Well it’s official, the rumors were true. Mick Mars, after over 40 years of dedication to Motley Crue, has decided to retire from touring.
It makes perfect sense. The man’s 71 years old. And suffering from a rare spinal disorder called ankylosing spondylitis. A disease that fuses ones vertebra with a concrete like substance over a long period of time. Making their back heavier and heavier. The fact that Mars has made it as far as he has is nothing short of a miracle. Despite his disability, which started to afflict him at an early age, Mars charged through the decades. Creating some of the sickest riffs and solos of an entire generation. The band has issued the following 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 Motley Crue 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. 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 you Crueheads out on the road!!”
– Vince, Tommy, Nikki
John 5 added his own quip as well: “I’m honored to carry on Mick’s legacy and am looking forward to playing these songs.”
So there it is. It’s official. Mick has retired. Thanks for the solos, the riffs and most of all, the attitude. You will always remain one of the most overlooked players in a sea of excellence. The question now is however, ‘how will the songs sound?’ Will they be identical to Mick’s tone and feel? Something John 5 can certainly recreate. Or will he incorporate considerable amounts of his style into the setlist? Using his unique tone instead of Mick’s beefy sonic elements. Maybe he’ll find a happy medium. Either way, it’ll be interesting to see how the chemistry between John 5 and the rest of Crue works out. I’m personally excited to see the energy. What do you think? Should Motley Crue continue without Mick at the guitar helm live?
