MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist Nikki Sixx has praised the band’s new guitarist John 5, saying he “checks all the boxes” as Mick Mars‘s replacement following the latter’s decision to no longer tour with the legendary rock act.
As previously reported, Mick Mars has retired from touring with MÖTLEY CRÜE due to worsening health issues.
Sixx commented on John 5‘s addition to CRÜE while answering fan questions on Twitter.
When asked why the band chose John 5, who is one of the credited co-writers on the three original songs on CRÜE‘s “The Dirt” soundtrack, Sixx said: “He checks all the boxes. He’s a insane player. Has respect for our music, is funny as f**k and has history with us and we’ve written some pretty big hits together.”
Sixx also addressed Mars‘s announcement that he was retiring from touring because of his long struggles with degenerative disease ankylosing spondylitis.
“He’s been a soldier along with us for 4 decades,” Nikki said. “We will continue to carrying our legacy to Generations of fans and honor Micks request for us to keep touring as Motley Crue.”
While announcing Mars‘ retirement, CRÜE said in a statement:
“While change is never easy, we accept Mick‘s decision to retire from the band due to the challenges with his health. We have watched Mick manage his Ankylosing Spondylitis for decades and he has always managed it with utmost courage and grace.
“To say ‘enough is enough’ is the ultimate act of courage. Mick‘s sound helped define MÖTLEY CRÜE from the minute he plugged in his guitar at our very first rehearsal together. The rest, as they say, is history. We’ll continue to honor his musical legacy.
“We will carry out Mick‘s wish and continue to tour the world as planned in 2023. No doubt will it take an absolutely outstanding musician to fill Mick‘s shoes so we are grateful that our good friend, John 5 has agreed to come on board and join us moving forward. We’ll see all you Crüeheads out on the road!”
Added John 5: “I’m honored to carry on Mick‘s legacy and am looking forward to playing these songs.”
Following their highly successful North American stadium tour of 2022, iconic and celebrated rock legends DEF LEPPARD and MÖTLEY CRÜE are going global in 2023 with their co-headline “The World Tour.”
Produced by Live Nation, the tour kicks off on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at Foro Sol in Mexico City. Both bands will bring their electrifying stage shows across the globe with stops throughout Latin America before heading to Europe in May 2023 — which includes a stop at the iconic Wembley Stadium on Saturday, July 1, 2023 — then wrapping up in Glasgow, U.K. at Hampden Park on July 6, 2023. Stay tuned for additional 2023 shows to be announced soon.
