The Life and Career of Mick Mars: Facts You Need to Know
Music lovers around the world are familiar with the iconic rock band Mötley Crüe, which rose to fame in the 1980s with their hard-hitting and rebellious music. The guitarist behind the unique sound of the band – Mick Mars, was one of the pillars of their success. Despite his notorious persona as a bad boy rocker, Mars has an interesting background and an accomplished career that many people may not be aware of. Here, we’ll take a closer look at the life and career of Mick Mars.
Table of Contents
Mick Mars Bio
Mick Mars was born Robert Alan Deal on May 4, 1951, in Terre Haute, Indiana. He grew up in a poor family and had a difficult childhood due to his suffering from a skeletal disorder called ankylosing spondylitis, which causes chronic inflammation and can fuse the spine. Despite going through surgeries and hospitalization throughout his life, Mars started playing guitar at an early age, driven by his love for music.
Age
As of 2021, Mick Mars is 70 years old.
Relationships and children
Mick Mars was married to Emi Canyn, who was a backing vocalist for Mötley Crüe, from 1990 to 1993. They reportedly split due to Mars’ substance abuse issues. The couple did not have any children together. Before that, Mars was married to Sharon Deal, with whom he had two children, both boys, named Les Paul Deal and Erik Deal.
Height
Mick Mars is known for being a tall guitar player. He is 6 feet tall (182 cm).
Career
Mick Mars’ career as a guitarist began in the late 1970s when he joined a band called “White Horse,” which was based in his hometown. However, it was with the formation of Mötley Crüe that he achieved international fame. Mars was a founding member of the band, which was formed in 1980 in Los Angeles, California, with bassist Nikki Sixx and drummer Tommy Lee. The original lead singer was Vince Neil, who later departed from the band, and was replaced by John Corabi in the 1990s.
Mick Mars’ guitar playing style was unique and innovative, blending together elements of metal, rock, and blues. He primarily played a Gibson Les Paul guitar, which became his signature instrument. He was also known for using various effects pedals to create distinctive sounds.
Despite being in a band known for its hedonistic and wild lifestyle, Mick Mars was more introverted and reserved, preferring to focus on his craft. He continued to play with Mötley Crüe until their retirement in 2015, after which he started working on a solo project.
Top Songs
Being an integral part of Mötley Crüe, Mick Mars has contributed to countless hit songs that have become staples in rock music. Here are the top ten Mötley Crüe songs featuring Mick Mars:
1. “Kickstart My Heart”
2. “Girls, Girls, Girls”
3. “Dr. Feelgood”
4. “Shout at the Devil”
5. “Home Sweet Home”
6. “Same Ol’ Situation (S.O.S.)”
7. “Wild Side”
8. “Looks That Kill”
9. “Too Young to Fall in Love”
10. “Smokin’ in the Boys Room”
Net Worth
As of 2021, Mick Mars’ net worth is estimated to be around $70 million. Much of his wealth comes from his successful career with Mötley Crüe, which was one of the highest-grossing bands of all-time.
Other Facts
Apart from his music career, Mick Mars has worked on various other projects throughout his life. Here are some other interesting facts about him:
– He has appeared in several movies, including “The Dirt,” a biopic about Mötley Crüe, and “Bubble Boy.”
– Mick Mars has been sober since 2019 after struggling with substance abuse for most of his life.
– Despite being known for his bad boy reputation, Mars is a devout Jehovah’s Witness and has been a member of the religion for most of his life.
– He is known for his signature monochromatic look, with a black top hat, black clothing, and his signature shoulder-length hair and beard.
In conclusion, Mick Mars is one of the most iconic and talented guitarists in rock music history. Despite his personal struggles and health issues, he has remained a stalwart in the music industry and left an indelible mark on the world of rock music. His contribution to the success of Mötley Crüe will always be remembered, and his solo career will undoubtedly be watched with interest by his fans.