Before he joined Mötley Crüe last year, guitarist John 5 had to check with his former boss – Rob Zombie.
John 5 said he was called about the Crüe gig shortly after wrapping up Zombie’s ‘Freaks On Parade’ tour.
He claims there was no ‘bad blood’ with Zombie: “I talked to Rob, and he understood. Rob is a smart, rational person. I mean, he wasn’t psyched, but he understood.”
Meanwhile, John 5’s hiring has caused some inter-band drama with Mötley Crüe – former guitarist Mick Mars is suing his Crüe bandmates, claiming the band dropped Mars’ touring profits cut from 25% to just 5% after he stepped away from touring due to health issues. Mars also claims to have been booted from the band’s various corporate concerns.
Furthermore, Mars said that he was the only band member to play 100 percent live on their most recent tour, claiming Sixx “Did not play a single note on bass during the entire U.S. tour.”
Sixx responded on Twitter, writing, “Sad day for us and we don’t deserve this considering how many years we’ve been propping him up. We still wish him the best and hope he find’s [sic] lawyers and managers who aren’t damaging him. We love you Mick.”
Crüe lawyer Sasha Frid called the lawsuit “Unfortunate and completely off-base”, and says the band “Did not owe Mick anything” but still offered him a “Generous compensation package”.