Nikki Sixx recently spoke out about fan speculation that Mick Mars might rejoin Mötley Crüe for a future tour, sharing his thoughts on X (formerly Twitter).
This came after a fan posted that they’d love to see Mars back on stage with the band. In response, Sixx reiterated the health issues that led to Mars stepping away from touring. “Remember, Mick retired because his health couldn’t handle life on the road,” Sixx said. “We all understand that, so why would you want to put him through it again?”
His comment reinforces the band’s respect for Mars’ choice to retire from touring. It makes clear that his departure was motivated by serious health concerns rather than internal conflict or other reasons. Sixx’s remarks also shed light on how the band currently views any potential lineup shifts for their touring plans.
Mars’ decision to stop touring didn’t happen overnight. It was the result of long-term, ongoing health struggles. The founding guitarist publicly announced in October 2022 that he was retiring from touring with Mötley Crüe after 41 years with the band, according to The Bob Rocks.
The core reason behind Mars’ retirement was his lifelong battle with Ankylosing Spondylitis (A.S.), a chronic inflammatory arthritis that targets the spine. Per Wikipedia, he had been coping with this painful and debilitating degenerative condition since he was 17. Over time, it increasingly limited his mobility and spinal function, making the physical demands of constant touring harder and harder to endure.
As the disease progressed, its toll on Mars’ body grew more severe. He underwent hip-replacement surgery in 2004. Eventually, he lost the ability to turn his head from side to side and became permanently hunched over. These challenges made it unrealistic for him to keep up with the intense travel schedule and physical strain of global touring.
Mars clarified that he was stepping back only from touring, not from the band itself. As noted in Loudwire, he indicated that he remained open to recording new material or performing at stationary residencies that wouldn’t involve extensive travel. His bandmates—Vince Neil, Nikki Sixx, and Tommy Lee—issued a statement voicing their support and recognizing his decades of bravery in managing the disease.
After Mars’ retirement from touring was announced, guitarist John 5 was brought in to handle live duties. Metal Wani reported that John 5 confirmed Mars approved of the move, saying: “I know Mick well and he was very supportive and really happy I was there.” This change enabled Mötley Crüe to continue performing on the road while honoring Mars’ health needs and limitations.
