Motley Crue have officially started rehearsals for their pair of warm-up U.S. dates with Def Leppard -- before embarking on a massive joint South American and European and trek. The shows feature the debut of guitarist John 5 stepping in as Mick Mars' permanent live replacement, after retiring from the road due to a type of debilitating arthritis called ankylosing spondylitis. Nikki Sixx was clearly pumped, posting on Instagram: "42 years and I still get excited about the first day of band rehearsal. Here we go..........." John 5 was among the commenters, added: "I'm more excited can't wait buddy." Frontman Vince Neil posted a message to fans on Instagram letting them know he's recovered from his recent bout with Covid, writing: "Feeling better and ready to conquer the world thanks to Rain Hannah for getting me through this dam (sic) Covid!!!" Nikki Sixx told us he's always been proud of Motley Crue being known as an L.A. band: "Y'know, I used to say we were from Hollywood because we started in Hollywood, but we're from Los Angeles. Y'know, of course, being the 'Saints Of Los Angeles' is a little. . . tongue in cheek? 'Just doesn't have the same ring as the 'Sinners Of Los Angeles,' y'know."