Following the revelation of a bombshell lawsuit filed by former Mötley Crüe guitarist Mick Mars claiming his former Crüe bandmates pushed him out of the group and more, bassist Nikki Sixx has responded, as has the band via their attorney.
Listen to Mötley Crüe Radio and more on the free Audacy app
According to Mick and his lawyers, Mötley Crüe is alleged to have attempted to force him out of the group after 41 years, even gaslighting him on his playing abilities. However, the band contends Mick resigned from the group altogether when he announced he would no longer be a part of their touring entourage, saying in a statement in October 2022 he “can no longer handle the rigors of the road" due to a debilitating form of arthritis called Ankylosing spondylitis that he suffers from.
Bassist Nikki Sixx responded on social media saying it is a "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." Sixx also shared a link to a more detailed explanation via Variety, which also includes signed declarations provided by attorneys from seven members of the band's touring crew stating that when they worked alongside Mars during 2022 dates, his performances were subpar, which created problems.
“After the last tour, Mick publicly resigned from Mötley Crüe,” says Sasha Frid, the band’s litigation attorney, according to Variety. “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.” Frid adds, “Mick’s lawsuit is unfortunate and completely off-base. 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).’”
Asked to explain the confusion, Frid of the Crüe's legal crew responded again to Variety saying, “retiring from touring is resigning from the band.” Adding, “the band’s primary function is to tour and perform concerts. And as you saw from the amendment, if a shareholder resigns, he cannot receive any compensation from touring — which is what Mick is trying to get. It’s clear-cut that Mick is not entitled to any more money.”
Related
Follow more of your favorite music on Audacy's all-new stations like Ripchord, Masters Of Metal, IndustriALT, Don't Metal In My Affairs, Venom, Arena Rock, Wake Up and Rock, and The Roots of Rock for those who crave the early days.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram