Although it is fairly expected already, the rock community has been paying their respects to the ex-Mötley Crüe guitarist Mick Mars as he announced his retirement from the band after helming the guitars since 1981, when the heavy metal band was first formed.
Mars announced his retirement from the band earlier this week because of his current health condition. He would not be reprising his role as the band's touring guitarist in any future acts that Mötley Crüe would partake in.
Based on a statement released to Variety last Oct. 26, 2022, Mars will still be a member of the band, but more of like an honorary one.
"Mick Mars, co-founder and lead guitarist of the heavy metal band Mötley Crüe for the past 41 years, has announced today that due to his ongoing painful struggle with Ankylosing Spondylitis (A.S.), he will no longer be able to tour with the band. Mick will continue as a member of the band, but can no longer handle the rigors of the road," the statement reads.
For context, Ankylosing Spondylitis is a generative disease. Mayo Clinic defines the ailment as an inflammatory disease that can cause some of the bones in the spine to fuse over time. This fusing makes the spine less flexible and can result in a hunched posture. If ribs are affected, it can be difficult to breathe deeply.
Because of this, the band has already chosen the guitarist that would replace Mars for the tour that he had wished to continue despite his retirement.
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John 5 2022: Who is Mick Mars's Replacement Guitarist
Shortly after Mars announced his retirement, fans asked the same question - who will replace Mick Mars as Mötley Crüe guitarist?
In the band's Instagram statement, they have already named John 5, or John William Lowery, to take his place for the tour.
John 5 is most notably known as the guitarist of Rob Zombie, but before that, he flew under the wings of the late David Lee Roth in his solo band. He also became a guitarist for Marilyn Manson and has worked with a lot of artists in the rock scene including Ozzy Osbourne, Avril Lavigne, Steve Perry, and even the late Meat Loaf.
The Mick Mars' replacement guitarist John 5 has voiced out in the same statement as Mötley Crüe that he is "honored" to carry on Mars' legacy and is looking forward to playing the songs with the band.
READ ALSO: Mick Mars Last Concert With Motley Crue Revisited After Retirement Announcement
