# Mötley Crüe guitarist departure dispute > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mtley-cre-guitarist-departure-dispute > Updated: 2026-08-03T16:30:00.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2. In late July 2026, drummer Tommy Lee appeared on Billy Corgan’s podcast "The Magnificent Others" and described guitarist Mick Mars’s exit from Mötley Crüe as a painful split. Lee explained that Mars left after being diagnosed with a progressive spinal condition that prevented him from touring, and noted that a lawsuit Mars filed after his 2022 departure had been settled. A few days later, Lee reiterated his empathy for Mars in a follow‑up interview, emphasizing the guitarist’s long‑standing battle with ankylosing spondylitis and describing the legal conflict as “very painful.” The comments highlighted ongoing tension over Mars’s role and compensation, underscoring the emotional and contractual fallout from his health‑related departure. Both snapshots portray the same developing situation: the band’s struggle to adjust to Mars’s health‑driven exit, the replacement of his parts by guitarist John 5, and the lingering legal and personal ramifications for the members. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-03: Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee calls Mick Mars' departure painful Tommy Lee says Mick Mars' exit from Mötley Crüe is very painful, expressing empathy for the guitarist’s health issues amid a legal dispute. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mtley-cre-drummer-tommy-lee-calls-mick-mars-departure-painful ### 2026-07-30: Motley Crue Drummer Tommy Lee Discusses Mick Mars' Departure and Health Issues Tommy Lee told Billy Corgan that Mick Mars left Motley Crue due to a spinal disease, the lawsuit is settled, and John 5 now fills his role as the band heads to a July 31 show. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/motley-crue-drummer-tommy-lee-discusses-mick-mars-departure-and-health-issues --- Cite as: Mötley Crüe guitarist departure dispute. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mtley-cre-guitarist-departure-dispute