Mick Mars Net Worth

Mick Mars Net Worth: A Deep Dive into the Life and Career of the Mötley Crüe Guitarist

Introduction: Unveiling Mick Mars

Mick Mars, the iconic lead guitarist and co-founder of the legendary band Mötley Crüe, is a name synonymous with hard rock and heavy metal. With a career spanning decades, Mars has not only made a significant impact on the music industry but has also accumulated a substantial net worth. This article delves into the life, career, and financial success of Mick Mars, providing a comprehensive overview of his journey from a young aspiring musician to a rock and roll icon.

Early Life and the Genesis of a Rock Icon

Born Robert Alan Deal in Terre Haute, Indiana, in the 1950s, Mick Mars’s early life was marked by moves across the Midwest and California. He was born into a family of modest means. As a young man, he displayed a passion for music. This passion led him to pick up the guitar. It was in the vibrant music scene of California during the 1970s that Mars honed his skills. He played in various blues rock bands. However, these early ventures did not achieve significant commercial success.

In a pivotal moment, Mars decided to reinvent himself. He changed his appearance, dying his hair jet black, and adopted the stage name “Mick Mars.” In 1980, he placed an advertisement in the Los Angeles newspaper The Recycler. The ad was a bold declaration of his musical ambitions, describing him as a “loud, rude, and aggressive guitar player.” This advertisement proved to be the catalyst for his future success, as it caught the attention of Tommy Lee and Nikki Sixx, who were in the process of forming a new band. Upon hearing Mars play, they immediately recruited him. This marked the beginning of Mötley Crüe and Mars’s rise to stardom.

Mötley Crüe: The Rise to Fame

Mötley Crüe burst onto the music scene in 1981 with their debut album, “Too Fast for Love.” This album, though initially met with limited commercial success, set the stage for the band’s future. The band’s high-energy performances and rebellious image quickly gained a following, particularly among young fans. The band’s breakthrough came in 1983 with “Shout at the Devil.” This album solidified their status as a major force in the heavy metal genre, selling hundreds of thousands of copies. The band’s success continued to grow. They achieved mainstream success with albums like “Theatre of Pain,” which showcased a glam metal style, and “Girls, Girls, Girls,” which cemented their place in rock history. The band then reached its commercial peak with “Dr. Feelgood,” which is still the band’s best-selling album to date.

A Legacy of Hits and Global Success

Mick Mars and his bandmates, Tommy Lee, Nikki Sixx, and Vince Neil, collectively achieved remarkable success. The band has sold over 100 million albums worldwide, with numerous albums reaching the top 10 on the Billboard 200 chart. Mars’s songwriting contributions to the band’s most popular songs, including “Dr. Feelgood,” “Same Ol’ Situation,” and “Girls, Girls, Girls,” were instrumental in Mötley Crüe’s success. The band was known for their extravagant stage shows, which included roller coaster drum kits and pyrotechnics. They became a symbol of the excesses of the 1980s rock and roll scene.

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Beyond Mötley Crüe: Collaborations and Musical Ventures

While his primary focus remained with Mötley Crüe, Mick Mars also explored various collaborations with other artists throughout his career. These collaborations highlighted his versatility as a musician. He contributed his songwriting and guitar skills to artists from different genres.

• John LeCompt: Mars contributed songwriting to the former Evanescence band member.
• Crashdïet: He co-wrote two songs on the Swedish band’s second album, “The Unattractive Revolution.”
• Hinder: Mars played guitar on the title track of Hinder’s album “Take it to the Limit.”
• Papa Roach: He contributed guitar solos to the band’s album “Metamorphosis.”
• Dilana: Mars played on Dilana’s US debut album “Inside Out.”
• Escape the Fate: In 2010, Mars co-wrote a song for Escape the Fate’s eponymous album.
• Pop Evil: He co-wrote Pop Evil’s song “Boss’s Daughter” and appeared in its music video.
• Black Smoke Trigger & Cory Marks: Mars also contributed to Black Smoke Trigger’s song “The Way I’m Wired” and Cory Marks’ hit single “Outlaws & Outsiders.”

These collaborations demonstrate Mars’s willingness to experiment and his ability to work with a wide range of artists.

The Sound of a Legend: Mick Mars’ Musical Equipment

Mick Mars’s distinctive guitar sound was a crucial element of Mötley Crüe’s music. His choice of equipment played a significant role in shaping his iconic tone.

• Guitars: Early in his career, Mars primarily used Kramer and other Superstrat guitars, known for their high-performance features and versatility. He also occasionally used a black Gibson Les Paul and a B.C. Rich guitar.
• Other Equipment: He also incorporated Fender Stratocasters, J.M. Rolph pickups, and a licensed Floyd Rose bridge system into his setup.

This combination of instruments and equipment helped create the raw, powerful sound that defined Mötley Crüe’s music.

Personal Life and Health Challenges

Beyond his musical career, Mick Mars’s personal life and health have been marked by both joy and adversity. Mars married Sharon Deal in 1970. The marriage ended in divorce three years later. He then married Emi Canyn in 1990, with that marriage also ending in divorce in 1993. In 2013, he married Seraina Fai Schonenberger, a Swiss model 33 years his junior. They currently live in Nashville, Tennessee.

Throughout his career, Mars has faced significant health challenges. He was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis in his late teens. It is a chronic inflammatory form of arthritis that affects the spine and pelvis. The condition caused him pain and limited his mobility. He underwent hip-replacement surgery in 2004 to address some of the issues. These health challenges have made touring difficult, particularly in the later years of his career. Mars’s resilience in the face of these challenges is a testament to his strength and determination.

Mick Mars Quotes: A Glimpse into His Mindset

Mick Mars’s quotes offer insight into his personality and philosophy.

• “Get as rude as possible and don’t let anyone tell you how to live.” – This quote reflects his rebellious spirit and independent nature.
• “When I get mean, I get mean.” – It suggests a no-nonsense approach and a willingness to stand up for himself.
• “We spend a lot of extra money that we don’t have to, you know, for the fans, just so they can make it more of an experience than a concert.” – This quote highlights his dedication to his fans and his commitment to providing them with memorable experiences.

Conclusion: The Enduring Impact of Mick Mars

Mick Mars’s net worth of $50 million reflects the culmination of his successful career as a musician and songwriter. His contributions to Mötley Crüe have left an indelible mark on the music industry, influencing countless musicians and fans. Despite facing health challenges, Mars has remained a prominent figure in rock music. His story is an inspiring example of talent, resilience, and the enduring power of rock and roll. Mick Mars’s legacy continues to resonate with fans worldwide, solidifying his status as a true icon of rock.