John 5 On Leaving Rob Zombie’s Band “It Was Very Difficult, Of Course”
JOHN 5! Photo: Calvin McEachern
A recent guest on my Talkin’ Rock podcast was guitar great, John 5. We talked about many things, including leaving Rob Zombie‘s band, and joining Motley Crue. He said it wasn’t an easy thing to do.
“Well, it was very difficult, of course. Because for me and Rob, for 17 years (we were) very close, had a wonderful working relationship, a friend relationship and we made so much great music together. This opportunity came, and I was like “I gotta do this for me” I want to see this through me eyes, and experience everything I can experience in my life. And, ya know, I’m happy I did it. It’s the greatest thing ever!”
He told me about flying private planes around the world and playing massive stages with Motley and Def Leppard. “It’s just a dream, and that’s what important because there’s so many musicians or actors or artists, that are like “I don’t know. It’s a one in a million shot.” But, you gotta do it!”
He said talking to his friend Rob was the most nervous part about the whole thing, explaining his situation and how he felt.
Watch below, as John talks about the first time he actually played with the Crue (which is a funny story) touring with them, writing new music and a TON more!
-Meltdown-
Detroit's John 5 Talks Joining Motley Crue And Taking Chances
Great to catch up with John 5.
We talked about first concerts. John’s first show was a massive show at a Michigan venue that’s no longer around.
5 told me about a documentary he’s been working on for some time now. He said it’s coming out soon, and he’s fired up about it. He said he thought they decided to wait on releasing it after he joined Motley Crue. “I took a chance and rolled the dice” is how he described his path to where is has gone, and where he is today.
“It was very difficult, of course” he said when asked about his leaving Rob Zombie‘s band. Again, he took a chance. “I was very nervous about talking to my friend (Zombie) about it”
As far as Motley goes, it’s a dream come true for 5. “It was magical!” is how he described playing with the band for the first time. He spoke to how he studied the band and how well prepared he was to join them. He said the first show was unreal. What did he do for the second show? He had childhood heroes Ace Frehley and Peter Criss from KISS come to the show. As we were speaking, he thought out loud about playing warmup shows. Maybe it was because of him??
As for playing and hanging with the band, he told me about that experience, and it’s crazy. He told me about the Motley “flu” that went around the band.
What about something that he didn’t really know about the band, but has come to learn since joining? “Everything is very serious.” He said from meet and greets, to making the show the best it can be, they are all in. “They’re just wonderful, wonderful people. They really are. They care a lot, that’s for sure.”
New music from the band? “We have songs recorded. I don’t know when it’s going to come out.” He cannot wait for them to see the light of day. He said there’s a few songs finished. Plus, he got to work with the legendary producer, Bob Rock.
He’ll be going from the massive stage, to small clubs on his solo tour coming up. “I get so excited to play these shows.” You can see him at the world famous Machine Shop on February 9th. A few tickets remain.
He also talks about a new song called “the Ghost”, which drops on Halloween.
Watch and listen to the interview below….
Meltdown started on the mighty WRIF on the evening of Halloween, 1995. Technically, his first on-air shift was the morning of November 1st. Moving to the Motor City from Buffalo, N.Y., he has built a career and family. Over his almost three-decade stint at RIFF, he's had the privilege to work with some of the biggest personalities in Detroit radio history. He boasts of being just the second-afternoon drive jock in the station's illustrious 53-year history.
Along with his love for rock music and attending concerts, he's also an avid Harley-Davidson enthusiast and hockey player. He plays year-round and manages to squeeze in a few charity games throughout the year. Meltdown writes about the Detroit Red Wings, rock music, and Detroit concert venues.