In a new conversation with Riff X’s Metal XS, Mick Mars shared his thoughts on the tumultuous circumstances surrounding his departure from Mötley Crüe, suggesting a level of inevitability to the situation.
The guitarist opened up about the ongoing legal disputes with his former band. After announcing his retirement from touring due to health issues, Mars found himself embroiled in a legal battle, alleging that the band was attempting to push him out. He stated:
“I’m not upset or any kind of thing like that. It’s normal. It just happens. It just happens.”
Mars’ Role After Retirement
Concerning his current involvement with Mötley Crüe, the rocker commented:
“I can’t say it’s the end of my association or even being in the band. When I retired, I still made myself available for new songs, short tours, one-offs or residencies, and stuff like that. But I had this ankylosing spondylitis, and that intense touring, at my age, just got to be pretty rough. And that’s about it. It’s gonna be what it is, and I have to leave it at that. But you’ll follow it and know what’s going on.”
Legal Battles And Band Dynamics
His lawsuit filed in Los Angeles County’s Superior Court claims that following his announcement to retire from touring, his bandmates attempted to remove him as a significant stakeholder in Mötley Crüe’s corporate and business entities. This action was precipitated by a shareholders’ meeting, marking a significant turn in the band’s internal relations.
The discord within Mötley Crüe traces back to Mars’ 2022 announcement of his touring retirement due to worsening health issues, specifically ankylosing spondylitis. Despite stepping down from touring, Mars expressed his willingness to continue contributing to the band through new songs, short tours, and other engagements.
Courtroom Victory Of The Guitarist
However, the situation escalated with the guitarist accusing Nikki Sixx of gaslighting and miming during performances and the band’s representation equating his retirement to quitting the group. A judge’s ruling in January 2024 in favor of Mars, which compelled the band to submit requested documents, highlighted the ongoing legal wrangle.
Yet, despite legal victories, Mars ruled out any possibility of reconciliation with his former bandmates, describing such a prospect as ‘impossible.’ Following his recent solo project, ‘The Other Side Of Mars,’ the musician is already planning his next album, signaling a new direction in sound.
Watch Mick’s full interview below.
