Motley Crue has won a legal battle against former guitarist Mick Mars. An arbitrator dismissed all of Mars’ claims, and now he must pay over $750,000 in unrecouped tour advances. The ruling was made by retired federal judge Patrick Walsh on Wednesday.
The arbitrator decided that Mars gave up his right to touring revenue when he stopped touring in 2022. Walsh confirmed that the contracts clearly state that band members who quit touring cannot claim any tour proceeds. Mars had received $1.5 million as part of a $7 million advance from Live Nation in 2019 but missed 69 shows starting in September 2021. He was required to repay a prorated amount, which led to a final judgment of $244,293 against him after calculating his 25 percent stake.
Mars had asked for 25 percent of the touring revenue despite stepping away from performances. This request went against a 2008 agreement he helped draft, which stated that any member who quits touring forfeits their touring income.
Mars also publicly accused Nikki Sixx and Tommy Lee of using prerecorded bass and drums during shows. However, these claims fell apart when faced with live performance recordings and expert testimony. Mars later admitted under oath that his statements were false and withdrew his claims.
“This dispute was about protecting the integrity and legacy of one of the most successful bands in rock history,” said Sasha Frid, the band’s attorney. The band has filed a petition to confirm the arbitration award in Los Angeles County Superior Court, and Mars has not responded.
Motley Crue is set to kick off The Return of the Carnival of Sins tour on July 17 in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, celebrating the 20th anniversary of Carnival of Sins and the band’s 45th anniversary. The tour will end on September 26 in Ridgefield, Washington, with a portion of ticket sales going to the After School Arts Program through the Motley Crue Giveback initiative.
