by John 5 recently explained why he was the perfect fit to replace Mick Mars in Mötley Crüe. He shared insights about his long-standing connection to the band’s music in an interview with Guitar World.
The guitarist addressed questions about what made him ideal for the high-profile position. He emphasized his deep familiarity with the band’s catalog.
When asked what made him perfect for the role among many potential candidates, John 5 highlighted his lifelong dedication to the music.
“I think I have such respect and fondness for the music,” he said. “I’ve been playing these songs – and this is going to sound funny – but I’ve been playing these songs for as long as they have. I was in my bedroom or at a talent show, and those guys were on a huge stage, but I’ve been playing these songs since they came out.”
John 5 explained how this preparation made his transition into the band seamless.
“So, when Nikki [Sixx] said, ‘Okay, here’s the setlist to learn,’ I was like, ‘I know all these songs,’” he continued. “Like, of course, we all know the songs, but I could have done the show that night. And that’s just because I have such a fondness and respect for the music, and for those guys.”
The guitarist also noted his existing relationships with most band members. He met vocalist Vince Neil for the first time at Tommy Lee’s birthday party after joining the group.
John 5’s approach to playing with Mötley Crüe reflects his deep respect for the band’s legacy. It also shows his commitment to maintaining the integrity of their classic songs.
Ultimate Guitar reported that John 5 takes a meticulous approach to replicating the original guitar parts. He learns Mötley Crüe’s solos as precisely as possible without improvising. He compares this method to performing Mozart’s compositions exactly as written. This underscores his dedication to authenticity and respect for the original material.
“You don’t say Mozart, ‘I know what he’s doing, I’m gonna add my own thing,’” John 5 explained. He emphasized his philosophy of honoring the songs and the audience’s expectations. This careful attention to detail demonstrates why he was considered the ideal candidate for such a high-profile replacement.
John 5 plays the classic parts faithfully. However, Guitar World noted that the band has given him creative freedom to add his own “berserk” solos at the end of songs. This arrangement strikes a perfect balance between respect for the original compositions and allowing John 5’s virtuosic abilities to shine through.
Guitar Player revealed that John 5 uses signature guitars developed over years of experience. These include his Ghost model, which has become central to his sound with the band. His straightforward approach extends to his live setup. It features a Marshall JVM amp along with essential pedals that emphasize simplicity while delivering the powerful sound Mötley Crüe fans expect.
