Mick Mars

Mick Mars is a heavy metal guitarist and musician who rose to fame as the lead guitarist for the iconic band, Mötley Crüe. He has been a major force in the music industry for over four decades and has played a huge role in shaping the sound of heavy metal music.

Born Robert Alan Deal in Indiana in 1951, Mars showed a keen interest in music from a young age. He began playing the guitar at the age of nine and was heavily influenced by the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Jeff Beck. After moving to California in the 1970s, Mars joined the band, White Horse, which played a mix of rock and blues music.

In 1981, Mars joined forces with bassist Nikki Sixx, drummer Tommy Lee, and lead singer Vince Neil to form Mötley Crüe. The band’s debut album, “Too Fast for Love,” was released in 1981 and was a runaway success, launching them into the spotlight and making them one of the most popular heavy metal bands of the 1980s.

Mars’ guitar skills were one of the highlights of Mötley Crüe’s music. He was renowned for his use of both the guitar and the whammy bar, and his technical ability on the instrument was second to none. Throughout his career, Mars has constantly pushed the boundaries of what was possible with the guitar, developing innovative techniques and experimenting with new sounds.

Over the years, Mars has been involved in many of Mötley Crüe’s biggest hits. His guitar solos on songs such as “Kickstart my Heart,” “Smokin’ in the Boys Room,” and “Looks That Kill” have become iconic and his playing has influenced countless other heavy metal guitarists.

Aside from his work with Mötley Crüe, Mars has also collaborated with a number of other musicians over the years. He has played as a session musician on albums by artists like Ozzy Osbourne, Guns N’ Roses, and Alice Cooper. Additionally, he has released two solo albums, “Exposed” and “Bad Blood.”

Despite his success, Mars’ career has not been without its challenges. In particular, he has struggled with ankylosing spondylitis, a rare and painful condition that affects the spine and joints. Despite this, he has never let his health issues hold him back and has continued to perform with Mötley Crüe for over four decades.

In 2015, Mars announced that he had been diagnosed with a condition that would prevent him from touring with Mötley Crüe. The band subsequently announced that they would be retiring from touring, playing their final show on New Year’s Eve 2015.

Since then, Mars has continued to be active in the music industry, playing with a number of different bands and collaborating with other musicians. He has also continued to be recognized as one of the greatest guitarists in heavy metal history, with his influence still being felt by countless musicians today.

In conclusion, Mick Mars is one of the most legendary heavy metal guitarists of all time. His contribution to the music industry has been immense, and his technical ability and innovative playing have inspired countless other musicians. Despite facing numerous challenges over the years, he has continued to push the boundaries of what is possible with the guitar and has remained a major force in the heavy metal scene.