MÖTLEY CRÜE guitarist Mick Mars has spoken out for the first time about his decision to file a lawsuit against the band he was a part of for over four decades. Mars claims he “carried these bastards for years” and insists he will not let anyone take away his share of the company that made MÖTLEY CRÜE what it is.

Mars’s attorney, Edwin McPherson, filed the lawsuit on behalf of the guitarist in Los Angeles County’s Superior Court on April 6. The lawsuit requests that seven corporate entities associated with MÖTLEY CRÜE hand over records related to their business dealings after Mars notified the band that he would be retiring from touring due to a medical condition. Mars alleges that the other members of the band launched a campaign to oust him and strip him of his ownership in the band’s company.

In the lawsuit, Mars claims that MÖTLEY CRÜE cut his percentage of profits after he announced he was stepping back from touring. He also asserts that the band’s lawyers made him feel he should be grateful for even a small cut, as they did not believe they owed him anything at all. Mars further claims that the band held a full meeting and decided to “unilaterally” remove him from MÖTLEY CRÜE.

Mars is determined to protect his stake in the band and ensure he receives what he believes is rightfully his.

In a recent interview with Alternative Nation, Michael Barbee, the former manager of Greta Van Fleet, discussed a hypothetical scenario involving Led Zeppelin. He speculated that Josh Kiszka, the lead vocalist of Greta Van Fleet, although likely interested in joining Led Zeppelin, might not find it an appropriate move at this time.

Barbee expressed his belief that while the members of Greta Van Fleet hold Led Zeppelin in high regard, Kiszka joining Zeppelin might not be beneficial. Although he thinks Kiszka would excel in the role, it could overshadow his current success. Instead, Barbee proposed an intriguing idea: inviting Jimmy Page to perform with Greta Van Fleet.

This collaboration, according to Barbee, would be more meaningful than having Kiszka guest perform with Zeppelin, as it would avoid merely catering to the hype surrounding the bands’ similarities.

Death Angel’s frontman Mark Osegueda recently shared the challenges he faced when informing his bandmates about joining Slayer guitarist Kerry King’s solo project. During an appearance on the Let There Be Talk podcast with comedian Dean Delray, Osegueda detailed the complications due to a strict non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with King’s team.

Osegueda admitted, “This was tough. I had to respect the NDA, and it was eating at me. Death Angel was touring constantly, even when the world shut down due to the pandemic. As soon as things reopened, we hit the road again, and this was all happening in the background.”

He described the difficulty of keeping the secret from his bandmates, especially during moments of camaraderie on tour when he wanted to share the exciting news: “I started doing demos during the pandemic and continued meeting with Kerry for more demos once the world reopened. Kerry’s album was finished a year before its release. Being on tour with Death Angel, there were nights when Rob and I would be drinking, listening to music, and just laughing together. It took everything in me not to tell him what was going on. It was so hard not to say, ‘Look, bro. Look, bro.'”

Osegueda noted that aside from those bound by NDAs at the studio, only his girlfriend, mother, and sister knew about his involvement: “I promised Kerry and signed the NDA, so I couldn’t let anyone know. My girlfriend, mom, and sister were the only ones who knew. We didn’t even tell my dad because he has loose lips. So, those were the only three who knew, plus the people at the studio who were all bound by NDAs.”

Osegueda ultimately chose to inform his dad and bandmates via email on the day of the official announcement. He recalled, “I waited and let my dad know through email the same day the official announcement of Kerry’s new band happened in early February. Shortly after, I talked to Rob and Ted.”

Ted Nugent believes his comments about Joan Jett were misunderstood, asserting that he never intended to attack her.

In a recent interview with Dr. Music, Nugent was asked about his absence from “best guitarists ever” lists. He reiterated his previous statements, expressing admiration for Jett while referencing her sexuality. Nugent explained:

“An interviewer asked me about the Rolling Stone guitar player list. I hadn’t seen it, but they mentioned Joan Jett was on there, and I wasn’t. My response was, ‘I love Joan. She’s the real deal. If you want a kick-ass garage band, especially led by a lesbian, she’s the ultimate.’ I genuinely appreciate Joan Jett.”

Despite his professed respect for Jett, Nugent faced backlash, with many interpreting his comments as disparaging:

“And then everyone said, ‘Nugent spews hate for Joan Jett.’ That’s not true. When I was asked who should be on the list, I didn’t mention myself. I suggested Derek St. Holmes, Jim McCarty, Dave Amato, Rickey Medlocke, Mark Farner, Dick Wagner, and Rik Emmett. I never even mentioned me, yet people claimed it was all about my ego.”

Nugent’s Criticism of Jett

Historically, Nugent has criticized Jett multiple times, questioning her place in the music industry as a representative of strong women. While he acknowledged her sexual orientation in interviews, he consistently argued she didn’t deserve a spot among the top 100 guitarists. At one point, he controversially remarked he would “be Caitlyn Jenner’s boy toy” if Jett merited inclusion on the list.

Despite attempting to clarify his stance by expressing fondness for Jett and her music, Nugent maintained she wasn’t a top-tier guitarist. He praised other musicians like Mark Farner, John Sykes, and Chris Duarte, asserting they were more deserving of recognition.

Nugent emphasized his acceptance of lesbians, taking another dig at Joni Mitchell’s inclusion on the list, and reiterated he never claimed he should be included.

Jett’s Response

Joan Jett has endured Nugent’s remarks for years. Addressing his criticism, she noted the persistent underestimation she’s faced throughout her career. Responding to Nugent, she remarked:

“Is his implication that he should be on the list instead of me? That’s typical – it’s what I’ve dealt with my whole life, being written off. Ted Nugent has to live with being Ted Nugent. He has to be in that body, so that’s punishment enough.”

Jett’s resilience underscores her enduring presence in the music industry, despite ongoing challenges and criticisms from peers like Nugent.

Breaking news: Tom DeLonge, the frontman of Blink-182,

found himself at the center of a quirky rumor claiming he prefers cereal with water instead of milk. However, DeLonge swiftly debunked this misconception on Instagram by sharing a screenshot of the rumor’s origin and addressing it directly.

In his Instagram post, DeLonge expressed disbelief over the rumor, emphasizing his adherence to traditional cereal preparation methods akin to those used by everyone’s mom. He demanded a retraction of the false information, playfully asserting that the rumor suggested he lacked basic cereal-making skills.

The response from fans was mixed, with over 350 comments flooding the post. Many fans humorously admitted they almost fell for the absurd cereal anecdote. One fan jokingly remarked, “When you think you know someone,” while another playfully referenced Mark Hoppus, suggesting the unusual cereal choice might be more fitting for his bandmate.

Interestingly, a fan pointed out that the rumor originated from an MTV show where Mark Hoppus mentioned using water instead of milk for cereal, prompting skepticism about DeLonge’s denial. Some fans even requested DeLonge to share his actual cereal recipe, adding a touch of lighthearted banter to the discussion.

In conclusion, Tom DeLonge’s response not only cleared up the cereal confusion but also sparked amusing interactions among fans, highlighting the humorous side of celebrity debunking on social media.

Roger Glover of Deep Purple recently opened up about his aversion to fame in a candid interview with Spain’s Made In Metal. The veteran bassist revealed that despite his role in a renowned band, he values his privacy immensely, particularly due to the strain touring places on his family life.

Glover expressed discomfort with the concept of fame, emphasizing that it disrupts personal life and imposes significant challenges on those closest to him. He shared his perspective on the misguided pursuit of fame among young musicians, asserting that happiness should be prioritized over fame-seeking ambitions.

Reflecting on Deep Purple’s enduring success, Glover credited their refusal to emulate others and their willingness to pioneer with originality and risk-taking. He recalled the band’s early days, highlighting the impressive musicianship of his colleagues like Ritchie Blackmore and Jon Lord, which initially intimidated him.

Looking ahead, Deep Purple is set to release their new album ‘=1’ in July, with tour dates lined up including a performance at Madrid’s ALMA Occident Festival. Glover’s insights underscore his dedication to maintaining a balanced life amidst the demands of a legendary music career.

For those interested, the full interview with Roger Glover can be viewed below.

Gene Simmons recently shared his views on today’s music landscape, highlighting Taylor Swift’s dominant presence. In a candid interview with Page Six, the KISS bassist reminisced about the vibrant music scene of the past, citing iconic names like Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, and Madonna. When asked about current rock artists that excite him, Simmons paused, asserting, “No. Can you think of anybody?”

Emphasizing Swift’s impact, Simmons acknowledged her as a standout figure who has effectively taken the reins in contemporary music. He expressed admiration for her talent and character, noting their acquaintance and praising her as a “solid person.”

Swift’s influence extends beyond Simmons, resonating with other rock legends like KISS frontman Paul Stanley, who attended her Eras Tour show in Los Angeles with his family and lauded the experience as phenomenal. Similarly, Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day and Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam have also expressed their appreciation for Swift’s music and live performances, underscoring her broad appeal across different musical genres.

Simmons’ insights reflect a broader sentiment among rock veterans who recognize Swift’s artistic prowess and cultural impact in today’s diverse music scene.

In a recent episode of Talking Shred, Phil X, the current guitarist for Bon Jovi, opened up about his feelings regarding replacing Richie Sambora. During a fan Q&A session, he expressed empathy for fans who had hoped to see Sambora perform instead of him. Reflecting on fans’ reactions after shows, Phil X admitted to feeling a sense of remorse, wishing those first-time attendees could have experienced the band with Sambora.

He recounted a poignant moment during a show at Milton Keynes Bowl where fans displayed overwhelming support with signs, prompting Jon Bon Jovi to halt the performance due to the emotional impact. Phil X was moved by the display but felt conflicted, believing it should have been Sambora receiving such adoration.

Since joining Bon Jovi in 2013 and officially replacing Sambora in 2016, Phil X acknowledged the challenge of stepping into his predecessor’s shoes. He recalled initially doubting his ability to fill the role, revealing the intense emotions he experienced while adapting to the band’s dynamic. Despite embracing his own style, Phil X recognized the unique essence Sambora brought to Bon Jovi, making it clear he could never replicate it.

Overall, Phil X’s journey with Bon Jovi has been marked by respect for Sambora’s legacy and a deep appreciation for the band’s passionate fan base.

Queen guitarist Brian May once owned a Les Paul Deluxe guitar that was gifted to him by a wealthy fan.

May is famously known for his iconic Red Special guitar, but during the 80s, he also used a Flying V and a Les Paul Deluxe as backup guitars.

In a recent interview with Guitar World, May shared the story behind the Les Paul Deluxe. He said:

“I had a Les Paul Deluxe for a long time; it’s a long story, but sort of a rich sugar daddy of a fan gave it to me. I used it for a while. It was a beautiful instrument, but it was never quite right for my gear.”

When asked what eventually happened to the guitar, he replied:

“So eventually, [since] I always felt I wasn’t deserving of having been the recipient of it for nothing, and having received it for nothing, I gave it away. It now has a nice home, a secret home with somebody else.”

A New Version of the Red Special in the Works

May’s Red Special, which he designed with his father, has been his signature instrument throughout his career. In the same interview, May hinted at exciting news for Red Special fans: he’s in talks with Gibson about creating a US version of the guitar.

May mentioned that the Red Special might soon be made in the USA, potentially as a detailed replica produced by Gibson Custom Shop’s Murphy Lab. He said:

“It’s not out of the question. We have spoken about such things, and it would be lovely to have an edition of the Brian May guitar based in the States. After all, that’s where I started with Guild.”

More details are expected to be revealed soon.

W.A.S.P. singer Blackie Lawless recently spoke with The Metal Voice to update fans on his health and address concerns from a recent performance.

Lawless took the stage for the band’s first concert in 13 months on June 6 at the Sweden Rock Festival in Sölvesborg, Sweden. During the entire show, he remained seated, prompting questions from fans. In the interview, he clarified the situation and discussed the band’s future:

“I’m up walking around. I’m exercising, doing all the physical therapy, and everything I’m supposed to do. Basically, what I told the people at Sweden Rock was I’m on probation and the doctors told me, ‘You can do the show, but we don’t want you running anywhere. We want to make sure that thing heals completely and totally and you don’t have any setbacks.’ So that was the compromise that we had to make to do it.”

Lawless is hopeful about returning to his usual stage presence soon:

“But I’m fully expecting that they’ll give me the green light anytime now. I see the doctors again this week and I’ll know more then.”

‘It’s Been a Long Road’

In August last year, Lawless underwent successful surgery to treat two herniated discs and a broken vertebra. Ten months later, he shared an update on his health during an episode of Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk. He emphasized the importance of patience during recovery:

“It’s been a long road. Anytime you go through rehab, and we’ve done it for 35, 40 years, every time you have an injury, you’ve gotta go through rehab. And any athlete will tell you that it’s a lonely walk. Nobody can help you when you do it. You’re with your trainers two hours a day. That leaves you 22 hours of every day to just sit and think in rehab.”

He continued:

“And a lot of funny things go through your head when you’re doing that. And, like I said, it’s a lonely walk. And it’s incremental, the healing process — you don’t see it all overnight. And when you start with the trainers, they tell you, ‘Just be patient, just be patient,’ because, as any warrior will tell you, your natural instinct is to run, and you just cannot do that when you’ve gone through something that’s pretty serious like that. But we’re getting there. And we’re pretty much up to speed now.”

You can watch the full interview below.