As music fans, we often idolize our favorite rock stars and view them as invincible, immortal beings. However, the reality is that time stops for no one, not even our musical heroes. Watching our beloved rock stars age can be a bittersweet experience. That’s the case in a recent photo with former Motley Crue legend, Mick Mars.
In a photo that was posted up on Instagram, we saw Mars in a photo as he was sitting on a guitar cabinet. Mick looks a bit older and stressed out in the photo and it can be jarring to some.
On one hand, it’s a privilege to witness the evolution of these artists as they grow older and wiser, and to see them continue to create music that resonates with us on a deeper level. On the other hand, it can be difficult to come to terms with the fact that the energetic, wild performers we once knew may now be slowing down, with their once-explosive stage presence now more subdued.
The stress Mick is possibly going through, of course, is led by one sole cause and that’s the whole ordeal between he and Motley Crue.
Mick had recently filed a lawsuit against his own band, claiming that they are attempting to remove him from the group and decrease his ownership shares due to his debilitating illness.
Mars, now 71, has been suffering from a chronic form of arthritis called ankylosing spondylitis, which has caused his spine to fuse, shortened his height by three inches, and left him unable to turn his head. Because of his condition, he informed the band that he would be unable to tour last year, although he offered to perform with them in a “residency situation” and record with the band.
However, Motley Crue allegedly responded by announcing Mars’ “retirement” from the band and planning to replace him with another guitarist. The band also attempted to strip him of his ownership in the business, according to Mars’ lawsuit. He claims that he had no intention of retiring from the group and accuses co-founder Nikki Sixx of falsely accusing him of having cognitive dysfunction.
Mars’ lawsuit highlights the difficulty of aging in the music industry, particularly for musicians who face debilitating illnesses. It also raises important questions about the treatment of band members and the ownership of music businesses.
