Earlier this week Motley Crue announced that guitarist Mick Mars was stepping away from touring life as Mick has decided that it’s something he can no longer put his body through. Mick has been suffering from Ankylosing Spondylitis since the beginning of his career. In a statement released to Variety, a band spokesperson cites Mars’s “ongoing painful struggle with A.S.” He will remain a member of the band, but is unable to keep dealing with “the rigors of the road.”
According to Niams.gov Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation in the joints and ligaments of the spine. Normally, the joints and ligaments in the spine help us move and bend. If you have ankylosing spondylitis, over time, the inflammation in the joints and tissues of the spine can cause stiffness.
On Thursday Motley Crue announced that John 5 will be replacing Mick Mars on the road and released a statement.
“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 A.S. [Ankylosing Spondylitis] for decades and he has always managed it with the 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.”
Here’s a couple videos of John 5 covering Motley Crue songs during his solo shows.
[Variety] [Niams] [Instagram: Motley Crue] [YouTube]
