This is John 5.
Moved to LA from Michigan at age 17 to ‘make it’. And he did.
Started out getting a gig as touring guitarist with Lita Ford, which connected him to a friendship with Paul Stanley in Kiss (John would end up playing on Stanley’s, “Live to Win” album).
His first big gig was as the guitarist for David Lee Roth, appearing on the 1998 release, “DRL Band“. He basically landed the spot by submitting songs he wrote specifically for Roth’s taste through some channels and impressed the singer enough to be hired.
Because he isn’t afraid to wear make-up, Marilyn Manson tapped him as replacement for Zim Zum. He was mostly a touring guitarist and despite his assertion that he is friendly with Manson, his short time in the band was spotted with reports of on-stage conflict.
His latest high profile gig is that with metal band White Zombie. He has appeared as the main guitarist for the albums, “Educated Horses” (2006), “Zombie Live” (2007), “Hellbilly Deluxe 2” (2010), and “Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor” (2013).
Being a full-fledged rock-star… you get the obligatory super-hot rock-star wife.
But here’s the thing, John 5 absolutely SHREDS on a guitar. Honestly, I was aware of his presence in the aforementioned bands, but what I missed, was the seven(!) solo albums he has recorded and released since 2004.
He also works as a staff writer for Chrysalis Records, working with artists such as Matt Ball, Avril Lavigne, Rob Halford, k.d. lang, Garbage, Meat Loaf, Scorpions, Ozzy Osbourne, Slash, FeFe Dobson and has written and recorded with southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd.
When John 5 isn’t doing all that, he goes out with his solo act, ‘John 5 and The Creatures’ and just melts people’s brains with his dynamic guitar playing.
Prepare to be mesmerized…
Some early work in his band 2wo.
‘I Am A Pig’ from the album “Voyeurs”
Some choice John 5 tracks from his time in White Zombie.
‘Foxy Foxy’ from “Educated Horses“.
‘Sick Bubblegum’ from “Hellbilly Deluxe 2”
‘Dead City Radio And The New Gods Of Supertown’ from the album “Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor”
