Motley Crue, one of the most iconic heavy metal bands of all time, has fired longtime guitarist Mick Mars and replaced him with John 5. The news was announced on the band’s website on May 12, 2023.
Mars, who has been with the band since its inception in 1981, has been battling ankylosing spondylitis, a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the spine, for many years.
In a statement on the band’s website, Mars said that he was “disappointed” to be leaving the band, but that he “couldn’t physically handle the rigors of touring anymore.”
“I’ve been dealing with this disease for a long time, and it’s finally caught up to me,” Mars said. “I’m disappointed to be leaving the band, but I know it’s the right thing to do. I want to thank all the fans for their support over the years. I’ll miss you all.”
John 5, who is best known for his work with Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie, and David Lee Roth, will be replacing Mars on guitar for the band’s upcoming tour. 5 said in a statement that he was “excited” to join Motley Crue and that he was “looking forward to playing with the guys.”
“I’ve been a fan of Motley Crue since I was a kid,” 5 said. “I’m so excited to be joining the band and I can’t wait to get out there and play with the guys.”
Mars’ firing has been met with mixed reactions from fans. Some fans have expressed their support for Mars and their disappointment that he is leaving the band. Others have welcomed 5 to the band and are excited to see what he brings to the table.
Motley Crue is scheduled to embark on a tour with Def Leppard in June 2023. It’s unclear if Mars will be joining the band for any of the tour dates.
Mick Mars files lawsuit against Motley Crue
In a shocking turn of events, Mick Mars has filed a lawsuit against Motley Crue. It alleges that the band fired him without cause and that they are trying to force him out of the band.
The lawsuit, which was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleges that Mars was fired after he refused to sign a new contract that would have given the band more control over his finances and his career. It also alleges that the band is trying to force Mars out of the band by refusing to allow him to participate in the band’s upcoming tour.
Mars is seeking unspecified damages from the band. His lawsuit is still pending.
My opinion
I think it’s a shame that Mick Mars has been fired from Motley Crue. He is a talented guitarist and songwriter, and he has been a part of the band since its inception. I understand that he has been dealing with a chronic illness, but I don’t think that should have been a reason to fire him.
John 5 is an amazing guitarist. Motley Cure will arguably be a better live band with him playing guitar, considering Mick’s condition. However, this whole situation just feels sad. And Nikki Sixx’s comments about Mick are just wrong.
Only time will tell how this situation will play out. I’m sure that Motley Crue will still rock, but I think it will be different without Mick Mars.
