Mötley Crüe, the name itself conjures images of excess, rebellion, and a raw, unapologetic brand of rock and roll that defined a generation. But behind the makeup, the pyrotechnics, and the legendary antics, there were individuals, each with their own history and journey that led them to that fateful moment in 1981 when the band was officially formed. One of the core components of Mötley Crüe’s sound and image was, and continues to be, the enigmatic and intensely talented guitarist, Mick Mars. So, the question persists for fans new and old: just how old was Mick Mars when Mötley Crüe started their world domination?
Mick Mars: A Long Road to the Sunset Strip
Before the bright lights and screaming crowds, before the platinum albums and the infamous “The Dirt,” Mick Mars was just Robert Alan Deal, a young man with a burning passion for music and an unwavering determination to make his mark. Understanding his age when Mötley Crüe began requires delving into his early life and the experiences that shaped him into the guitar icon he would become.
From Indiana to Los Angeles: The Early Years
Born on May 4, 1951, in Terre Haute, Indiana, Robert Alan Deal’s early life was far removed from the glitz and glamour he would later embrace. He grew up in Huntington, Indiana, and later moved to Illinois. Music was a constant presence in his life, and he began playing guitar at a young age.
His dedication to his craft was evident even then. He spent countless hours honing his skills, absorbing influences from blues, rock, and country music. He played in various local bands throughout the 1970s, each experience adding another layer to his musical identity. Bands with names like Whitehorse and Spiders were stepping stones on his path.
The Struggle for Recognition
The music scene in the Midwest proved limiting, and Mars, driven by an insatiable ambition, knew he needed a bigger stage. In the late 1970s, he made the crucial decision to relocate to Los Angeles, the epicenter of rock and roll dreams.
Life in Los Angeles was not easy. Mars faced the harsh realities of a competitive music scene, struggling to find the right band and the right opportunity. He endured setbacks and disappointments, but his resolve remained unbroken. He knew he had something unique to offer, a distinctive guitar style that blended technical proficiency with raw emotion.
He even went so far as to change his name to Mick Mars, a moniker that reflected his darker, more mysterious persona. This new identity signaled a rebirth, a shedding of the past and an embrace of the rock and roll future he envisioned. He even placed an ad in a music paper in Los Angeles. “Loud, rude and aggressive guitar player available”. It was this ad that would ultimately set the stage for his entry into Mötley Crüe.
The Birth of a Legend: Mötley Crüe Forms
The year was 1981. The Sunset Strip was buzzing with a burgeoning rock scene, a mix of glam, punk, and metal that was about to explode onto the world stage. It was within this chaotic and exciting environment that Mötley Crüe came into existence.
The Meeting of the Minds
The initial spark for Mötley Crüe came from Nikki Sixx, a bassist with a vision for a band that would be unlike anything else on the scene. Sixx had already been playing with drummer Tommy Lee, and they were searching for a guitarist who could match their ambition and intensity.
Mick Mars, with his years of experience and distinctive playing style, answered that call. His audition was legendary. As Nikki Sixx described it, as soon as Mars started playing, they knew he was the one. The final piece of the puzzle was vocalist Vince Neil, who brought his charismatic stage presence and powerful vocals to the mix.
The Age Calculation: Mick Mars at the Dawn of Crüe
To answer the original question directly, Mick Mars was born on May 4, 1951. Mötley Crüe officially formed in early 1981. This means that Mick Mars was 29 years old when he became a founding member of Mötley Crüe.
This is a crucial point because it highlights the fact that Mars was not a fresh-faced teenager when the band started. He had already spent years honing his craft, paying his dues, and developing the unique guitar style that would become a defining characteristic of Mötley Crüe’s sound.
Why Mick Mars’s Age Mattered
The age and experience that Mick Mars brought to Mötley Crüe cannot be overstated. He wasn’t just a technically proficient guitarist; he was a seasoned musician who had weathered the storms of the music industry and emerged with a clear vision of what he wanted to achieve.
Experience and Musical Maturity
His years of playing in various bands had given him a deep understanding of song structure, arrangement, and dynamics. He knew how to craft a guitar riff that would grab the listener’s attention and how to build a solo that would soar. He had paid his dues in the trenches, playing countless gigs in dive bars and clubs, learning what worked and what didn’t.
This experience gave Mötley Crüe an edge. While the other members brought youthful energy and raw talent, Mars provided a grounding force, a musical maturity that helped to shape the band’s sound and direction.
A Counterbalance to Youthful Excess
Mötley Crüe was known for its wild and often reckless behavior, both on and off stage. The band members were young, ambitious, and eager to embrace the excesses of rock and roll lifestyle. In this environment, Mars’s relative maturity provided a counterbalance.
While he certainly wasn’t immune to the temptations of the rock and roll lifestyle, he also possessed a certain level of discipline and focus that helped to keep the band on track. He understood the importance of hard work and dedication, and he brought that work ethic to every aspect of Mötley Crüe’s career.
Shaping the Sound: The Mars Guitar Style
Mick Mars’s guitar playing was integral to the band’s sound. It was dark, aggressive, and instantly recognizable. He was never known for shredding alone but instead relied on a darker blues inspired riff style of playing.
His distinctive tone, characterized by heavy distortion and a slightly detuned sound, became a signature element of Mötley Crüe’s music. He wasn’t afraid to experiment with different tunings and effects, creating a sound that was both innovative and timeless.
Beyond the Age: Mick Mars’s Enduring Legacy
While his age when Mötley Crüe started is a fascinating detail, it’s important to remember that Mick Mars’s contribution to music extends far beyond that single fact. He is a true guitar icon, a musician who has inspired countless others with his talent, his dedication, and his unwavering commitment to his craft.
Overcoming Adversity
Mars has battled Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine, for much of his adult life. The condition has caused him immense pain and physical limitations, but he has never allowed it to define him.
Despite the challenges he has faced, he has continued to perform and record with Mötley Crüe, pushing himself to the limit and inspiring fans with his resilience. His story is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the ability to overcome adversity.
A Lasting Influence
Mick Mars’s influence on rock and roll guitar playing is undeniable. His distinctive style has been emulated by countless musicians, and his contributions to Mötley Crüe’s iconic songs have cemented his place in music history.
He is a true original, a guitarist who has carved his own path and left an indelible mark on the world of music. Even with his departure from touring with Mötley Crüe, his legacy continues to inspire and influence generations of musicians. His impact is a testament to the power of talent, dedication, and unwavering commitment to one’s craft.
Mick Mars Today
Despite his health struggles, Mick Mars remains active in the music world. While he may no longer be touring with Mötley Crüe, his passion for music remains as strong as ever. He continues to work on new projects, exploring his musical boundaries and pushing himself creatively.
He has released solo material, demonstrating his unique and diverse musical talents. He is a true artist, constantly seeking new ways to express himself through music. He has always had a unique approach to music, and fans are excited to hear what he has in store. He’s released singles “Loyal to the Lie”, “Right Side of Wrong” and “Killing Breed” from his upcoming solo album.
In conclusion, Mick Mars was 29 years old when Mötley Crüe officially began their journey to rock and roll immortality. However, his age is just a small part of his incredible story. His experience, musical maturity, and unwavering dedication were crucial to the band’s success, and his influence on rock and roll guitar playing continues to be felt today. He is a true icon, a legend who has earned his place in music history.
How old was Mick Mars when Mötley Crüe formed and started playing on the Sunset Strip?
Mick Mars was approximately 28 years old when Mötley Crüe officially formed in 1981 and began their ascent on the Sunset Strip. While the band’s initial gigs might have been less glamorous, their presence quickly grew, and they became a staple of the burgeoning rock scene in Los Angeles. This was a pivotal moment for Mars, who had been trying to break into the music industry for years, and the formation of Mötley Crüe marked a turning point in his career.
His relatively older age compared to his bandmates likely brought a different perspective and maturity to the group, though this wasn’t always evident in their wild antics. Mars’s experience playing in various bands previously also equipped him with a level of professionalism and guitar skills that contributed significantly to Mötley Crüe’s unique sound.
What role did Mick Mars’s age play in Mötley Crüe’s success on the Sunset Strip?
While his age might not have been a direct factor in their initial success on the Sunset Strip, it arguably contributed to the band’s overall dynamic. Mars’s past musical endeavors, although not achieving mainstream success, provided him with valuable experience and a more seasoned approach to songwriting and performance than his younger bandmates. This could have helped solidify their musical identity and stage presence.
Furthermore, his dedication to the band and his unique guitar style, which blended blues-rock influences with a hard-rock edge, were crucial elements that defined Mötley Crüe’s sound. His experience likely aided in shaping the band’s musical direction and contributed to their distinctive style that resonated with the Sunset Strip crowd.
Did Mick Mars’s age affect his health during Mötley Crüe’s early days on the Sunset Strip?
Yes, Mick Mars suffered from Ankylosing Spondylitis, a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine, even during Mötley Crüe’s early years. This condition caused him significant pain and mobility issues, which only worsened over time. While it didn’t necessarily prevent him from performing, it certainly added a layer of complexity to his already demanding life on the Sunset Strip.
The physical demands of playing heavy metal music, combined with the lifestyle associated with the era, likely exacerbated his condition. Despite the discomfort and challenges, Mars persevered and continued to perform, becoming known for his unwavering dedication to the band and his ability to overcome his health struggles on stage.
How did Mick Mars’s pre-Mötley Crüe musical experience influence the band’s sound on the Sunset Strip?
Before joining Mötley Crüe, Mick Mars had spent years honing his skills playing in various bands, none of which achieved widespread recognition. This experience, however, was crucial in shaping his guitar style and musical sensibilities. He brought a blues-infused, hard-rock edge to the band’s sound, which contrasted with the more straightforward glam-rock approach of some of their contemporaries.
His background allowed him to contribute complex riffs and solos that added depth and grit to Mötley Crüe’s music. His ability to blend different styles contributed to the band’s signature sound which helped differentiate them in the competitive Sunset Strip music scene. This established Mötley Crüe as a unique and potent force.
Was Mick Mars the oldest member of Mötley Crüe when they started on the Sunset Strip?
Yes, Mick Mars was the oldest member of Mötley Crüe when they first started playing on the Sunset Strip. He was approximately eight years older than Tommy Lee, the youngest member of the band. This age difference likely contributed to the dynamics within the group, especially given their differing levels of experience and perspectives at the time.
While their shared passion for rock and roll and their ambition to succeed on the Sunset Strip united them, the age gap likely created a unique interplay between the band members. Mars’s experience, combined with the youthful energy of his bandmates, formed a potent mix that helped propel Mötley Crüe to success.
How did Mick Mars’s age compare to other prominent musicians on the Sunset Strip at the time?
In 1981, when Mötley Crüe began their rise on the Sunset Strip, many established musicians were also in their late 20s or early 30s, a similar age range to Mick Mars. While some younger bands were emerging, the scene was populated by artists with varying levels of experience. Mars wasn’t necessarily an outlier in terms of age, as many musicians striving for success were around the same age.
What set him apart was his commitment to his craft and his distinctive guitar style. While the Sunset Strip was filled with talent, Mars’s unique blend of blues, hard rock, and metal, combined with his stage presence, contributed to Mötley Crüe’s distinct identity and helped them stand out from the crowd.
How did Mick Mars’s perspective on the Sunset Strip differ from his younger bandmates due to his age?
Given his age and previous experiences in the music industry, Mick Mars likely approached the Sunset Strip scene with a different perspective compared to his younger bandmates. While they might have been driven primarily by youthful exuberance and a desire for fame, Mars probably possessed a more grounded understanding of the industry’s challenges and the hard work required to succeed.
His experiences prior to Mötley Crüe likely made him more aware of the fleeting nature of success and the importance of honing one’s craft. While he undoubtedly embraced the hedonistic lifestyle associated with the era, his maturity and experience likely influenced his decisions and contributed to his dedication to the band’s musical output, even amidst the chaos of the Sunset Strip scene.