News Segment

MOTLEY CRUE GUITARIST MICK MARS RECOVERING:

October 7, 2004

LOS ANGELES – Motley Crue guitarist Mick Mars was recovering after undergoing hip replacement surgery at a Los Angeles hospital, his publicist said.

Mars, whose real name is Bob Allen Deal, has been suffering from a degenerative, rheumatic disease called ankylosing spondylitis for some time, publicist Katie McNeil said Wednesday.

“The doctor was pleased with the surgery,” McNeil said of the procedure that took place Tuesday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. She said doctors expect Mars to walk with the help of a physical therapist soon.

Doctors said the disease causes ligaments and tendons to attach to the bone. The affected area becomes inflamed and some of the bone may erode. There’s no cure, but the pain can be minimized with anti-inflammatory drugs, and some of those afflicted have to undergo surgery.

McNeil said Mars, an original member of Motley Crue, was looking forward to a full recovery so he could possibly join the group for a comeback tour. All original members of the band haven’t played together in six years, McNeil said.

“The band has been talking of possibly doing a reunion tour,” McNeil said. “He would do it if the tour happens.”

Courtesy of Associated Press