Motley Crue's 1980s hair metal would never have hit big without guitarist Mick Mars’ striking sonic presence and blues-based, metallic romp. Now Mars is telling the Dallas Observer that he’s been jamming with renowned jazz guitarist George Benson, and the two apparently share a musical idol in Wes Montgomery.

In fact, Mars is so inspired by the experience of playing with Benson that he’s considering releasing a solo collection of R&B, soul and blues tracks.

But he’s in no hurry-- it will happen "if and when I find the right people," said the 60-year-old guitarist.

"I found the right drummer, and I've asked Macy Gray if she'd like to guest on it,” he added. “It's not going to be anything like Motley Crue, but a lot of different cultural beats.”

He added, “I call it 'pure music,’” and cited the work of Carlos Santana as an example of what might develop.

Motley Crue is headlining a summer trek with Poison and New York Dolls, which kicks off today (June 7) in Dallas, Texas. You can read about many of the summer's other big tours on our 2011 Summer Concert Preview.

Motley Crue 2011 Tour Dates:

6/7 -- Dallas, Texas
6/9 -- San Antonio, Texas
6/10 -- Houston, Texas
6/12 -- Albuquerque, N.M.
6/14 -- Los Angeles, Calif.
6/15 -- San Francisco, Calif.
6/17 -- Phoenix, Ariz.
6/18 -- Las Vegas, Nev.
6/19 -- Salt Lake City, Utah
6/21 -- Kansas City, Mo.
6/22 -- Maryland Heights, Mo.
6/24 -- Minneapolis, Minn.
6/25 -- Milwaukee, Wis.
6/26 -- Cincinnati, Ohio
6/28 -- Toronto, O.N.
6/29 -- Clarkston, Mich.
7/1 -- Tinley Park, Ill.
7/2 -- Noblesville, Ind.
7/3 -- Nashville, Tenn.
7/5 -- Hollywood, Fla.
7/6 -- Tampa, Fla.
7/8 -- Biloxi, Mass.
7/9 -- Pelham, Ala.
7/10 -- Atlanta, Ga.
7/12 -- Charlotte, N.C.
7/13 -- Hershey, Pa.
7/15 -- Uncasville, Conn.
7/16 -- Camden, N.J.
7/19 -- Mansfield, Mass.
7/20 -- Uniondale, N.Y.
7/22 -- Darien Lakes, N.Y.
7/23 -- Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
7/24 -- Pittsburgh, Pa.
7/27 -- Cheyenne, Wyo.
7/29 -- Youngstown, Ohio
7/30 -- Frederick, Md.
7/31 -- Scranton, Pa.
8/5 -- Tomah, Wis.

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