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John 5 (John William Lowery) was given his stage by Marily Manson when he joined as the band’s guitarist. He’s played for Rod Zombie (and a host of others), started a solo career in 2004 and more recently joined Motley Crüe in 2022.
It’s difficult to be a virtuosic guitar player. I’d suggest that it’s more difficult to be an interesting virtuosic guitar player, not shredding for shredding’s sake but respecting the need of an audience to connect to a melody and hear some variety in song styles and techniques. And when there’s a bit of theatrics, even better.
John 5 started wearing make-up long before joining Manson, but no doubt was influenced in how that can shape a concert experience. He arrives in what appears to be a vinyl, sleeveless priest’s garb, carrying his “Ghost” signature Telecaster, pierces the crowd an unblinking stare, circles counter clockwise in a sizeable area of the stage while launching into goth-thrasher-shredder “Season of the Witch.” It’s really a perfect intro to the set, highlighting technique, sound and slight hint of camp. One thing about worshipers at the altar of guitar-gods is that they want more than to witness the spectacle but to be invited in. John 5 invites the fans to join him after each song, reaching out his arm for their offerings of praise. It works.
He’s also an incredibly giving artist, as such engagements allow. He shreds, he nails the country bash ala Steve Morse, he offers a bit of prog metal, more straightforward instrumental rock and covers songs for a mix as well as audience participation (“Crazy Little Thing Called Love”).
He plays a bass jam behind his head, he picks the guitar with his teeth ala Hendrix for “The Star-Spangled Banner,” he holds hands with audience members as he passes, he grabs someone’s cell phone to record his left hand fingering the guitar neck more closely… and he even talks with the crowd a bit as well, grateful and offering more to come. Throw in a flashing mouthpiece, video boards that flash cultural references over the last 40 or so years, and some John 5 balloons, and there you go. Loyal legions who get everything they could ask for, in close proximity, at a price that doesn’t exhaust the cash needed for beer or mixed drinks.
Vai, Satriani and others may play bigger halls, but this is the show you want.
Setlist:
