Mötley Crüe won a long legal battle against Mick Mars after a judge rejected all claims made by the former guitarist and co-founder and ruled that he must pay damages to the band.
The lawsuit originated from Mars' departure from touring in 2022 due to his battle with the degenerative disease Ankylosing Spondylitis, when he claimed he was still entitled to 25% of concert revenue, even without performing live. In 2023, Mars filed a lawsuit against the band , of which he had been a part for the past 41 years, alleging financial losses and that he had been expelled by the members in a "unilateral decision."
The judge's decision in favor of Mötley Crüe
Patrick J. Walsh 's decision confirmed that Mars forfeited any share of tour revenues by ceasing to tour with the group and ordered him to reimburse over $750,000 (approximately R$4 million at the current exchange rate) in unrecovered tour advances, in addition to upholding his termination as a director and officer of the band.
Furthermore, the judge also upheld the band's decision to fire Mick Mars from his positions as director and executive for cause.
“Mars received a $1,500,000 advance in exchange for his agreement to perform 138 shows. He understood, upon receiving the advance, that it was an advance and that he would have to return it if he stopped touring. Mars stopped touring. Therefore, he must return it. Mars is ordered to pay MCI the proportional value of the shows he missed between September 2021 and the present date. He is not obligated to pay for the shows that did not take place,” said Judge Patrick J. Walsh [via Louder ].
During the trial, Mick Mars made public accusations claiming that the group did not play live. But he was confronted with real recordings and expert testimony that led him to admit under oath that his statements were false.
Mötley Crüe's legal representatives stated that the victory represents protection for the band's legacy and integrity, reinforcing their contractual and financial rights after decades of history in rock music.
In a press release , the band's lead lawyer, Sasha Frid, said:
“This dispute aimed to protect the integrity and legacy of one of the most successful bands in rock history. With the arbitrator rejecting all claims and enforcing the agreements between the parties as written, the band was fully vindicated — legally, financially, and factually.”
So far, Mick Mars has not publicly commented on the decision.
Mick Mars and solo career
Mick Mars released his debut solo album, The Other Side of Mars , in 2023 through 1313 LLC – Mick's own label – in partnership with MRI.
The guitarist expressed his enthusiasm in releasing his first solo work after more than 40 years in the business. “It took me 40 years because Motley was my priority. Now that I’m retired, it’s just me.”.
The guitarist also plans to write an autobiography at some point. “I probably will, but probably – I’ve been saying this for a long time – when I’m dying, so I can write it backwards. So if you want to read it forwards, start at the end. I don’t know,” he said.
