John 5 On His New Live Album, David Lee Roth, KISS & Writing For Other Artists
John 5 first came into the big time as one of Marilyn Manson‘s guitarists in 1998. But prior to playing with Marilyn Manson, the virtuoso had played alongside Van Halen’s David Lee Roth, Judas Priest‘s Rob Halford, and Grammy-winning singer/songwriter k.d. lang. After leaving the Manson band in 2004, John 5 moved on to playing with Rob Zombie — who he still plays with — and properly launched his solo career. In the midst of all that touring and recording, John 5 was somehow also able to make time with writing and/or recording with Rod Stewart, Ricky Martin, Garbage, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Meat Loaf, Alice Cooper, and The Scorpions, showing his ability to play nearly any style of music.
In 2017, John 5 released a new studio effort Season Of The Witch and promptly hit the road in support of it. Within that touring, John 5 and band — which includes bassist Ian Ross and drummer Logan Miles Nix — recorded a live album, It’s Alive!, as slated for a January 25th release. On February 1st, John 5 and The Creatures return to the road for two and a half months of touring with a show at Orlando, Florida’s The Social; the tour wraps with an April 21st show at the Tacoma Guitar Festival.
I had the pleasure of interviewing John 5 on behalf of The Hype Magazine, and look forward to seeing the Michigan native live at his February 12th show at New York’s Highline Ballroom. More on John 5, including tour dates, can be found online at www.john-5.com.
You started off as a session player and a hired gun. Was it always the plan to be out in the front?
John 5: I always wanted to be just a session guy. I never really planned on being out front or being an instrumental touring guitarist. So many people were telling me, “You’ve got to get out there and tour.” To be honest, I wasn’t sure anybody would really like it because there’s no singer, plus it is pretty hard to entertain with just a guitar.
If I’ve read correctly, you moved to L.A. at the age of 17. Why did you choose L.A. over New York or another music-centric city?
John 5: I’ve been coming to California ever since I was a baby. My grandparents lived out here, my sister lived out here, and I had a lot of family in California. I would always watch movies in the 70s and they were all filmed in California and even the TV shows like CHIPS and The Brady Bunch; I knew it was home for me.
When in your life did you first become John 5? Or at least start using that name for everything you worked on?
John 5: When I joined Marilyn Manson, the first thing Manson did was give me the name “John 5.” After I left the band I thought, “Well, a lot more people know the name ‘John 5’ and they do not know John Lowery, so I just kept it.” It was like Ace Frehley when he left KISS, he wasn’t going to change his name to Paul Frehley.
A lot of people first found out about you through your work with David Lee Roth. Any idea how Dave first found out about you? Is it true that you had cold-called his manager?
John 5: Yes. I was sitting on the couch at my friend’s house and I thought, “I wonder what David Lee Roth is doing?” There was a number on the back of the book and I called it and said, “Can I send Dave some songs? I think you’ll really like them.” With incredible luck they agreed. In the end they did really enjoy them and I’m still friends with Dave to this day.
The album that you recorded with Dave, has there been any recent discussion of that material coming out? Word was that it’s a concept album.
John 5: I don’t know when that record will come out. I don’t think it was a concept record, it doesn’t sound like a concept record to me, but it does sound like an amazing David Lee Roth record.
It’s Alive is your next release. Were all of the songs recorded at one show? Throughout a tour?
John 5: It’s Alive was recorded at a venue in Pennsylvania. The guy said, “Hey, do you guys want to record tonight?” I always wanted a great recording of us playing live. I said, “Absolutely!” I don’t think we really moved an inch during that whole show. I did apologize to the crowd and told them we were recording a show. They were pretty excited about that. There’s not one overdub; it is a true live album. I’m so proud of it!
Did you record any other shows on the tour?
John 5: We don’t normally record any of the shows. We don’t have the capability or the technology, but boy I would really like to be like The Grateful Dead and just record everything! I love capturing the live moments and again, I’m so proud that the live record that is coming out is completely live. Also, I’m happy about that because I always wondered how truly live certain records are. For example, the Rob Zombie live record is completely live. There’s no overdubs, all they did was mix it and that’s what I really enjoy.
Solo career aside, what’s coming up for you? Have you been co-writing for other artists lately?
John 5: I don’t really write with any artists anymore. I mainly concentrate on Rob Zombie and The Creatures and that’s pretty much it. I’m really happy where I am right now. I couldn’t imagine anything any better than what I have. I am very thankful for what is going on in my life right now.
When not busy with music, how do you like to spend your free time?
John 5: I really like to play guitar while watching movies and TV. I know it kind of defeats the purpose but it’s really what makes me happy. I also enjoy collecting KISS merchandise from 1973 to 1982. It’s my amazing hobby.
Season Of The Witch aside, what’s been your favorite album of 2017?
John 5: I would have to say the new Foo Fighters.
Finally, John, any last words for the kids?
John 5: My final word for the kids is thank you for all the support. I really mean it. Without you guys there is nothing. Also, If you want to get out there and do what I do, go after it! Because if you don’t, somebody else will. That’s guaranteed!
TweetAbout the Author
Darren Paltrowitz Darren Paltrowitz is a New York resident with over 20 years of entertainment industry experience. He began working around the music business as a teenager, interning for the manager of his then-favorite band Superdrag. Since then, he has worked with a wide array of artists including OK Go, They Might Be Giants, Mike Viola, Tracy Bonham, Loudness, Rachael Yamagata, and Amanda Palmer. Darren's writing has appeared in dozens of outlets including the New York Daily News, Inquisitr, The Daily Meal, The Hype Magazine, All Music Guide, Guitar World, TheStreet.com, Businessweek, Chicago Tribune, L.A. Times, and the Jewish Journal. Beyond being "Editor At Large" for The Hype Magazine, Darren is also the host of weekly "Paltrocast With Darren Paltrowitz" series, which airs on dozens on television and digital networks. He has also co-authored 2 published books, 2018's "Pocket Change: Your Happy Money" (Book Web Publishing) and 2019's "Good Advice From Professional Wrestling" (6623 Press), and co-hosts the world's only known podcast about David Lee Roth, "The DLR Cast."
Related Posts
Usher Opens Up to Zane Lowe About His Journey and New Album “Coming Home” →
Big Homiie G – Blowing Money Fast →
J. Anthony Brown Weighs in with our China Doll – Live Session →
