Mick Mars has responded to whether or not he was the most underrated guitar player of the 80s. During a new interview with WRIF radio station, the host expressed his opinion to Mars, stating that he believes the rocker is ‘one of the most underrated guitar players of the ’80s.’ He replied with the following:
“Well, that’s okay. It’s okay with me [if] you think I’m underrated. I think there’s a lot of people who think like you, as well [as those who don’t feel that way] so much. Maybe because I don’t fly over the frets and do 900 — how many notes can I fit between the clicks? I don’t know. Probably the guitar player that played a speed that I would have liked to play, but I never really delved into that deep was Alvin Lee [of Ten Years After] when he did ‘I’m Going Home.’ That, to me, was fast playing, ’cause it was melodic and the notes were clean, and it fit the song. And so, that was where my face went, like, ‘Oh, you can do that too? Okay.'”
Mars’ Contributions Were Not Enough
Last year, Mars, who is in a legal dispute with his former bandmates Nikki Sixx, Tommy Lee, and Vince Neil over his removal from the band due to his choice to retire from touring after enduring decades of the degenerative bone condition ankylosing spondylitis, revealed that he had minimal involvement in playing on the band’s last three albums:
“I don’t think there’s one note that I played [on ‘Generation Swine’]. They didn’t want my guitar to sound like a guitar, basically. They wanted it to sound like a synthesizer. I felt so useless. I’d do a part, they’d erase it, and somebody else would come in and play.”
According to Mars, the situation didn’t improve much for the follow-up album either:
“I didn’t write any of those songs, since I wasn’t invited. I think I got one lick on that album.”
Why Is Mars Considered Underrated?
The topic has been on and off for years, and many fans and sources have been marking Mars as one of the most underrated guitarists. When it comes to why he appears underrated in a world-renowned band, Mars had been largely overshadowed by the drama involving his former bandmates.
In addition to the drama, his way of playing guitar did not get as much recognition and admiration despite his unique way of playing. Mars also began tuning his guitar a whole step down to create a heavier sound. While many modern bands tune down now, at the time, it was rather unusual.
Considering the fact that he contributed to hits such as ‘Looks That Kill,’ ‘Kickstart My Heart’ and ‘Wild Side,’ it’s surprising to see many people think Mars is underrated.
You can listen to the interview below.
