Mick Mars Sues Mötley Crüe Over His Departure From The Band

Guitarist Mick Mars is suing Mötley Crüe over his departure from the band and decrease in profit share.

Last year, Mars announced that he was retiring from touring with the band due to his ongoing issues with an arthritic disease called ankylosing spondylitis. A statement from his rep clarified that he was still a member of the band, but could no longer handle “the rigors of the road.”

But in a follow up statement from Mötley Crüe, it was implied that Mars was completely out saying “To say ‘enough is enough’ is the ultimate act of courage. 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 honor his musical legacy. We will carry out Mick’s wish and continue to tour the world as planned in 2023.”

Now, Mars has launched a lawsuit against the band. TMZ reports that Mars claims he still intended to play with Mötley Crüe  in some capacity, but was “unilaterally” removed following a full-band meeting.

Mars also claims his profit share was cut from 25 percent to five percent after he announced his retirement from touring. The lawsuit states that the band’s lawyers told him he should be grateful for getting a small cut as the band’s camp felt they didn’t owe him anything.

The suit even calls out bassist Nikki Sixx claiming he was “gaslighting” mars over his diminishing guitar skills. According to TMZ, Mars responded by saying Sixx didn’t “play a single note on bass” on the band’s last tour and used pre-recorded tracks instead.

Mötley Crüe  brought in Rob Zombie guitarist John 5 to replace Mars on their 2023 tour with Def Leppard. The tour continues next month. Check out their upcoming dates here.