MÖTLEY CRÜE ADDRESSES MICK MARS' RETIREMENT
Original Mötley Crüe guitarist Mick Mars has been forced to cease all touring with the band due to complications stemming from ankylosing spondylitis, a form of arthritis affecting the spine and large joints. Fellow Crüe members Vince Neil, Nikki Sixx and Tommy Lee released a joint statement addressing his departure.
"While change is never easy, we accept Mick's decision to retire from the band due to the challenges with his health," it read in part. "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."
— Mötley Crüe (@MotleyCrue) October 27, 2022
Veteran guitarist John 5—who previously played with Rob Zombie, L.A. Rats, David Lee Roth Band and Rod Stewart, among others—will take Mars' spot in the group's upcoming international tour with Def Leppard beginning 2/18 in Mexico City. Find all tour dates on the Mötley Crüe website.
