VINCE NEIL: Replacing MICK MARS On CRÜE Tour Was Never A Consideration

Launch Radio Networks is reporting that MÖTLEY CRÜE frontman Vince Neil is assuring fans that, contrary to rumors, guitarist Mick Mars will most certainly be part of the group's reunion tour. Despite reports that Mars' health would keep him from making the tour, Neil told Launch that Mars is in good form and ready to rock. "Mick's great," Neil said. "Mick's pretty amazing. For what he's gone through, you know, even having a hip replacement, after three weeks he was walking without any help. Obviously he's going through lots of rehabilitation right now, and he's getting stronger and stronger. But, man, he's in the studio, you know. He's not sprinting, but he's not hobbling either. He's playing great, he's looking great, and he's amazing."

Neil added that the CRÜE never considered bringing in a replacement for Mars, as some of the rumors have indicated. "I don't know where that other stuff came from," Neil said. "It was very strange. Like, three or four people were going, 'I hear Dave Navarro's playing with you.' I go 'Huh?' That was never even a thought."

Navarro had denied that he would be replacing Mars on his 6767.com website.

Mars (real name Bob Deal) suffers from a chronic degenerative illness called Ankylosing Spondylitis, which fuses together the joints and bones of the spine. He underwent hip replacement surgery in October.

MÖTLEY CRÜE released a new best-of collection this week, titled "Red, White And Crüe", which features three new songs.

The CRÜE tour begins Monday (February 14) in San Juan, Puerto Rico.