Mötley Crüe’s Nikki Sixx recently addressed a fan’s question about his Mick Mars tattoo. He revealed his feelings about the former bandmate who left the group in 2022. The bassist shared his response on X.
The exchange began when a Mötley Crüe fan directly asked Sixx about whether he still had his Mick Mars tattoo.
“Yes, but it’s a sad reminder that someone whom you saved their life can still betray you,” Sixx responded.
The comment reflects the ongoing tension between Sixx and Mars following the guitarist’s departure from the band in 2022.
Sixx’s bitter response highlights the deep rift that has developed between the longtime bandmates since Mars stepped away from touring duties.
Guitar World reported that Mars retired from touring in October 2022 due to his ongoing struggle with Ankylosing Spondylitis, a painful degenerative disease affecting the spine. However, the departure quickly turned contentious when disagreements arose over Mars’ continued involvement with the band.
The situation escalated when Sixx characterized Mars’ departure as a “quit” in interviews. Mars maintained he was not quitting the band but simply unable to tour extensively due to his health condition. The band subsequently brought in guitarist John 5 as Mars’ replacement for their touring commitments.
The conflict reached a legal dimension when Mars filed a lawsuit alleging the band attempted to reduce his profit share from 25% to 5%. Louder Sound noted that Sixx has described Mars’ claims that Mötley Crüe don’t really play live as a “betrayal to the band who saved his life.”
The reference to “saving his life” appears to be connected to the band’s long history together and their support during Mars’ health struggles over the years. The ongoing dispute has created one of the most public and bitter splits in the band’s four-decade history. Both sides have made their grievances known through media interviews and legal proceedings.
