by John 5 recently praised Vince Neil’s vocal performance following the Mötley Crüe frontman’s recovery from a stroke. He shared his observations in an interview with Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk.
The guitarist expressed his surprise and admiration for Neil’s current vocal abilities during recent rehearsals and performances.
“Well, we didn’t really know, but when we got into rehearsal, we were, like, ‘Oh. He’s moving good,’” John 5 said. “And then he started singing, and we were, like, ‘Oh my God, he’s singing great, actually.’ So I don’t know what happened, but he is — I’ve been in the band for three years now, and he’s singing so well. I’m, like, ‘Wow, this is incredible.’”
John 5 also highlighted Neil’s remarkable recovery journey and the impact it has had on the band’s recent performances.
“And he looks great. And I just go into his room all the time and tell him how proud I am of him,” he continued. “Because in the [Las Vegas Review-Journal] interview [where Vince first revealed his stroke], he said, yeah, he had to learn how to walk again and all that stuff. I mean, that’s serious stuff. So maybe he was just, like, ‘Oh, okay, and then just everything clicked. I mean, he’s killing it.”
The guitarist emphasized the authenticity of Neil’s current performances. He shared his reaction to hearing classic Mötley Crüe songs.
“And there’s no tracks or anything like that. He’s just singing great… When I heard ‘Home Sweet Home’, I was, like, ‘Holy shit. This is really, really great.’ So I’m just so proud of him,” John 5 said. “And the guys in the band were, like, ‘This is some of the best shows we’ve ever done.’ So, we’re super, super excited.”
Neil’s recovery represents one of the most remarkable comebacks in rock music history. This is especially significant considering the severity of his medical emergency.
Recent reports revealed that Neil suffered the stroke the day after Christmas. The medical emergency was so severe that doctors initially believed it would end his career. The frontman woke up unable to move his left side. He faced what seemed like an insurmountable challenge for any performer, let alone a rock vocalist who relies on physical presence and vocal power.
The recovery process required months of intensive therapy. Neil progressed from wheelchairs and walkers to working with specialized trainers. Medical reports indicated that he worked with a football coach to rebuild his strength and agility. This demonstrated the comprehensive approach needed to regain his performing abilities.
Despite these overwhelming challenges, Neil’s determination paid off as he returned to performing at nearly full strength. The timing of his recovery coincided perfectly with Mötley Crüe’s Las Vegas residency. This marked a significant milestone not just in his personal health journey but also in the band’s ongoing career.
This comeback story adds even more weight to John 5’s praise. The guitarist has witnessed firsthand the transformation from a man who had to relearn basic motor functions to a performer delivering what the band considers some of their best shows ever.
