes a sad turn: Vince left when Neil was still a baby to marry someone else.
Father Vince Neil holding baby Neil Jason Wharton
Image source: Google
Neil was then raised by his mother, Tami, as a single parent. She moved them around California, eventually settling in Glendora. He attended Sunflower Intermediate School before moving on to Royal Oak High School.
Despite his father’s absence, Neil found his passion for music early. He also explored sports, like baseball and basketball, proving he had other talents beyond his genetic musical gift.
Growing up, Neil had two half-sisters from his father’s other relationships. Elizabeth Ashley Wharton and Skylar Lynnae Neil, who tragically passed away at just four years old from cancer. This loss would later influence Neil’s charitable work significantly.
Finally, Neil earned a degree in Hotel Management. This decision shows he had backup plans beyond music. Smart move, considering how unpredictable the entertainment industry can be.
Father Vince Neil and Adult Neil Jason Wharton in a photo
Image source: Google
Career and Achievements
In the 1990s, Neil formed a band called Rock-N-Roll Junkies with friends Steven, Patrick, and Metty Vincent. He serves as the lead vocalist and guitarist.
The band pays tribute to Motley Crue while creating original content. They’ve performed at Cruefest Shows in Los Angeles and Cleveland, where they brought that raw energy that Neil says they aim for.
Their goal? Capturing the same electric atmosphere that made Motley Crue legendary in their early days.
Neil’s debut came with “Too Fast in Love,” followed by the internationally successful “Shout at the Devil.” His latest album, “Tattoos and Tequila,” dropped in 2010.
Business and Philanthropic Ventures
Neil’s talents extend beyond performing. He’s ventured into business with restaurant chains and even opened a tattoo parlor. In 2007, he launched his own tequila brand to diversify his income streams like a true entrepreneur.
As for his charitable work, it centers around the Skylar Neil Memorial Foundation, established in memory of his late half-sister. The foundation supports cancer, leukemia, and AIDS research.
Neil has also performed at fundraising events, such as Rockfest for Aurora, where he supported families affected by the Aurora theater shooting.
Love, Family, and Marriage
Neil is married to his longtime girlfriend Jennifer Bonet, and their relationship seems refreshingly stable in a world of celebrity breakups and drama. The couple has children together: son, Trace Wharton, and daughter, Hailee Marie Wharton.
Neil is reportedly a devoted father who prioritizes his family’s privacy over public attention. In an industry obsessed with social media presence, Neil keeps his personal life remarkably low-key. He doesn’t flood Instagram with family photos to protect his children from the spotlight.
Additionally, Neil has described his mother, Tami, as “a fantastic person and a great mom” who was “kind of like an ass-kicker.” Their bond remained strong despite the challenges of single parenthood and his father’s absence.
The relationship with his famous father has also evolved over the years. While Vince wasn’t present during Neil’s childhood, they reconnected through music and shared experiences. Neil has spoken positively about learning guitar from his father and following in his footsteps.
FAQs
What band does Neil Jason Wharton perform with?
He’s the lead vocalist and guitarist for Rock-N-Roll Junkies, a band he formed with friends in the 1990s.
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How many children does Neil have?
Neil and his wife, Jennifer Bonet, have at least two children together that we know of: A son, Trace Wharton, and a daughter, Hailee Marie Wharton.
What charitable work is Neil involved in?
He actively supports the Skylar Neil Memorial Foundation, which funds cancer, leukemia, and AIDS research. He’s also performed at various fundraising events.
Final Thoughts
Neil Jason Wharton has taken the musical genes from his rock star father and created something authentic and meaningful. More importantly, he’s broken the cycle of absent parenting that marked his own childhood.
Featured image source: Google
