Nikki Sixx recently addressed his feelings about his Mick Mars tattoo following a fan interaction on social media. He shared his candid response on Facebook.
The Mötley Crüe bassist’s comments came after he posted a photo with the caption “Snarky comments only,” which prompted a fan to ask about his tattoo.
When a Mötley Crüe fan asked, “Do you regret that Mick Mars tattoo on your thigh?” Sixx provided a direct response about his current feelings toward his former bandmate. “I was his biggest fan, saved his life, and then he betrayed us and the fans,” Sixx responded. “So yes, it’s not easy to see.”
The exchange highlights the ongoing tension between Sixx and Mars following the guitarist’s departure from Mötley Crüe. Their relationship has deteriorated significantly since Mars announced his retirement from touring.
The conflict between the bandmates escalated when Mars filed a lawsuit against Mötley Crüe earlier this year. Loudwire reported that Sixx described Mars as “a little bit confused” and being “misled” by his representatives during the legal proceedings. This public dispute marked a dramatic shift from their decades-long partnership in one of metal’s most iconic bands.
Following Mars’ retirement announcement, the band recruited John 5 as his replacement for touring duties. American Songwriter noted that Sixx has expressed satisfaction with this decision, stating that John 5 was a natural fit for the band and has been a long-time friend. The bassist emphasized that working with the new guitarist has brought fresh energy to their performances.
“Working with John 5 has inspired more energetic performances,” Sixx noted. He clarified that this change was not a criticism of Mars but rather a natural evolution when working with new musicians.
The personal nature of Sixx’s regret about his Mars tattoo underscores the depth of their former friendship. MetalSucks revealed that their relationship spans decades and included deeply personal gestures like Sixx’s decision to permanently ink Mars’ image on his body. This makes the current rift all the more painful for the bassist.
