Nikki Sixx reflected on Mick Mars not being able to tour with Motley Crue anymore due to his health issues.
Months after Mars announced his touring retirement, the founding guitarist launched a legal battle after Motley Crue reportedly cut him off completely despite his desire to continue recording with the band. He reiterated in the filing that he only retired from touring and that his bandmates are allegedly stealing his legacy away.
The guitarist detailed the alleged gaslighting incidents and complete removal from the group through an interview with Rolling Stone.
Nikki Sixx Says They Never Saw It Coming
In his interview with Guitar World magazine, Sixx reflected on Motley Crue's decision to hire John 5 so the band could continue touring even without Mars. He revealed that they never expected to see their bandmate not being able to tour and quit the band.
"[With John] knowing all the members of the band, and me having this relationship with him writing and as friends, and even being in the studio with him writing stuff with the band for [the soundtrack to] 'The Dirt', it felt like a no-brainer in a horrible situation something we did not ask for or want," he continued.
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Motley Crue reportedly found John as "the guy" who perfectly fitted in the position, and Sixx said they are happy with where the band is right now.
Sixx's statement somewhat contradicted what Mars has been claiming in the filing. According to the guitarist, the band ousted him completely after announcing his retirement.
What Mick Mars Revealed About Motley Crue
Mars maintained over the past months that he would not give up his position in Motley Crue as he only retired from touring to focus on his worsening condition.
The guitarist has been struggling because of his long battle with ankylosing spondylitis, a condition that affects his mobility due to an inflammation in the spine. He revealed in Motley Crue's 2001 biography, "The Dirt," that he started facing the disease in his late teens and that his hips started to hurt whenever he tried to move.
After Mars filed the lawsuit, Sixx told Planet Rock that Mars' touring announcement only meant two things: either quitting the band for good or spending time looking at each other if they were not done yet.
"We wish him the best and we know that he's a little bit confused and being misled by representatives right now," Sixx said. "But we still have to stay focused on why we're here."
