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Detroit Guitar Great John 5 Rocks The Token Lounge

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…

A John 5 road case at the Token Lounge
Meltdown

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!

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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.

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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!

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MeltdownEditor
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.