Former MÖTLEY CRÜE guitarist Mick Mars is gearing up to release his debut solo album, “The Other Side of Mars,” but amidst the anticipation of his solo venture, he’s shedding light on the strained relationship with his ex-bandmates. In a candid interview with Guitar World, Mars expressed a sense of resignation when asked about the possibility of reuniting or reconciling with Nikki Sixx, Vince Neil, and Tommy Lee, stating, “I would say it’s past… impossible.”
The departure of Mick Mars from Mötley Crüe in October 2022 initially seemed to stem from health reasons, as Mars suffers from ankylosing spondylitis, a painful inflammatory disease. The band announced his retirement from touring (which later we learned was an actual “firing” according to ex-Crue singer John Corabi), with former Rob Zombie/Marilyn Manson guitarist John 5 stepping in as his replacement.
Mars later initiated a lawsuit alleging wrongful termination and the withholding of profits owed to him as a 25-percent stakeholder of Mötley Crüe.
Discussing the lawsuit in a new Guitar World interview, Mars treaded cautiously, mindful of the potential repercussions of his words. He hinted at the complexity of the situation, stating, “I have to be pretty cautious about what I say because it could be relevant to what’s going on.” The conflict between Mars and his former bandmates extends to the question of whether he resigned or retired from Mötley Crüe, with Mars emphasizing the distinction between the two terms.
Reflecting on his decision to retire from touring due to health concerns, Mars emphasized the significance of prioritizing his well-being. His battle with ankylosing spondylitis underscores the challenges faced by musicians in maintaining their physical health amidst the demands of a rigorous touring schedule.
Mars was not against doing a residency or select gigs at historic venues, but he could not handle doing a world tour, and felt The Stadium Tour was used against him anyway as a means to sabotage his legacy in rock music. “Those were the worst 36 shows ever…” the guitar legend growled, having revealed in his lawsuit that all the other members in the band were heavily relying on backing tapes for main instrumentation and lead vocals.
As Mick Mars embarks on a new chapter with his solo endeavors, the unresolved tensions with Mötley Crüe serve as a poignant reminder of the complexities within band dynamics and the enduring impact of artistic collaborations. While the possibility of a reunion may seem remote, Mars remains steadfast in his appreciation for the journey he shared with his former bandmates, even as he ventures into uncharted musical territories on “The Other Side of Mars.”
Mick Mars Official Website (mick-mars.com)
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