Mick Mars, also known as Robert Alan Deal, is a renowned American musician famous for his role as the lead guitarist in the iconic band ‘Mötley Crüe.’ With a career spanning over four decades, Mars has established himself as a talented and influential figure in the music industry. Despite facing initial setbacks and working various menial jobs, he persevered and reinvented himself, adopting a new name and musical style. Mars’s dedication and determination have paid off, as he has consistently showcased his loud, rude, and aggressive guitar playing, living up to the promise he made in a classified ad in ‘The Recycler’ back in 1980.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Robert Alan Deal, Bob Alan Deal
- Age: 72 Years, 72 Year Old Males
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Emi Canyn (m. 1990–1994)
- Father: Frank Deal
- Mother: Tina Deal
- Siblings: Susie Deal
- Children: Erik Deal, Les Paul Deal, Stormy Deal
- Partner: Seraina Schönenberger (2007–)
- Born Country: United States
- Guitarists
- American Men
- Height: 5’9″ (175 cm), 5’9″ Males
- U.S. State: Indiana
- City: Terre Haute, Indiana
Childhood & Early Life
Robert Alan Deal, known as Mick Mars, was born in Terre Haute, Indiana. During his early childhood, his family moved around the state in search of better opportunities. When Mick was nine years old, his family settled in Garden Grove, Orange County, California. This move had a profound impact on Mick’s life as Orange County had a vibrant music scene. Mick dropped out of school at a young age to pursue his passion for playing the guitar. He joined various blues-based rock bands, although most of them were not successful. Despite this, Mick’s talent and hard work as a guitarist started gaining recognition.
Joining Mötley Crüe
Mick’s advertisement in ‘The Recycler’ caught the attention of Nikki Sixx and Tommy Lee, who were looking to form a band. Intrigued by Mick’s description as a “loud, rude, and aggressive guitar player,” they invited him for an audition. Impressed by Mick’s story, voice, ideas, and guitar skills, Nikki and Tommy offered him a place in their band. Mick accepted the offer, and thus, the band ‘Mötley Crüe’ was formed.
Career
Mick Mars has been the lead guitarist of ‘Mötley Crüe’ since the early 1980s. The band achieved immense success during its early days, releasing several hit albums and becoming one of the biggest rock bands in the world. Mick’s guitar sound, which was both unique and compelling, contributed to the band’s popularity. ‘Mötley Crüe’ released successful albums such as ‘Too Fast for Love’ (1981), ‘Shout at the Devil’ (1983), ‘Theatre of Pain’ (1985), ‘Girls, Girls, Girls’ (1987), and ‘Dr. Feelgood’ (1989). Mick’s talent as a lead guitarist established him as a prominent figure in the rock music scene throughout the 1980s and 1990s. The band’s success continued with the release of their compilation album ‘Decade of Decadence.’ Mick has remained a constant member of the band, fronting their later albums as well.
Family & Personal Life
Mick Mars, born as Robert Alan Deal on May 4, 1951, in Terre Haute, Indiana, has been married twice. His first marriage to Emi Canyn, a backing singer with ‘Mötley Crüe,’ ended in divorce in 1994. Emi maintained a close relationship with Mick and the band until her death in 2017. Mick has an unacknowledged son named Erik Deal, believed to be from his relationship with Emi. Mick’s second marriage, to Sharon, was more successful, and they have two children together, Les Paul Deal and Stormy Deal, who now has a child of her own.
Mick has been battling ankylosing spondylitis, a chronic form of arthritis, since the age of 17. This disease primarily affects the spine and pelvis, causing mobility issues and chronic pain. Mick’s lower spine has become almost completely solid, resulting in a curvature that makes him appear shorter. He underwent a hip-replacement surgery in 2004, which improved his mobility to some extent. However, the disease makes it unlikely for Mick to tour or perform on stage with ‘Mötley Crüe’ again, should the band decide to reunite.