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John 5: The New Flame Igniting MÖTLEY CRÜE's Legacy

By Jason •
Former ROB ZOMBIE guitarist opens up about stepping into the iconic role vacated by Mick Mars.

In a recent revelation during the "Sunset Strip" edition of the Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp, former ROB ZOMBIE axe-slinger John 5 recounted the electrifying moment when he joined the ranks of MÖTLEY CRÜE, stepping in for the legendary Mick Mars in the fall of 2022. It’s a tale of camaraderie, excitement, and the undeniable thrill of being part of rock history.

John 5 shared how his daily chats with the CRÜE were a prelude to the life-altering call that changed everything. "I was on tour with Zombie, and they were tearing it up on 'The Stadium Tour.' Out of the blue, I got the call, and I was, like, 'Hell yes!' Nikki Sixx sent over a list of songs to learn, and I thought, 'These are classics that I’ve known my whole life.' The excitement was palpable, and I couldn’t wait to hit the stage with them.

However, the first rehearsal didn't go as smoothly as planned. John 5 admitted to being an hour late—something that had never happened in his career. He joked about Nikki's possible scheming to get everyone there early, but ultimately, the day was a triumph. "It was just incredible to finally be in that room with them, ready to rock out,” he said, brimming with enthusiasm.

Tommy Lee, the ever-animated drummer of MÖTLEY CRÜE, backed John 5's sentiments, calling his addition a breath of fresh air. "With all due respect to Mick Mars, John brought this fucking fire! It was like a giant ignition of excitement. This dude is not only an incredible guitarist but also a genuinely good person—an anomaly in rock and roll,” Lee enthused.

Reflecting on the emotional turmoil of leaving ROB ZOMBIE after 17 years, John 5 admitted it wasn’t an easy choice. Yet, the allure of joining MÖTLEY CRÜE was too powerful to resist. "Life is short, man. I wanted to experience everything I could, and I know these songs like the back of my hand. Rob understood; he wasn’t thrilled, but he got it. We’re still friends, but this was a chance I couldn’t pass up,” he explained.

As he immerses himself in the CRÜE’s world, John 5 described the experience as nothing short of extraordinary. "It feels like the first time you fall in love; the sky looks bluer, and everything feels vibrant again. It's been an absolute blast, and I can't wait to see what happens next. The energy on stage with these guys is electric, and I’m just grateful to be part of this legacy," he concluded, leaving fans eager for more from the revamped lineup.