It’s always a treat to watch a guy like John 5 play guitar, it’s even better when it’s in the intimate confines of a rock club. That was the case Sunday night at the Token Lounge in Westland.
The last stage I saw “5” play on was Soaring Eagle’s back in June with Motley Crue. That was an awesome show, but I was happier for my friend to play with guys he’s looked up to for years and play the songs he grew up on.
John 5 Rocks The Token
Sunday night it was all about John’s solo stuff with a little nod to Motley. More about that later. Now, you might think seeing an instrumental show could get boring and monotonous, but not a John 5 show. He crafts the show to take you through his career, and no two songs sound the same. It’s a perfect blend of heavy and light stuff.
He paid homage to his new band, Motley Crue, with a killer medley. In the past, he’s done this with songs from different bands, but this one was all about the Crue. I love how he incorporated the solo from “Home Sweet Home”. As far as I’m concerned, one of Mick Mars’ best Motley solos. Of course, John nailed it!
Meltdown
My friend Marty met John 5 after the show. Marty gave him the book on the table which includes one of John’s guitars.
John was also nice enough to sign my friend’s guitar. Marty won the guitar during an auction for the Ronnie James Dio Foundation.
Meltdown
Marty and John after the show. Check out that sweet ax! It’s one of many Marty owns.
All in all, a killer show, no surprise here. John is so good! Every time he plays I’m amazed at how someone can manhandle a guitar like that and never miss a note. Go see him the next time he’s in your area!
Mötley Crüe And Theory Of A Deadman Rock Mid-Michigan
It was a perfect Michigan summer night for a concert as Motley Crue and Theory of a Deadman took to the stage at Soaring Eagle in Mount Pleasant.
Theory Of A Deadman
The boys from western Canada took to the stage at 7 pm and ripped through a set of hits and some cover songs as the sun shone on them. From “Santa Monica” to The Bitch Came Back” and “Bad Girlfriend,” all the bases were covered during their hourlong set.
At one point, they broke into a cover of “Friends In Low Places” to announce their special guest, Garth Brooks. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to make the show….again. LOL
It’s always a fun time seeing the guys when they’re in the area.
Mötley Crüe Rocks Soaring Eagle
Around 8:30, Mötley took the stage and ripped through an hour and a half of their monstrous catalog. Opening with “Primal Scream,” through “Too Fast For Love,” including their latest song, “Dogs Of War,” and even a cover song medley of Beatles, Ramones, and Beastie Boys songs, they played tunes from their 40-plus year career.
I thought Vince Neil sounded pretty good throughout the night, but for some reason, “Shout At The Devil” always sounded rough. Tommy Lee got some girls popping their tops, before sitting down behind the piano for “Home Sweet Home”. Nikki Sixx looked great and in shape.
John 5 In Motley Crue
As I talked with some people around me, they seemed to think that adding Detroit’s own John 5 to the lineup may have given the band new life. I may be biased, but 5 is one of the best guitarists I’ve ever seen. The guy is so good and fits into the band perfectly! He knows those songs forwards and back. He was note-perfect all night. It’s such a pleasure to watch!
You’ll be able to see him in a much more intimate venue at the Token Louge in September.
Check out a few pictures from the show below. It’s great to see everyone’s show!
Mötley Crüe Setlist
Primal Scream
Too Fast for Love
Wild Side
Shout at the Devil
Live Wire
On With the Show
Dogs of War
Looks That Kill
Rock and Roll, Part 2 / Smokin’ in the Boys Room / Helter Skelter / Anarchy in the U.K. / Blitzkrieg Bop
Home Sweet Home
Dr. Feelgood
Same Ol’ Situation (S.O.S.)
Girls, Girls, Girls
Kickstart My Heart
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Theory took the stage at 7 pm and played an hour long set, that included all their biggest songs, with some covers thrown in.
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Theory on stage at Soaring Eagle. What a way to kick off the summer concert season! Both bands brought it.
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Tyler from Theory was pretty proud of his shirt. The Canadian born singer/songwriter resides in the states now. His hair: once again, perfect!
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Minty was nice enough to grab a photo with me and the Theory boys before their set. Always great seeing them.
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My friend and Detroiter, John 5 before the show. The guys kills it live! He'll be playing the Token in September...don't miss him!
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Motley Crue on stage at the Soaring Eagle for a summer show. This was during the song "Shout At The Devil".
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Motley ripping through their set at Soaring Eagle. I had a grab a picture of Tommy Lee behind the kit. The dude hits hard.
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John 5 was on-point Sunday night, which is to be expected every time he takes the stage. He knows these songs so well. There's not a lick he can't play.
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During the new song "Dog Of War" AI video of the band played behind them, like in the actual video. That song ripped live!
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During "Girls, Girls, Girls" a couple blowup girls appeared on stage. This was their second to last song of the night.
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What a show from the Crue, a band a saw for the first time a few years ago....like many years ago. I don't even want to say. Let's just say they were my first concert, and leave it at that.
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.
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