Mötley Crüe Recruit John 5 as Replacement for Retired Guitarist Mick Mars

John 5 performs at The Forge in May 2022
John 5 performs at The Forge in May 2022. Photo by Ray Garbo/Shutterstock (12948518b)

Mötley Crüe has found a replacement for their retired guitarist and founding member, Mick Mars. The heavy metal icons announced on social media that veteran guitarist and songwriter John 5 will take over his place for the band’s upcoming tour.

John 5, real name John Lowery, is a respected name in the music world, having played with a number of high-profile musicians during his career. He was a member of touring bands for David Lee Roth, Rob Zombie, and Rod Stewart while also playing with Marilyn Manson.

“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,” said the band in a statement posted on Instagram.

Mick Mars recently decided to retire from touring with Mötley Crüe due to health issues. It is unclear whether this means that Mars will also stop being a full member of the band for other purposes moving forward.

Mötley Crüe is set to embark on a world tour with Def Leppard in 2023. They also have plans for a U.S. tour in 2024, as well as a Las Vegas residency. This comes after the band announced they had retired from touring and studio work back in 2015.