Former MÖTLEY CRÜE guitarist Mick Mars has been ordered by an arbitrator to repay the band hundreds of thousands of dollars after being dismissed as a band member and corporate officer due to his decision to stop touring because of health problems. The ruling was announced following a dispute initiated by Mars, who sought to maintain his stake in the band's business despite withdrawing from live tours.
Mars's attorney, Ed McPherson, denounced the arbitration outcome as unfair, emphasizing that Mars had communicated his inability to continue touring but remained willing to contribute through recording and occasional performances. The arbitrator upheld the band's interpretation of a 2008 agreement that disqualifies members who cease touring from receiving related revenue, rejecting Mars's demand to keep a share of touring income without performing live.
The arbitration also addressed public accusations made by Mars claiming that other band members did not play live during performances. Under oath, Mars retracted these statements after evidence and expert testimony confirmed the band's live musicianship. MÖTLEY CRÜE's legal representatives declared the ruling a complete vindication of the band's contractual and factual positions.
Mars announced his retirement from touring in late 2022 due to complications from Ankylosing Spondylitis, a chronic inflammatory disease affecting his spine. Despite his withdrawal, he filed a lawsuit alleging attempts by MÖTLEY CRÜE to remove him from their corporate structure. The band maintained that his claims were unfounded and that the arbitration ruling properly enforced their agreements.
The dispute has also highlighted internal tensions, with longtime band manager Allen Kovac accusing Mars's representatives of exploiting his health condition in a campaign damaging to the band's legacy. Mars had served as lead guitarist since the band's formation in 1981, contributing to some of their significant songs over the years.