Mick Mars, co-founder and now ex-lead guitarist of Mötley Crüe, faces a private arbitration later this year in an ongoing legal feud with his former bandmates. According to Rolling Stone, this is just the beginning for these glam rockers to lose the battle. Following his retirement from touring in October 2022 due to health concerns, Mars filed a lawsuit in April 2023, accusing the band of attempting to oust him as a significant stakeholder in their business holdings. The dispute stems from Mars refusing to sign a severance agreement, relinquishing his 25 percent stake for a share in the 2023 tour, escalating the conflict to private arbitration later this year.

In a Rolling Stone interview last year, Mars voiced fears about the band stripping away his legacy and ownership of the Mötley Crüe brand. His lawyer, Ed McPherson, highlighted a recent judge’s ruling, confirming mistreatment as the band delayed providing requested documents. McPherson sees this as a victory for Mick, emphasizing ongoing arbitration and the band’s disregard for rules.

Initially suing to review financial records, Mars’s representatives counter-smear campaign allegations, focusing on the core issue of an alleged illegal ousting. The private arbitration will determine Mars’s shares and assess the band’s actions. As the legal battle unfolds, questions arise on elder abuse and the legacy of Mick Mars.

Meanwhile, a recent court ruling favored Mars in a separate matter, finding Mötley Crüe tardy in providing financial documents. However, the judge concluded that Mars wouldn’t access the band’s 2023 ledger, considering the matter was resolved. Mars’s legal team disputes this, highlighting the unresolved issue of the alleged illegal ousting.

Controversies, including lip-syncing allegations and degraded playing ability, marked the legal saga. After parting ways with Mars, Mötley Crüe recruited ex-Rob Zombie guitarist John 5.