MÖTLEY CRÜE frontman Vince Neil has broken his silence in response to former guitarist Mick Mars’ explosive accusations that the band used backing tracks during live performances. In a recent interview with Neon, Neil turned the blame back on Mars, claiming the guitarist was the only member using taped parts due to performance issues.
“No, we never did that, ever. It was Mick Mars who got pissed off, because we fired him, basically,” Neil stated.
(Transcribed by Neon)
The interview marks Neil’s first major public response to Mars’ claims, which have cast a shadow over MÖTLEY CRÜE‘s legacy for several months. Mars, who parted ways with the band amid health struggles, had previously alleged that the group mimed their instruments and vocals during shows.
Neil didn’t hold back. He accused Mars of projecting his own issues onto the rest of the band.
“But his whole thing was that I don’t sing any of the lyrics. Nikki doesn’t play in his bass and Tommy doesn’t play his drums. And we’re like, ‘What the fck is he talking about?’ Because he was the only one on tape, because he kept fcking stuff up, so we had him on tape,” Neil explained.
(Transcribed by Neon)
Mars Was Allegedly “Turned Off” During Performances
Neil went further, claiming that the band’s sound engineers had to intervene during live shows due to Mars’ inconsistencies. According to Neil, the solution was to mute Mars and run his parts on tape to avoid disruptions.
“When he started going off on some weird tangent, our sound guy just turned him off and turned the tape on. The only thing about that was that it was all in Mick Mars’ head,” he concluded.
(Transcribed by Neon)
A Rift That Won’t Heal?
The rift between Mick Mars and the rest of MÖTLEY CRÜE has deepened since his departure. Mars initially stepped away from touring in 2022, citing his ongoing battle with ankylosing spondylitis, a chronic spinal condition. While the band announced John 5 as his replacement for touring duties, Mars later made it clear he had not officially retired from the band.
He then launched a lawsuit against MÖTLEY CRÜE, alleging he was forced out and unfairly compensated. In the filing, he also reiterated claims that much of the band’s live performance was “pre-recorded.”
Neil’s recent statements are a direct rebuttal to those accusations—and may mark a point of no return for the fractured relationship between Mars and his former bandmates.
Fan Reaction and Industry Impact
Fans have long speculated about the use of backing tracks in rock concerts, especially as aging bands continue to perform complex material under demanding tour schedules. The controversy around MÖTLEY CRÜE is just the latest in a growing list of bands being scrutinized for their live authenticity.
However, Vince Neil’s comments add a new layer to the discussion—suggesting that it was not a band-wide decision, but a necessary workaround for a single member’s declining performance abilities.
Still, the public feud has left fans divided. While some support Mars, praising his decades-long contribution to the band, others side with Neil, viewing Mars’ comments as a bitter response to being replaced.
What’s Next for MÖTLEY CRÜE?
Despite the controversy, MÖTLEY CRÜE continues to perform and tour globally with its revamped lineup. The band recently wrapped up a series of shows and is expected to announce more dates soon.
But with lawsuits, interviews, and accusations flying in every direction, it’s clear that this feud is far from over. For now, fans will have to choose which side of the stage they’re on—Mick Mars or the rest of MÖTLEY CRÜE.
