John 5 recently addressed rumors about tension with Mick Mars following his replacement in Mötley Crüe. He shared details about their relationship in an interview on Beyond The Fame With Jason Fraley.
The guitarist clarified that Mars retired after decades with the band and was supportive of the transition.
“Yeah, [Mick] retired and he gave the band 40-something years. I love Mick Mars and he retired and luckily they asked me to fill in,” John 5 said. “And I know Mick well and he was very supportive and really happy I was there.”
He emphasized their long-standing friendship and connection to the band members.
“And I’ve known the guys for a long, long time. I mean, I would go to their shows and I’d be in Mick’s dressing room the whole time, talking with him and stuff,” he continued. “Of course I’d say hi to the [other] guys, but Mick’s my friend, and of course I’ve known Nikki [Sixx, Mötley Crüe bassist] and Tommy [Lee, Mötley Crüe drummer] forever too. So it just fit really well.”
John 5’s comments provide insight into the transition that took place in late 2022. The guitarist officially joined Mötley Crüe following Mars’ departure from the band.
Wikipedia reported that Mars announced his retirement due to ongoing health issues, particularly his battle with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), a chronic condition affecting the spine and pelvis. The founding guitarist had given over four decades to the band before stepping away from touring duties.
The transition has been praised for its seamlessness. John 5 integrated naturally into Mötley Crüe’s live performances. Metal Wani noted that John 5’s long-standing relationship with the band members made the transition natural, as he had been performing Crüe’s songs even before joining the band. The guitarist, who formerly played with Rob Zombie, has maintained his commitment to honoring Mars’ legacy on stage.
Bassist Nikki Sixx has also defended the decision to bring in John 5. Metal Injection revealed that Sixx cited Mars’ health issues and the need for the band to continue performing effectively. He emphasized that the choice was “the right thing to do” despite the challenges it presented.
“If one of your guys can’t play anymore, they bring in another guy,” Sixx stated, defending the band’s decision to move forward with a new guitarist.
Despite the positive statements from John 5 and the band, the transition has not been without controversy. Mars filed a lawsuit against Mötley Crüe in 2023. He claimed the band was attempting to diminish his legacy. However, John 5 has continued to express deep respect for Mars and remains committed to performing his solos faithfully during live shows.
