Mötley Crüe Wins Legal Battle Against Mick Mars

Mötley Crüe has recently emerged victorious in a legal dispute with their former guitarist, Mick Mars. The conflict began when Mars announced his retirement from live performances in 2022, citing his struggle with Ankylosing Spondylitis, a degenerative disease.

Background of the Legal Battle

In April 2024, Mars initiated a lawsuit against the band. He claimed that Mötley Crüe was attempting to reduce his profit share, which was 25% of Mötley Crüe Inc. Mars asserted he had not resigned from the band, but had only stepped back from touring. Additionally, he accused bassist Nikki Sixx of not performing live during the previous year’s Stadium Tour with Def Leppard.

Ruling from the Independent Arbitrator

The case was overseen by an independent arbitrator, Hon. Patrick J. Walsh. In his ruling, Walsh favored Sixx, lead singer Vince Neil, and drummer Tommy Lee. He ordered Mars to repay a portion of the advance he received for the tour, which he missed due to his retirement.

• Mars received a $1,500,000 advance for 138 shows.
• He must pay back the advance for the shows he missed between September 2021 and the present.
• Shows that have not yet occurred do not require repayment.

Band’s Response to the Ruling

Mötley Crüe issued a statement expressing their satisfaction with the arbitration decision. They emphasized that Mars had to admit under oath that his allegations about the band using backing tracks were false. The band’s statement pointed out that Mars’s expert confirmed their live performances, and he later retracted his previous claims during his testimony.

The band framed the dispute as a necessary step to defend their legacy and integrity. They noted that every claim made by Mars was rejected, signifying a complete vindication legally, financially, and factually.

What’s Next for Mötley Crüe?

Despite the legal victory, Mick Mars has not yet publicly responded to the arbitrator’s ruling. Meanwhile, Mötley Crüe is moving forward with plans for their “Carnival of Sins” tour in 2026. Here are some key dates and locations:

The full list of the tour dates continues across multiple states, ensuring fans have ample opportunity to see the band perform live.