Mick Mars, an emblematic figure in rock history, epitomizes the quintessential rockstar lifestyle and the financial success it can bring. As the lead guitarist and co-founder of the legendary band Mötley Crüe, Mars has not only etched his name into the annals of music history but has also amassed a substantial net worth.
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Mick Mars Net Worth
Mick Mars boasts a net worth of $50 million, reflecting his monumental impact on rock music. His contributions to the band, including writing hits like “Dr. Feelgood” and “Girls, Girls, Girls,” helped propel Mötley Crüe to global fame, with 75 million albums sold worldwide.
Who is Mick Mars?
Robert Alan Deal, better known by his stage name Mick Mars, was born on May 4, 1951, and carved his niche in the music world as the lead guitarist and co-founder of the iconic heavy metal band Mötley Crüe. Renowned for his aggressive yet melodic solos and distinctive bluesy riffs, Mars has left an indelible mark on the heavy metal genre, contributing significantly to the band’s global success and legacy in rock music.
Early Life
Mick Mars moved with his family first to Huntington, Indiana, and then to Garden Grove, California, before he turned nine. His aspiration to become a musician was ignited at the tender age of three after witnessing a performance by country singer Skeeter Bonn, adorned in a rhinestone-covered outfit and a white Stetson hat, at a local 4-H Fair in Indiana.
Career
Mick Mars’ journey into music began with his first guitar at age 12, setting the stage for his future as a musician. Starting as a bassist in a Beatles cover band at 14, he eventually found his calling as a lead guitarist, despite dropping out of high school and facing early career struggles in blues-based rock bands.
Working in an industrial laundromat by day and playing gigs by night, Mars’ resilience was tested following a severe hand injury, which ultimately reinforced his determination to pursue music full-time.
By joining the cover band White Horse in 1973, Mars began to hone his skills and gain recognition for his guitar prowess, rivaling contemporaries like Eddie Van Halen. Despite challenges, including legal issues that led him to adopt aliases, Mars’ talent was undeniable. Leaving White Horse to explore different musical genres, Mars made his recording debut with Video Nu-R, setting the foundation for his rise to fame as the lead guitarist of Mötley Crüe.
Personal life
Mick Mars, with his first significant partner, Sharon, welcomed two children, Les Paul and Stormy, in the 1970s, only to face abandonment due to a debilitating accident. A third child, Erik, was born from his relationship with Marcia Lea Martell during his time in White Horse, highlighting a period of deep personal and financial distress for Mars.
Mars found love again, marrying Emi Canyn and later, former model Seraina Schönenberger, with whom he resides in Nashville, Tennessee. His journey, from facing legal challenges with Martell over their son to losing everything in divorce settlements, contrasts sharply with his public persona as a rock icon. Mars’ legacy includes a vast family, with nine grandchildren and a great-grandchild, and a life story of resilience and eventual stability.
Mötley Crüe
Mötley Crüe, emerging in 1981 with “Too Fast for Love,” quickly moved from the fringes to the forefront of the heavy metal scene, despite an initial lukewarm chart performance. By 1983, their album “Shout at the Devil” catapulted them to stardom.
With “Theatre of Pain” and spawning hits like “Home Sweet Home.” Their journey continued with the chart-topping “Dr. Feelgood,” underpinning their status with a lucrative Elektra Records deal. The band’s legacy, marked by albums like “Girls, Girls, Girls,” elaborate performances, and a notorious off-stage lifestyle, has solidified their place in rock history, boasting over 75 million global album sales and a distinctive blend of music and theatrics that defines their enduring appeal.
What health issue does Mick Mars have?
Mick Mars has battled ankylosing spondylitis since his teens, a chronic arthritis that primarily affects the spine and pelvis, causing severe pain and mobility issues.
His struggle with the disease has led to significant health challenges, including a dependency on pain medication and a noticeable reduction in his height due to the fusion of his spine. Mars underwent hip replacement surgery in 2004 to address some of the damage caused by the disease. Throughout it all, his determination to perform without the aid of mobility aids underscores his dedication to his music and his fans.
What is the main cause of ankylosing spondylitis?
The exact cause of ankylosing spondylitis remains unknown, but it is strongly linked to genetic factors, particularly the presence of the HLA-B27 gene. Individuals carrying this gene have a significantly heightened risk of developing the condition, though not everyone with HLA-B27 will experience ankylosing spondylitis.
Conclusion
Mick Mars’ story is one of triumph over adversity, marked by significant contributions to rock music and the financial rewards that have come with it. His net worth is not just a measure of his financial success, but a testament to the lasting impact of his music on fans and the industry.
FAQs about Mick Mars
- What is Mick Mars’ role in Mötley Crüe?
- Mick Mars serves as the lead guitarist and co-founder of Mötley Crüe, contributing significantly to their sound and songwriting.
- How has Mick Mars’ health affected his career?
- Diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, Mars has faced health-related issues that have impacted his ability to tour, yet he continues to record and perform as his condition allows.
- What are some of Mick Mars’ most successful collaborations outside Mötley Crüe?
- Mars has collaborated with artists like John LeCompt, Crashdïet, and Hinder, showcasing his versatility as a musician.
- How did Mick Mars get his stage name?
- He was inspired by a bandmate from one of his early bands, adopting the name Mick Mars in his pursuit of a new identity in the music industry.
- What contributes to Mick Mars’ net worth?
- Mars’ net worth of $50 million comes from his success with Mötley Crüe, including album sales, touring revenue, merchandise, and songwriting royalties.
