Def Leppard and Mötley Crüe are touring together across the world for already two years but the members of the group know each other for decades already. Rick Allen, the drummer of the British group talked in an interview with Appetite For Distortion (Transcribed by Blabbermouth) about the decision of Crüe’s guitarist Mick Mars (71) to retire from touring. The musician took that decision due to health issues.
Advertisement
For decades he struggles with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) – a form of arthritis of the spine that causes inflammation between the vertebrae and in the joints between the spine and pelvis.
He was replaced by the guitarist John 5, who already is known for his work with David Lee Roth, Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie.
Def Leppard’s Rick Allen talks about Mick Mars’ touring retirement
“It was Mick’s decision to really move on and just get to the next part of his life. And we all know that Mick has suffered terribly, terribly with pain; you see it on his face all the time. And I think the only time I ever saw him truly in his element [was] when he was up on stage playing with the band.”
“It was more his decision. That must have been a super hard decision. I mean, it would have been different if the guy was being thrown out of the band, but it wasn’t like that at all. It was a personal choice that he made. And you can’t say that that’s wrong. It was right for him at the time.”
“Over the months — well, actually years — that I’ve known him, I really started to talk to him,” Rick continued. “So unassuming. Such a soft, gentle soul. And when I first met him years ago, I was actually quite afraid, you know. [Laughs] But he’s the exact opposite of that — just a really sweet, generous person. So it must have been a very difficult decision for everybody to have to go through that,” Rick Allen said.
Def Leppard and Mötley Crüe continue to tour in 2023, this time around the world. They have scheduled dates not only for North America, but also for South America and Europe.
I'm a Brazilian journalist who always loved Classic Rock and Heavy Metal music. That passion inspired me to create Rock and Roll Garage over 6 years ago.
Music has always been a part of my life, helping me through tough times and being a support to celebrate the good ones. When I became a journalist, I knew I wanted to write about my passions.
After graduating in journalism from the Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais, I pursued a postgraduate degree in digital communication at the same institution. The studies and experience in the field helped me improve the website and always bring the best of classic rock to the world!
MTB: 0021377/MG
