This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Artist News Gigs & Festivals
Mötley Crüe guitarist Mick Mars retires from touring
By Andy Malt | Published on Friday 28 October 2022
Mötley Crüe guitarist Mick Mars has announced that he is retiring from touring due to his ongoing diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis – a form of arthritis that typically causes inflammation in the spine.
In a statement, a rep for the musician told Variety: “Mick Mars, co-founder and lead guitarist of the heavy metal band Mötley Crüe for the past 41 years, has announced today that, due to his ongoing painful struggle with ankylosing spondylitis, he will no longer be able to tour with the band. Mick will continue as a member of the band, but can no longer handle the rigours of the road. AS is an extremely painful and crippling degenerative disease, which affects the spine”.
Subsequently, the other members of the band put out their own statement, saying: “While change is never easy, we accept Mick’s decision to retire from the band due to the challenges with his health. We have watched Mick manage his ankylosing spondylitis for decades and he has always managed it with utmost courage and grace”.
“To say ‘enough is enough’ is the ultimate act of courage”, they went on. “Mick’s sound helped define Mötley Crüe from the minute he plugged in his guitar at our very first rehearsal together. The rest, as they say, is history. We’ll continue to honour his musical legacy”.
They then confirmed that they will “carry out Mick’s wish and continue to tour the world as planned in 2023” with former Marilyn Manson guitarist John 5 taking his place.
In his own statement, John 5 said: “I’m honoured to carry on Mick’s legacy and am looking forward to playing these songs”.
Having spent this year tour with Def Leppard in the US, the two bands are set to embark on international dates together next year, including shows in the UK and Ireland in May and July.