Mick Mars, born Robert Alan Deal, is an American musician best known as the lead guitarist for the heavy metal band Mötley Crüe. Mars’ career spans over four decades, during which he has contributed to the band’s success with his innovative guitar playing and unique style. In this article, we will explore Mick Mars’ net worth, his early life and career, his time with Mötley Crüe, his life outside of music, his impact and legacy, and more.
Mick Mars’ Net Worth
Mick Mars has an estimated net worth of around $70 million as of 2023. His net worth comes from various sources, including his earnings from Mötley Crüe, solo projects, endorsements and sponsorships, and other income sources.
Mötley Crüe was one of the most successful rock bands ever, and their album sales and tour revenues contributed significantly to Mick Mars’ net worth. According to Celebrity Net Worth, the band sold over 100 million albums worldwide, making them one of the highest-selling bands of all time.
In addition to his work with Mötley Crüe, Mick Mars has also released solo material and collaborated with other musicians. His solo album, “And the Crue don’t care,” was released in 1995 and received critical acclaim. He has also contributed to albums by other artists, including the soundtrack for the movie “Hairspray.”
Mick Mars has also been involved in several endorsements and sponsorships. He has endorsed various guitar brands, including Dean Guitars and Gibson, and has worked with Budweiser, Tama Drums, and Schecter Guitars.
In addition to his music career, Mick Mars has made several investments over the years. He has owned several properties, including a 4,500-square-foot home in Malibu, California, which he sold for $6.8 million in 2013. He has also invested in stocks and other business ventures, which have helped to increase his net worth.
Mick Mars’ net worth puts him among the wealthiest rock musicians in the world. However, he has also faced several challenges throughout his life, including health issues affecting his ability to perform.
Early Life and Career
Mick Mars was born in Terre Haute, Indiana, on May 4, 1951. He was the youngest of five children and grew up in a musical family. His father played guitar, and his mother was a singer, and both encouraged Mick to pursue music from an early age.
Mick Mars’ early musical influences included blues and rock and roll artists such as Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, and Elvis Presley. He started playing guitar at nine and soon began performing in local bands. In the early 1970s, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a music career.
Mars played in several bands in Los Angeles, including White Horse and Vendetta, before joining Mötley Crüe in 1981. He also worked as a session musician and guitar teacher during this time.
Mötley Crüe Success
Mötley Crüe was formed in Los Angeles in 1981 by bassist Nikki Sixx and drummer Tommy Lee, with vocalist Vince Neil and guitarist Mick Mars joining soon after. The band’s debut album, “Too Fast for Love,” was released in 1981 and established Mötley Crüe as a force to be reckoned with in the heavy metal genre.
Mick Mars’ role in the band was essential to its success. His innovative guitar playing and different effects helped create Mötley Crüe’s signature sound. Mars’ playing was influenced by various styles, including blues, rock, and heavy metal, which he blended to develop his unique sound.
Mötley Crüe released several successful albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including “Shout at the Devil,” “Girls, Girls, Girls,” and “Dr. Feelgood.” The band also toured extensively, performing at sold-out shows worldwide. In 2015, the band announced their farewell tour, which marked the end of their career as a group.
Life Outside of Music
Mick Mars has had a colorful personal life outside of his music career. He has been married twice and has four children. He is famous for his love of cars and has owned several custom-built vehicles and motorcycles.
One of the biggest challenges that Mick Mars has faced in his life is his health. He was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, a type of arthritis affecting the spine, when he was 19. The condition has caused him chronic pain and limited his mobility. Despite this, he has continued to perform and tour with Mötley Crüe, inspiring many with his perseverance.
Mick Mars is also passionate about other interests and hobbies outside of music. He avidly collects horror memorabilia, including movie posters, figurines, and other items. He has had various philanthropic efforts, including supporting charities that focus on animal welfare.
Legacy and Impact
Mick Mars’ music and guitar-playing contributions have significantly impacted the industry. He is famous for his unique playing style, incorporating various techniques, including fingerpicking, tapping, and bending strings. His use of different effects pedals has also been influential, with many guitar players citing him as an inspiration.
Mick Mars has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including being inducted into the Hollywood RockWalk in 1996. Also, he made his name as one of the 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists of All Time by Guitar World in 2004.
Mick Mars’ legacy will continue to live on in the music industry. His influence on heavy metal guitar playing and his contributions to Mötley Crüe’s success has cemented his place in music history.
Mick Mars’ Solo Projects
While Mick Mars is famous for his work with Mötley Crüe, he has also released several solo projects. In 1995, he formed a side project called the Moonshine Boys, which released a self-titled album. He also collaborated with former Guns N’ Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke on Kill for Thrills in the 1990s.
In 2019, Mick Mars released his first solo single, “Tired,” which features country singer John Rich. The song received positive reviews and marked a new direction for Mars’ music.
Mick Mars’ Gear
Mick Mars is a guitar player famous for his unique sound and style. He has used several guitars, including a custom-made Gibson Les Paul with a built-in preamp. He has also used various effects pedals, including a wah-wah pedal and a Boss DS-1 distortion pedal.
Mick Mars’ gear inspired many other guitar players and appeared in several magazines. In addition to his guitars and pedals, he is also famous for his custom-built speaker cabinets, designed to handle the low frequencies of heavy metal music.
Influence on Heavy Metal Music
Mick Mars’ contributions to heavy metal music go beyond his work with Mötley Crüe. His playing style, tone, and technique have influenced many other guitar players.
In particular, Mars’ use of effects pedals has been widely emulated. His approach to using distortion and other products to create a unique sound has inspired countless guitar players in the heavy metal genre.
FAQs on Mick Mars’s Net Worth
What is Mick Mars’ real name?
Mick Mars’ real name is Robert Alan Deal. He changed his name to Mick Mars when he joined Mötley Crüe in the early 1980s.
How did Mick Mars meet the other members of Mötley Crüe?
Mick Mars met the other members of Mötley Crüe through a classified ad in a local newspaper. The band sought a guitar player, and Mars responded to the ad. He auditioned for the band, and they hired him shortly after that.
What health issues have Mick Mars struggled with?
Mick Mars has struggled with several health issues over the years, including ankylosing spondylitis, a type of arthritis that affects the spine. He has also had several hip replacement surgeries and has experienced chronic pain due to his condition.
How has Mick Mars’ health affected his career?
Mick Mars’ health has had a significant impact on his career. He has had to limit his touring schedule and take breaks from performing to focus on his health. However, he has continued to make music and function, and his fans continue to support him and his music.
Conclusion
Mick Mars’ net worth is a testament to his success in the music industry. From his early beginnings as a local musician to his time with Mötley Crüe and his solo projects, he has left an indelible mark on rock music.
Despite significant health challenges, Mick Mars has continued inspiring and entertaining fans worldwide. His unique playing style, dedication to his craft, and perseverance have made him one of the most respected guitar players ever.