Motley Crue have announced that former Rob Zombie guitarist John 5 will take over for Mick Mars when they hit the road next year with Def Leppard.
Mars announced his retirement from the road on Wednesday, and the Crue issued a statement today (Thursday) that says, “While change is never easy, we accept Mick’s decision to retire from the band due to the challenges with his health. We have watched Mick manage his A.S. [Ankylosing Spondylitis] for decades and he has always managed it with the utmost courage and grace...
"To say ‘enough is enough’ is the ultimate act of courage. Mick’s sound helped define Motley Crue from the minute he plugged in his guitar at our very first rehearsal together. The rest, as they say, is history. We’ll continue to honor his musical legacy."
Rumors of John 5 stepping in as a touring replacement started circulating as soon as the Crue wrapped up The Stadium Tour last month.