Metal Anarchy

According to Classic Rock, Mötley Crüe have emerged victorious amid their legal dispute with ex-guitarist Mick Mars. Independent arbitrator Patrick J. Walsh ruled that Mars gave up his right to touring revenue upon his departure. He will also have to pay over $750,000 in unrecouped tour advances.

Mars initially sued the band after claiming that he was asked to sign a severance agreement, which would drop his 25% stake in the band’s business interests to 5% for their 2023 shows and to 0% for future tours. The offer was then upped to 7.5% for 2023 if the guitarist agreed to divest himself from the band and their businesses. He also accused his bandmates of using pre-recorded tracks.

For their part, Mötley Crüe claimed the allegations were part of “a smear campaign.” The group also accused Mars’ representatives of “taking advantage of him” and commiting acts of “elder abuse.”

Walsh said the following about his ruling:

“Mars was given a $1,500,000 advance in exchange for his agreement to perform 138 shows. He understood when he received the advance that it was an advance and that he had to pay it back if he stopped touring. Mars stopped touring. Therefore, he must pay it back. Mars is ordered to pay to MCI the pro rata rate for the shows he missed between September 2021 and today. He is not required to pay for shows that have not taken place.”

Mötley Crüe also confirmed that the allegations regarding pre-recorded tracks were false:

“[Mars] was forced to admit under oath that his statements [regarding the use of backing tapes] were false. His expert confirmed that the band performed live, and Mars formally recanted his prior claims during sworn testimony.

This dispute was about protecting the integrity and legacy of one of the most successful bands in rock history. With the arbitrator rejecting every claim and enforcing the parties’ agreements as written, the band has been fully vindicated – legally, financially, and factually.”