Mick Mars , guitarist for Mötley Crüe , gave his first interview regarding his decision to file a lawsuit against the band , claiming that he “carried these bastards for years” and insisting that he “won’t let anyone take” his “share of this enterprise.”
During an interview with Variety , Mars commented on his bandmates: “These guys have been hammering me since '87, trying to replace me. They haven't been able to do it because I'm the guitarist. I helped form this band. It's my name, I created [the nickname Mötley Crüe], my ideas, my money that I received from a sponsor to start this band. Otherwise, the group wouldn't have gone anywhere.”
“Around 2012, when they started saying my memory was bad and I couldn’t remember the songs, I went to see all my doctors because I always want to stay strong,” he continued. “Then, there was a battle between the people at 10th Street [the company that manages the band] and all my doctors, who claimed there was nothing wrong with me. Now, they’re playing this game with me,” he added.
“The truth is: I want to retire from touring because of my AS [ankylosing spondylitis, an inflammatory arthritic disease that causes the fusion of the vertebrae]. However, I have no problem remembering the songs, I don't have any of these problems they claim. What they say is absolutely wrong.”
“I’m turning 72, I’ve been touring with these guys for 41 years, helping to build the brand and helping to do everything that was needed. And they repay me with ingratitude. That’s crazy. That’s very stupid,” the guitarist concluded.
Mick Mars' lawsuit against Mötley Crüe
According to documents obtained by TMZ , the other members were responsible for a "unilateral decision" regarding Mars' departure. Furthermore, the band's lawyer allegedly implied that Mars should "be grateful" for receiving this portion of the band's profits in the current situation.
Mick Mars accused bassist Nikki Sixx of manipulation through "gaslighting," as his colleague always commented that Mick's guitar skills were declining.
According to what Mars stated in the lawsuit, there is a certain irony in Sixx's comments, since his colleague "didn't play a single bass note" on the current tour and would only use pre-recorded tracks.
Mick Mars is demanding access to the band's finances to verify that he is being paid correctly.