Nikki Sixx says Mick Mars misled fans and turned his back on Mötley Crüe
In the rocky landscape of rock history, some stories are written in riffs and lyrics, while others are etched in the difficult, complicated narratives of brotherhood. For the legendary Mötley Crüe, the recent tensions surrounding their original guitarist, Mick Mars, brought these complex dynamics sharply into focus, prompting a candid reflection from frontman Nikki Sixx.
The friction between Sixx and Mars was not merely a professional disagreement; it touched upon the very foundations of the band’s history. The conflict escalated when Mars took legal action against Sixx, alleging various points that strained their relationship. Central to the dispute involved claims made during the 2022 tour, specifically regarding whether Sixx played bass live, a rumor that had been swirling around for some time, dating back to claims about the third album, Theatre of Pain.
Although the band ultimately prevailed in the lawsuit, the weight of Mars’ statements lingered. As the dust settled, a fan reached out to Sixx seeking clarity on these long-standing habits, pushing for an honest reckoning with the history they shared.
When asked to address the situation, Sixx offered a perspective that went beyond the legal specifics. He acknowledged the emotional debris of the relationship, revealing a deep sense of connection that transcended the legal wrangling.
Reflecting on the bond they shared, the bassist spoke candidly about the personal cost of the drama. He noted that during Mars’ struggles with addiction, he had been there, offering support and sometimes saving his life. They shared decades of music, memories, and a sense of brotherhood that remains profound.
The most poignant element of the reflection, Sixx shared, was not the lawsuit or the headlines themselves, but the feeling of betrayal. He expressed that the deepest pain was witnessing someone considered a brother turn his back on the group, subsequently misleading the fans who had supported them through so many years.
“What hurts the most isn’t the lawsuit or the headlines,” Sixx commented, “it’s the feeling that someone we considered a brother turned his back on us and, in the process, misled the fans who supported all of us for so many years.”
This period of reflection came as the band navigated a significant change. Since Mars’ dismissal, Mötley Crüe has continued their journey, touring with new guitarist John 5 and performing a total of 34 shows with him in 2026. The band is now looking forward, gearing up for their next major milestone, including announcing their fourth Las Vegas residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, set to run from March 12th, 2027, through April 3rd.
Buy on Amazon
Credit
