Metal Anarchy

Earlier today (April 6), Mick Mars made headlines after suing Mötley Crüe over tour profits and accusing them of using pre-recorded tracks at live shows. Now, the band have fired back, claiming that the guitarist’s “lawsuit is unfortunate and completely off-base.”

Mötley Crüe told Loudwire the following:

“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).” After the last tour, Mick publicly resigned from Mötley Crüe. 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. Mötley Crüe 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 which are attached. 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.”

The declarations mentioned in the statement came from production manager Robert Long, production coordinator Ashley Zapar, tour manager Thomas Reitz, front of House engineer Brent Carpenter, monitor engineer Scott Megrath, bass tech Fred Kowalo, and drum tech Steve Morrison. It was also noted that the declarations were signed when the band kicked off their 2023 tour in Atlantic City, NJ back in February. Loudwire shared the following information regarding those statements:

“Several of the statements from the individuals noted that Mars often left during rehearsals, without explanation, and he often played the wrong chords or the wrong song altogether. One, in particular, noted that the band’s use of pre-recorded tracks during their live shows was a direct result of Mars’ inconsistencies during his performances.”

You can read Long’s statement below:

“Mick’s performance during the Stadium Tour was unworkable and very difficult to manage. It began with the band’s rehearsals in April 2022. Mick would consistently forget chords and songs so the band would have to stop and re-teach those parts to Mick to remind him of the arrangements.

Mick’s performance caused other issues. Mick’s own guitar tech, Bobby Oberdorftein, wanted to quit. Bobby was frustrated because despite his best efforts Mick’s performance was suffering. I had to do everything I could to convince Bobby to stay on as Mick’s guitar tech.”

In related news, Mars’ full lawsuit has since been shared via Deadline. You can find that HERE.