Mick Mars Releases His Debut Solo Album at 72
At the age of 72, former Mötley Crüe guitarist Mick Mars has unveiled his first solo album, a project he initially proposed a decade ago. The album, titled The Other Side of Mars, faced numerous delays, primarily due to Mars’s commitments to the glam-metal band he co-founded in 1981.
The Journey to Solo Music
Originally intended for release years ago, Mars’s solo endeavor was postponed when Mötley Crüe went on what was publicly announced as their final tour. However, the band broke their retirement agreement in 2018, reigniting their career to capitalize on the success of a biopic based on their scandalous autobiography, The Dirt. This decision further shelved Mars’s solo project.
Health Issues and Band Departure
Following his departure from Mötley Crüe for health reasons, Mars found himself embroiled in a public feud with his former bandmates. As the drama unfolded, he managed to finish his long-awaited solo album, collaborating with a new lineup that includes singer Jacob Bunton, Korn drummer Ray Luzier, and keyboardist Paul Taylor, known for his work with Alice Cooper and Winger.
The Sound of The Other Side of Mars
Mars aimed to showcase a different musical side with The Other Side of Mars, as suggested by the album title. Although the ten tracks predominantly reside within the same riff-heavy realm familiar to Mötley Crüe fans, the presence of a more polished vocalist like Bunton and a dynamic band arrangement lend a contemporary feel to the music.
Musical Highlights
While the album features a few standout guitar-centric tracks, such as “Loyal to the Lie,” “Right Side of Wrong,” and the closing instrumental “LA Noir,” it ultimately struggles to differentiate itself from the plethora of hard-rock records released in the last two decades. Furthermore, the inclusion of a different singer on two tracks, leftover from 2014 sessions, contributes to the overall unfocused nature of the project.
Looking Ahead
With more time available now, fans hope that Mars’s future projects will arrive with greater clarity and direction. The legacy of Mötley Crüe remains, but it’s clear that Mars is eager to explore new musical territories.
Conclusion
Mick Mars’s debut solo album is a testament to his enduring passion for music, even as he navigates the complexities of health issues and a tumultuous past with his former bandmates. While The Other Side of Mars may not entirely break new ground, it serves as a crucial step in Mars’s artistic journey, allowing him to express his creativity outside the confines of Mötley Crüe.
FAQs
What inspired Mick Mars to create a solo album?
Mick Mars wanted to explore a different side of his musical expression beyond his work with Mötley Crüe, which led him to pursue a solo project.
Why was the album delayed for so long?
The album faced multiple delays due to Mars’s commitments to Mötley Crüe, their retirement announcement, and subsequent tours, as well as his health issues.
Who collaborated with Mick Mars on this album?
The album features contributions from singer Jacob Bunton, Korn drummer Ray Luzier, and keyboardist Paul Taylor, among others.
How does The Other Side of Mars compare to Mötley Crüe’s music?
While the album shares similarities with Mötley Crüe’s riff-heavy style, it incorporates more contemporary influences and features a different vocal approach, showcasing a slightly different sound.
Will Mick Mars release more solo music in the future?
Given the completion of his debut album, there is hope that Mick Mars will continue to create music independently, potentially with more focused direction in future projects.
