Mötley Crüe bassist and founder Nikki Sixx has once again commented on the band's decision to replace Mick Mars , the band's original guitarist, with John 5 , former guitarist for Marilyn Manson . In a recent interview with the British magazine Classic Rock (via Guitar.com ), Sixx stated that although the decision was difficult, he believes the band made the right one.
The musician commented on Mick Mars' health and the band's activities before his departure. "It was becoming increasingly difficult to do anything with Mick because of his memory problems and physical ailments. And we have a lot of empathy for that," he said. He then continued: "When Mick left the band, we had to make a choice. And we made the right choice with John. We wish Mick nothing but the best."
Sixx made it clear that the choice was "a self-sufficient decision," considering the continuity of the band and the projects that were underway. However, he said that the choice, although right, wasn't "fun," especially with fans "believing we did something we didn't do," he added.
During the interview, Sixx also addressed John 5's influence on the group and reassured fans that it's not a problem. "I run this band with an iron fist and nobody can come in and mess with our band, legally, in terms of marketing," he said.
Mick Mars leaving Mötley Crüe
Robert Alan Deal — Mick Mars' real name — is one of the original members of Mötley Crüe and has been with the band since its founding in 1981. He co-wrote classics such as "Dr. Feelgood" and "Girls, Girls, Girls," and was also the lead guitarist on the group's tours.
Despite upsetting many fans, Mick Mars' departure from the band was due to his health conditions. Diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the spine and joints, the guitarist had been performing in pain during his last tours.
In 2022, at age 71, Mars announced his retirement from performing live, but stated he was open to studio recordings with Mötley Crüe. However, in April of the following year, the guitarist sued the band for financial reasons, alleging that after his retirement announcement, they attempted to remove him from the band as a significant shareholder, which would have meant he would only receive 5% of tour royalties.
In January of this year, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge declared the end of the legal battle with a ruling in favor of Mick Mars. According to Rolling Stone , the judge understood that the lack of transparency with the guitarist forced him to file the lawsuit. It was also highlighted that the band's legal team took almost eight months to deliver the documents to Mars' lawyer. According to the lawyer, a private arbitration would resolve the core of the problem.
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