Motley Crue have issued a statement on the decision of their founding guitarist, Mick Mars, to retire from touring. In a statement released exclusively to Variety on Wednesday, Mars, 71, announced that his decades-long struggle with the rare disease Ankylosing Spondylitis, a type of arthritis that affects the spine, has made touring untenable. In the statement below, the band confirms rumors that former Marilyn Manson/ Rob Zombie guitarist John 5 will replace Mars on tour. (While Mars’ statement said he will continue to be a member of the band, presumably for future recordings, the group’s comment does not mention that.)
Their statement appears in full below.
“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. 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. No doubt will it take an absolutely outstanding musician to fill Mick’s shoes so we are grateful that our good friend, John 5 has agreed to come on board and join us moving forward. We’ll see all you Crüeheads out on the road!” —
Vince, Tommy & Nikki
“I’m honored to carry on Mick’s legacy and am looking forward to playing these songs.”
— John 5