Motley Crue: Sex, hugs and rock 'n' roll

Sex, hugs and rock 'n' roll: Older, more mellow Motley Crue is just happy to be here, man

By Brock Bradke

Hedonism and gratitude is a unique cocktail.

The members of notorious `80s hair metal band Motley Crue would probably be the last guys you'd expect to claim, "It's all about the music." Known more for hard partying, bootleg sex tapes and drug addiction, the Crue came up in the heyday of the Sunset Strip scene, and fell apart almost as quickly. Now that the band's four original members--singer Vince Neil, guitarist Mick Mars, drummer Tommy Lee and bassist Nikki Sixx--are back together and in the midst of a wildly successful tour, it seems it would be back to the business of partying. But the Crue is holding it together and playing their hits to thousands of appreciative fans, even extending the tour into fall.

Mars, at 48 the elder statesman of the band, seems to have a particularly refreshing take on the Crue's resurgence. Stunningly quiet and humble, he is grateful to have the opportunity to play again and hopes the band continues to record new music and tour for a few more years.

Mars suffers from ankylosing spondylitis, a chronic, incurable disease that is basically fusing his joints together. His condition can lead to some pretty intense pain, even on stage, but he refuses to stop rocking. He spoke to the Mercury on his way to a recent show in Chicago.

Mercury: Have you been surprised at the rabid response of your fans? When the band was apart, did you ever think you'd have a chance to play to crowds like this again?

Mars: I have been absolutely surprised. I'm still in a state of shock, actually. I can't really look up anymore because of (the disease), but sometimes I lean back against the drum riser so I can see up to the nosebleeds. I knew this band would eventually come back together for a last hurrah, not to sound like a prophet. Bands and music go in cycles. The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith...these guys did nothing for years and then came back around. The one thing I said all along was that we had to do it with the original members, or it wouldn't work.

Mercury: How difficult was it to get over all the baggage that caused the band's breakup?

Mars: Well, it took seven years. Everybody had their own problems. I don't really want to discuss it in detail, but it's all good now. Three or four years ago, I wouldn't have been able to do it because of the condition I was in.

Mercury: How hard is it to tour and play these two-hour long shows in your condition?

Mars: Sometimes it gets pretty rough. But you know, what I have is what it is. It gets to be painful sometimes but I have to tolerate it. I have had my own (problems with addiction) so I won't get addicted to pain medication. I'd rather be hurt and sane than not hurt and crazy. If I twist or move a certain way, it can feel pretty squirrelly, but you know, this is what I do. In my head, I'm 19. But my body's like, "Nope, sorry."

Mercury: The shows have been getting great reviews.

Mars: I think this is the best thing we've done so far. It makes the Feelgood (tour) look weak.

Mercury: What about offstage? I'm sure your fans still expect a certain amount of craziness.

Mars: Yeah, I don't know. I don't drink or smoke anymore, and Nikki doesn't. I think you kind of outgrow that part of it. I don't need that shit. I'd rather get up the next day and remember what happened.

Mercury: Do you ever get worried that all the hype of Motley Crue will forever overshadow the music you guys have made?

Mars: I am always concerned about that. I always make music the priority, and the show is second. The pyro and all that stuff just enhances the show, but this band can stand on its own.

Mercury: Does it bother you when Vince Neil or Tommy Lee get headlines for doing other things, reality shows and stuff that's not very rock `n' roll?

Mars: I get worried about people doing lame or stupid shit. It's sad when you know someone and think of them a certain way, and then you see them doing something a little corny or lame. I say skip the shit. I'm not going to belittle the music. The legacy you try to build means more than money. That's why I'm so glad we can go out like this and people still remember us.