The rocker filed a legal action against his bandmates in Los Angeles last week over claims that they kicked him out of the group and ripped him off financially following Mars’ announcement last fall that he “will continue as a member of the band, but can no longer handle the rigors of the road” due to his lifelong struggle with Ankylosing spondylitis.
TMZ reported Mars’ lawsuit also saw the guitarist respond to accusations by bassist Nikki Sixx that his playing was not up to par during the 2022 stadium our with Def Leppard, with the guitarist claiming that Sixx didn't "play a single note on bass" during a recent tour because his parts were pre-recorded.
Mars is suing Motley Crue in an effort to review the band’s financial books.
“Mick’s lawsuit is unfortunate and completely off-base,” responded the band in a public statement, according to Rolling Stone. “In 2008, Mick voted for and signed an agreement in which he and every other band member agreed that ‘in no event shall any resigning shareholder be entitled to receive any monies attributable to live performances (i.e., tours).’ After the last tour, Mick publicly resigned from Motley Crue. Despite the fact that the band did not owe Mick anything — and with Mick owing the band millions in advances that he did not pay back — the band offered Mick a generous compensation package to honor his career with the band. Manipulated by his manager and lawyer, Mick refused and chose to file this ugly public lawsuit.
“Equally unfortunate are his claims about the band's live performances. Motley Crue always performs its songs live but during the last tour Mick struggled to remember chords, played the wrong songs and made constant mistakes which led to his departure from the band. There are multiple declarations from the band's crew attesting to his decline. The band did everything to protect him, tried to keep these matters private to honor Mick's legacy and take the high road. Unfortunately, Mick chose to file this lawsuit to badmouth the band. The band feels empathy for Mick, wishes him well and hopes that he can get better guidance from his advisors who are driven by greed."
“Sad day for us and we don’t deserve this considering how many years we’ve been propping him up,” posted Sixx and shared by the group on social media. “We still wish him the best and hope he finds lawyers and managers who aren’t damaging him. We love you Mick.”
A new report by Variety sees Motley Crue’s litigation attorney provide further details into the case, as well as information regarding a series of signed declarations by seven crew members attesting to Mars’ performances on the 2022 tour; read more at Variety here.
Motley Crue brought John 5 into the lineup for their 2023 World Tour with Def Leppard, which will resume in Sheffield, UK on May 22.
Pick up your copy of Motley Crue’s “Greatest Hits” here.
Sad day for us and we don’t deserve this considering how many years we’ve been propping him up-We still wish him the best and hope he find’s lawyers and managers who aren’t damaging him. We love you Mick -https://t.co/dhpu7ejxSi
— 📷 (@NikkiSixx) April 7, 2023
See also:
Motley Crue sued by guitarist Mick Mars
Motley Crue and Def Leppard win Pollstar's 2022 Rock Tour Of The Year
Motley Crue play first show with new touring guitarist John 5
Motley Crue reveal first photo of 2023 world tour lineup
Search Motley Crue at hennemusic
