John 5 of MÖTLEY CRÜE was observed using backing tracks during the band’s recent performance in Milwaukee, WI, according to a report from The Metal Den. During the rendition of “Wild Side,” a fan noted that at the 3:45 mark, John 5 ceased playing guitar and crossed the stage, while the guitar track continued playing. A video capturing this moment is available below.
John 5 joined MÖTLEY CRÜE in the fall of 2022, stepping in for Mick Mars who retired from touring with the band in October 2022 due to health issues. In April 2023, Mick Mars filed a lawsuit against his longtime bandmates, alleging wrongful termination after 41 years with the group.
In his legal complaint, Mick claims that MÖTLEY CRÜE reduced his earnings share from 25 percent to just 5 percent after he announced his decision to stop touring. He also alleges that the band’s lawyers conveyed that he should be grateful for even this reduced amount, implying they had no obligation to provide him anything more. Mick further contends that a meeting of the entire band occurred where they collectively decided to exclude him from future involvement with MÖTLEY CRÜE.
Moreover, Mick accuses bassist Nikki Sixx of “gaslighting” him by insinuating that his guitar skills were declining, despite Sixx allegedly not playing bass live during a recent tour, with all of his parts being pre-recorded according to Mick.