Hip replacement for US rock star

1994 line-up Nikki Sixx, John Corabi, Mick Mars and Tommy Lee

US metal band Motley Crue's guitarist Mick Mars is recovering after undergoing hip replacement surgery.

The 53-year-old suffers from a degenerative rheumatic disease which causes ligaments and tendons to attach to the bone.

Doctors were said to be "pleased" with the surgery and Mars, real name Bob Allen Deal, was expected to walk with the help of a physical therapist soon.

Motley Crue had six UK hits including Girls Girls Girls in 1987.

Comeback tour

There is no cure for the disease, named ankylosing spondylitis, but the pain can be minimised with anti-inflammatory drugs and sometimes surgery.

The procedure took place on Tuesday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Mars' spokesperson Katie McNeil said he hoped to join fellow Motley Crue founders Tommy Lee, Nikki Sixx and Vince Neil on a possible comeback tour.

It would see the original group reunited for the first time in six years. "He would do it if the tour happens," she said.