By Peter Lindblad
Motley Crue can wait, but not too long.
Before resuming his newest role on tour as guitarist for the legendary metal band, versatile six-string gunslinger John 5 is going out on the road with his own powerhouse posse, The Creatures, for a wild rock ‘n roll adventure that flies into at the Epic Event Center in Green Bay on Saturday, Feb. 3. They’ll take over the St. Croix Casino in Turtle Lake Friday, Feb. 2.
Over the years, John 5 has played with David Lee Roth’s solo band, Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie, contributing guitar pyrotechnics meant to shock and awe, while dabbling in genres as wildly disparate as industrial metal, alternative metal, instrumental rock and bluegrass.
Onstage, John 5 often wears a painted face that’s straight out of a horror movie, as theatricality is a big part of his act. His upcoming solo shows will set the stage for Motley Crue’s spring and summer 2024 tour, which drag races into Milwaukee June 21 for a Summerfest headlining slot at the American Family Amphitheater.
Openers for the John 5 & The Creatures tour include Liliac, Jared James Nichols, Atomic Punks, Marty Friedman and Nikki Stringfield for select dates. John 5 took time out to answer a few questions for Out & About Wisconsin to preview his solo tour. Check out the video for John 5’s new track “The Ghost” here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_E5mI0Ouors.
What’s the biggest difference for you playing shows with The Creatures, as opposed to performing with Motley Crue, Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie, and what can fans expect from you on this solo tour?
John 5: I suppose the biggest difference with playing solo shows as opposed to playing with Mötley Crüe, Marilyn Manson or Rob Zombie is the music is completely different and it’s just me up there so it’s a lot of pressure. It’s so much fun though and I love playing guitar so much that I would do it in the middle of winter. Luckily, I have the great opportunity of playing with Mötley Crüe, as well, so life is great.
What was involved in creating and recording “The Ghost,” your latest instrumental, and where do you think it ranks among your most ambitious works?
J5: Creating the song “The Ghost” came very organically and it’s one of my favorite tracks that I’ve done. I really was just checking out my new production model of the Ghost in the studio and I started playing a riff we put to a drum beat and it all came together so well. I’m so happy that we captured it all on film because the video tells the entire story.
Along with inventive guitar shredding and musical diversity, there’s always been a theatricality to your shows. Where does that come from and what’s influenced that part of your artistry?
J5: I think with the theatrics it’s very important because we call it entertainment after all. People want to be entertained and they want to see visuals, as well as music that they love. I’ve always been inspired by bands with theatrics – KISS, David Bowie, Alice Cooper. I personally think it’s very important to Music.
Who are some guitarists you like that would surprise your followers?
J5: I love all guitarists. I search on Instagram, YouTube, any kind of social media really just looking for great guitar players to inspire me. Some of the ones that you might be surprised by is a country player named Joe Maphis. Or there’s Roy Clark, Chet Atkins, Tony Rice or Frank Ali. All of these guys are truly unbelievable guitar players that inspire me all of the time every single day.
How do you transition from solo tours to going out and playing with Motley Crue, and what’s been the best part about being a part of the Crue?
J5: I have to shift gears coming off of my solo tour and going back to Mötley Crüe. I just love playing those songs and I love being around Nikki, Tommy and Vince. I truly love those guys, so I think my absolute favorite part is being on stage with my friends and playing those amazing songs. I’m so grateful for those moments.