Episode 33: John 5 Interview

John 5 has been shredding his way through the music industry for more than three decades. His ability to defy genres has seen him work with a variety of artists including Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, KD Lang, Rod Stewart and now Mötley Crüe. After a chance encounter with the legendary Les Paul, John, who retained the nickname Marilyn Manson had bestowed on him, began working on his own music, unleashing ‘Vertigo’ in 2004. This album marked the beginning of a prolific solo career that has seen him release ten studio albums, 2 live albums and a remix album. 5 has collaborated with artists like Steve Vai and Albert Lee and explored a diverse range of musical styles, from blues-tinged rock to experimental electronica. In 2005 John 5 teamed up with Texas based singer Joe Grah to form “radio rock project” Loser. Their first single, ‘Disposable Sunshine’ featured on theFantastic Four soundtrack.

In 2022 following the retirement from touring of the legendary Mick Mars from Mötley Crüe, 5 was given a chance to step up to play for a band that he had followed throughout his formative years. Speaking at the time 5 said, “I’m honored to carry on Mick’s legacy and am looking forward to playing these songs”. Following successful world tours co-headlining with Def Leppard, 5 was welcomed into the Crüe as a full-fledged member in 2023, with the band looking to carry their legacy forward, pushing “the limits of live performance” and exploring new music.

GUITAR TRAX is hosted by mulit-Emmy award winning guitarist Brian Tarquin featuring in- depth interviews with today’s hottest guitar legends and airs every Monday night from 10pm-12pm on NPR's WFIT 89.5FM on the Florida space coast and can be streamed on WFIT.org. Brian Tarquin & Heavy Friends lifted up the spirits of our veterans through music with Beyond The Warrior’s Eyes which peaked at #1 Top Fusion Album on Roots Music Reports and #5 on Relix/Jambands charts. In 2023 Brian’s music video “Speed of Sound” featuring Joe Satriani won Best Video of the Year by the Josie Music Awards. His all star album Brothers In Arms topped the metal radio charts peaking #7 on the NACC Loud Rock charts and #11 on the Metal Contraband charts. Both in 2022 & 2023 the Josie Music Awards nominated Tarquin for "Musician of the Year (Guitar)" and "Music Producer of the Year." In 2023 the Hollywood Independent Music Awards nominated his company BHP Music-Guitar Trax Records for "Independent Record Label of the Year."