Mötley Crüe guitarist Mick Mars has decided to retire from touring while the rest of the band completes their world tour. Guitarist John 5, who plays in Rob Zombie’s band and previously played with Marilyn Manson and David Lee Roth, is set to replace him.
For years, Mars has continued touring with the band despite his diagnosis of the debilitating disease ankylosing spondylitis: a form of arthritis that affects the spine. Back in 2014, Mars commented on his disease and its impacts. “Some days are worse than others as far as pain,” he told Rolling Stone. “But I don’t take any painkillers. That’s a big no-no. I went that route about 15 years ago, and I never want to go there again, thank you very much.”
Mars’ bandmates – Vince Neil, Nikki Sixx, and Tommy Lee – said in a joint statement: “While change is never easy, we accept Mick’s decision to retire from the band due to the challenges with his health. We have watched Mick manage his ankylosing spondylitis for decades, and he has always managed it with utmost courage and grace. To say ‘enough is enough’ is the ultimate act of courage. Mick’s sound helped define Mötley Crüe from the minute he plugged in his guitar at our very first rehearsal together. The rest, as they say, is history. We’ll continue to honor his musical legacy."
“We will carry out Mick’s wish and continue to tour the world as planned in 2023,” they continued. “No doubt it will take an absolutely outstanding musician to fill Mick’s shoes, so we are grateful that our good friend, John 5, has agreed to come on board and join us moving forward. We’ll see all you Crüeheads out on the road!”
Alongside Neil, Sixx, and Lee, Mars co-founded the heavy metal band back in 1981. According to a statement obtained by Variety, “Mick will continue as a member of the band but can no longer handle the rigors of the road.”
In sad irony, the guitarist’s most recent Instagram post was teasing the kickoff of a new leg of the band's ongoing tour with Def Leppard. The band will begin a new leg of international dates in February. They will be traveling to cities in South America and Europe, and have released a new touring trailer. Watch it below.
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Article Image: Mick Mars playing guitar at a Mötley Crüe concert in 1997. (TDCPhoto via DepositPhotos.)
