Mötley Crüe have released an official statement after guitarist and founding member Mick Mars announced his retirement from touring. A rep for Mars shared his decision to retire from touring to Variety, saying that the 71-year-old guitarist’s decades-long struggle with the rare disease Ankylosing Spondylitis (A.S.) — a chronic, inflammatory form of arthritis that affects the spine — had gradually impaired his movement, making touring untenable.
In an official statement on Thursday, Mötley Crüe supported Mars decision to retire from touring, and confirmed rumors that former Marilyn Manson/ Rob Zombie guitarist John 5 will replace him on tour. (Mars’ statement noted he will continue to be a member of the band, presumably for future recordings.) John 5 has a long history with the Crüe, co-writing three songs on the band’s The Dirt soundtrack released in 2019. He was also a member of LA Rats in 2021, the supergroup featuring Sixx, Rob Zombie and drummer Tommy Clufetos.
The band’s statement read: “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”
Mötley Crüe recently announced plans for a 2023 world tour alongside Def Leppard, who co-headlined their wildly successful 2022 Stadium Tour through North America. The 2023 World Tour kicks-off on February 18th in Mexico City before wrapping up in Glasgow on July 6th. For ticket info, visit motley.com.
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