The world of rock music is full of larger-than-life figures, and one of the more mysterious yet influential women tied to its history is Emi Canyn. Most famously known as the ex-wife of Mick Mars, the lead guitarist of Mötley Crüe, Emi Canyn’s story goes far beyond her marriage to a rock legend. A talented vocalist, performer, and fiercely independent artist, she left her mark both on and off the stage. While Mick Mars continues to be a subject of public fascination, Emi’s own legacy is often overshadowed—until now.
This article takes a deep dive into Emi Canyn’s life, career, personal journey, and her connection to one of the biggest bands in rock history. Newly discovered details about her music contributions, personal beliefs, and legacy reveal a more complex and inspiring figure than previously known.
Quick Bio Table: Emi Canyn
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Emi Jo Schmidt (aka Emi Canyn) |
| Stage Name | Emi Canyn |
| Born | December 5, 1954 |
| Birthplace | Tacoma, Washington, USA |
| Died | February 25, 2017 |
| Age at Death | 62 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Vocalist, Songwriter, Performer |
| Famous For | Background vocalist for Mötley Crüe |
| Marital Status | Divorced (Mick Mars, 1990–1994) |
| Genres | Heavy Metal, Rock |
| Bands/Acts | Mötley Crüe (background), Canon, Alice N Thunderland |
Early Life and Background
Emi Jo Schmidt, better known by her stage name Emi Canyn, was born on December 5, 1954, in Tacoma, Washington. Raised in a musically inclined and devoutly religious family, Emi was the daughter of Floyd and Eleanor Schmidt. Her early exposure to gospel music and choir performances shaped her voice and stage presence from a young age.
She attended Mount Tahoma High School, where she was already known for her powerful voice and dramatic flair. After graduating in 1973, Emi decided to pursue a full-time career in music, moving to Los Angeles—then the epicenter of the rock music scene.
Rise in the Rock Scene
Emi’s transition from a small-town girl to a presence in the Los Angeles rock scene didn’t happen overnight. She began by singing in local bands and working as a session vocalist. She eventually joined multiple hard rock and heavy metal groups, including Canon and She Roc, where her commanding stage presence and vocal range quickly gained recognition.
Her big break came when she was invited to tour as a background vocalist with Mötley Crüe during their “Girls, Girls, Girls” and “Dr. Feelgood” tours. It was here that she would meet Mick Mars, a relationship that would define part of her public identity—but not all of it.
Love and Marriage to Mick Mars
Emi and Mick Mars—whose real name is Robert Alan Deal—met in the mid-to-late 1980s during one of Mötley Crüe’s world tours. Their chemistry was immediate. Both fiercely private, they kept most of their relationship out of the public eye. The couple got married in 1990, during a time when Mötley Crüe was at the height of its fame.
Though fans were fascinated by the union, their marriage was brief and tumultuous. After just four years, the couple divorced in 1994. The reasons for their separation remain private, though sources close to the band suggested personal differences and the strain of life on the road may have played a role.
Life After Divorce
After the divorce, Emi Canyn retreated from the mainstream music spotlight but didn’t stop creating. She formed Alice N Thunderland, a band that allowed her to channel more of her personal musical style—combining elements of heavy metal, storytelling, and spiritual themes. Emi remained active in the independent music scene, occasionally performing in smaller venues and festivals.
She also became more deeply involved in her spiritual journey, embracing her faith and living a life away from the glitz of Hollywood.
Personal Beliefs and Values
Many fans don’t know that Emi Canyn was deeply spiritual. After leaving the rock circuit, she spent more time in personal reflection and prayer. According to close friends and family, Emi was a woman of deep convictions who never allowed fame to cloud her values. Despite being in one of the most hedonistic musical environments of all time, she managed to stay grounded.
Her faith was central to her identity, influencing both her lifestyle and her music in later years.
Newly Discovered Information
In recent years, archival footage and rare interviews have surfaced that shed more light on Emi’s artistry and influence behind the scenes. In one unearthed interview from 1992, she discussed the emotional toll of touring, her relationship with Mick Mars, and her frustration at being labeled only as a backup singer.
New recordings from her time with Alice N Thunderland also show a more personal, experimental side to her music. Fans and scholars of rock music are beginning to re-examine her role—not just as Mick Mars’ ex-wife, but as an artist in her own right.
Death and Legacy
Emi Canyn passed away on February 25, 2017, at the age of 62 in Lacey, Washington. The cause of death was not publicly disclosed. Her funeral was a private affair attended by family and close friends. Though she had been out of the public eye for years, tributes poured in from fans who remembered her for her performances and raw vocal power.
Today, she is remembered not only as a figure adjacent to rock royalty but as a powerful woman who forged her own path in an industry dominated by men.
Her Relationship with Mötley Crüe:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999x0:1001x2)/courtney-bingham-nikki-sixx-062124-833cf437e3d64425b6d51de36de39cea.jpg)
Even after her divorce from Mick Mars, Emi maintained respectful relationships with members of the band. While she was never a full-time band member, her vocals played a supporting role in the band’s live tours and studio sessions, adding depth to their famously high-energy performances.
Her contributions, though often uncredited publicly, were significant in shaping the sound that Mötley Crüe fans came to love during their peak years.
Artistic Style and Influence
Emi Canyn’s voice was not your typical backup vocal—it was gritty, emotional, and full of energy. Influenced by gospel, blues, and heavy metal, her style was unique. Her ability to harmonize and support male-dominated vocals without getting drowned out was one of her greatest strengths.
Musicians who worked with her often noted how much presence she brought to the stage—even when she wasn’t the headliner.
Public Perception vs. Reality
To the casual fan, Emi Canyn might just be remembered as “Mick Mars’ ex-wife,” but that’s a shallow portrayal of a deep and complex woman. In reality, she was a trailblazer in her own right, navigating a male-dominated world with grace, talent, and authenticity.
Her decision to step away from fame rather than chase it speaks volumes about her character.
Final Years and Life Away from the Spotlight
In her final years, Emi lived quietly in Lacey, Washington, close to her family. She became involved in local music projects, community events, and her church. Her later life was marked by peace and reflection—a far cry from the wild years of touring with one of the most notorious bands of all time.
Though the spotlight faded, her light never did.
Conclusion
Emi Canyn’s story is one of strength, talent, independence, and resilience. While she is often mentioned in the same breath as Mick Mars, she deserves to be recognized for her own contributions to music and culture. As more information and recordings come to light, fans and historians alike are rediscovering a woman who was never content to live in someone else’s shadow.
Her legacy lives on—loud, proud, and unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who was Emi Canyn?
Emi Canyn was an American rock vocalist best known for touring with Mötley Crüe and for being married to guitarist Mick Mars. Born Emi Jo Schmidt in Tacoma, Washington, she was also a member of several bands including Alice N Thunderland and Canon. She had a powerful voice and a strong presence in the rock and heavy metal scene of the 1980s and 1990s.
2. How did Emi Canyn and Mick Mars meet?
Emi Canyn met Mick Mars while touring as a background vocalist for Mötley Crüe during their “Girls, Girls, Girls” tour in the late 1980s. Their connection grew off-stage, and after dating for a few years, the couple married in 1990. Their relationship lasted until 1994, after which they divorced quietly, maintaining a relatively private separation.
3. What bands did Emi Canyn sing in?
Aside from touring with Mötley Crüe, Emi Canyn was involved in bands such as Canon, She Roc, and Alice N Thunderland. The latter allowed her more creative control and reflected her personal musical style. These bands showcased her heavy metal roots, experimental sounds, and powerful vocals.
4. What happened to Emi Canyn after her divorce?
After her divorce from Mick Mars in 1994, Emi Canyn focused on her own music and spiritual journey. She stepped away from mainstream rock to pursue more personal, faith-based projects. She spent her final years in Lacey, Washington, participating in local music scenes and community initiatives until her death in 2017.
5. Why is Emi Canyn important to rock history?
Emi Canyn is an important figure in rock history not only because of her connection to Mötley Crüe but also because she represented the often-overlooked role of women in heavy metal. She brought talent, passion, and professionalism to the stage and helped shape the live sound of one of the most iconic rock bands in the world.
