Mötley Crüe’s Mick Mars retires from touring, band announces new touring guitarist

Mötley Crüe guitarist and founding member Mick Mars has confirmed that he plans to retire from touring with the band. The legendary guitarist has battled ankylosing spondylitis (AS) throughout his life and career with Motley Crewe.Earlier this week, the musician’s rep released a statement variety confirmation of things.

“Mick Mars, co-founder and lead guitarist of heavy metal band Motley Crue for the past 41 years, today announced the end of his ongoing and painful battle with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Mick has announced that he will no longer be able to tour with the band because of the band.Mick continues as a member of the band, but can no longer stand the rigors of the journey.AS affects the spine, very much. It’s a painful, crippling degenerative disease.”

In addition to the statement by Mars’ representative, Motley Crue has released an official statement confirming Mick Mars’ retirement and his replacement after the 2023 European tour.

“Change is never easy, but we have accepted Mick’s decision to retire from the band due to health issues.

I have watched Mick manage ankylosing spondylitis for decades, and he has always managed it with the utmost courage and grace.

Saying “enough is enough” is the ultimate courage. Mickey’s sound helped define his Motley crew from the moment he plugged in his guitar in our first rehearsal. The rest, as they say, is history. We will continue to honor his musical legacy.

We’ve made Mick’s wish come true and will continue our world tour in 2023 as planned. No doubt there will be a need for an outstanding musician to replace Mick. We are grateful to our good friend John 5 for agreeing to participate. us moving forward.

See you on tour, Crueheads! – Vince, Tommy and Nikki.”

Mars is no longer a “touring member” of Motley Crue, but he still remains a member of the band. However, as the band has, it’s unclear exactly what that means at this point in the Mötley Crüe legacy. strictly stated They are only a touring band for the foreseeable future and have no plans to record new music. Fans have questioned the validity of the band’s own promises, given their history of coming back to their statements. About recording new songs.

That said, John 5 is a perfect fit for Motley Crue, and he definitely has the guitar chops, some to fill Mars’ iconic playing. and contributed to some of the band’s most recent music featured in the 2019 biopic. dirt. In addition, John 5 has a side project called LA Ruts featuring Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx.

Beyond a 2023 tour with Def Leppard, it’s unclear what Mötley Crue has in store for the future. rumored The band is reportedly aiming for a third Las Vegas residency, so if these rumors are true, Mars may have a chance to play with the band again for these one-off performances.