Mötley Crüe canceled a headline slot at the Boardwalk Rock festival because of singer Vince Neil’s ongoing health problems.
“Vince’s health comes first, and we fully support him in prioritizing his recovery. Please join us in wishing him well,” the band said in a statement on Thursday, April 4.
The heavy metal icons were due to perform on the opening night of the Ocean City, Maryland festival on May 17 as part of a loaded two-day lineup that also includes Def Leppard, Alice Cooper and Bret Michaels. They will be replaced as Boardwalk Rock headliners by ‘90s grunge pioneers Alice in Chains.
“We sincerely apologize to everyone who was looking forward to the show and appreciate your understanding,” Mötley Crüe said. “Our friends Alice in Chains are confirmed to take our place on May 17 and we are immensely grateful to them for stepping up and bringing their awesome show to Boardwalk Rock.”
Their statement concluded, “Thank you to all the Crüeheads for your continued support. We can’t wait for Vince to fully recuperate and to be back on stage again soon.”
Neil has yet to clarify what ailment he’s battling, though his health problems previously forced Mötley Crüe to delay the launch of their Las Vegas residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM from this spring to a new September 2025 start date.
“To all the Crüeheads who were looking forward to seeing us this spring, I’m truly sorry,” Neil said earlier in March. “My health is my top priority so I can bring you the awesome shows you deserved, and I can’t wait to return to the stage. Thank you for all the well wishes that keep reaching me. Your support means more than you know.”
Neil received public support from Mötley Crüe bandmates Tommy Lee, Nikki Sixx and John 5 wishing him “a speedy recovery.”
“We are looking forward for him to get well again and to take over Vegas together in September. We can’t wait to see you all out there, and thank you for your support and understanding in the meantime,” the trio added.
It has been a difficult few months for Neil, as his girlfriend, Rain Andreani, was injured in February when his private plane crashed into another airplane at Scottsdale Airport in Arizona. Neil was not on board at the time, but his plane’s pilot was killed and four people were hurt in the tragic collision.
“At 2:39 p.m. local time, a Learjet aircraft Model 35A owned by Vince Neil was attempting to land at the Scottsdale Airport,” his spokesperson said in February. “For reasons unknown at this time, the plane veered from the runway causing it to collide with another parked plane. On board Mr. Neil’s plane were two pilots and two passengers. Mr. Neil was not on the plane.”
His statement continued. “More specific details regarding the collision are not available as this is a rapidly evolving situation and there is an ongoing investigation. Mr. Neil’s thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved, and he is grateful for the critical aid of all first responders assisting today.”
The National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) preliminary investigation concluded that the jet’s rear left landing gear was not functioning, nor was the aircraft properly equipped with thrust reversers. According to the NTSB, these crucial malfunctions contributed to the jet sliding over the safety islands at Scottsdale Airport and then colliding with a nearby plane.
A final accident report from the NTSB will be released later this year.
