This week, legendary guitarist Mick Mars, announced he was retiring from touring with Motley Crue due to his struggles with Ankylosing Spondylitis (A.S.). While he will continue as a member of the band it has now been confirmed that John 5 will be stepping in as live guitarist as the band hits the road with Def Leppard in Latin America and Europe in 2023.
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 Motley Crue 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 of you Crueheads out on the road! – Vince, Tommy & Nikki
Motley Crue statement | October 27, 2022
John 5 says “I’m honored to carry on Mick’s legacy and am looking forward to playing these songs.”
Tickets for the 2023 tour are on sale here: motley.com/world-tour-2022