Mötley Crüe guitarist Mick Mars sues band, claiming he was fired for "horrific" disease

Guitarist Mick Mars has filed a lawsuit against Mötley Crüe, alleging the '80s hair metal band is trying to kick him out of the group and reduce his ownership stakes because of a debilitating illness.

Mars, 71, says in his claim that he has suffered from a "horrific" disease for decades, a chronic form of arthritis that has effectively fused his spine, left him three inches shorter than he was in high school and unable to turn his head in any direction. 

Because of the disease, called ankylosing spondylitis, Mars told the band last year he would be unable to tour. The guitarist "just could no longer physically handle the rigors of the road," according to a lawsuit filed by Mars last week. He said he would be able to perform with them in a "residency situation" and record with the band, the lawsuit states.