Episode 33: John 5 Interview

Episode 33: John 5 Interview

From Brian Tarquin's Guitar Trax Show by Brian Tarquin's Guitar Trax Show

October 30, 2025 · 18 min · Episode 33

About this episode

John 5 discusses his extensive career in music, collaborations, and recent role with Mötley Crüe.

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…

People in this episode

Hosts: Brian Tarquin, Brian, Tarquin

Guest: John 5

Topics covered

  • music
  • guitar
  • interview
  • rock
  • Mötley Crüe

Keywords

  • shredding
  • genres
  • collaboration
  • solo career
  • live performance

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Vertigo, Disposable Sunshine

Books & works: John 5 Interview, Vertigo, Disposable Sunshine, theFantastic Four, Beyond The Warrior’s Eyes, Speed of Sound, Best Video of the, the Josie Music Awards, Brothers In Arms, Music Producer of the

Places: Texas, Florida

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