Former KISS guitarist Ace Frehley revealed details about a personal conversation with John 5 in a recent interview with Guitar Player.
“John 5 is a dear friend of mine. He actually called me up, and he said, ‘I’m a little nervous about playing with Mötley Crüe,’ so he invited me for the first show. He wanted a little moral support,” Frehley shared.
“And then, me, him and Nikki [Sixx] were hanging out backstage after the show. I think it was in Atlantic City, in New Jersey,” he continued.
“But John is really technical. He can play anything. He can play stuff by Glen Campbell, and he’s just a really great, technical guitar player,” Frehley explained. “He definitely surpasses me, you know? I just have one style. I can’t play 10 different kinds of styles — but John can play country, metal, and he can even play country. You know… he’s just an amazing musician.”
This candid conversation reveals the transition period as John 5 stepped into his new role with Mötley Crüe.
Guitar World reports that John 5 thoroughly prepared for his Mötley Crüe role. He mastered the band’s complete catalog, including all of Mick Mars’ iconic solos and signature riffs.
The guitarist’s versatility, noted in Frehley’s comments, reflects his impressive career path. Blabbermouth documents John 5’s collaborations with various artists. His work spans from Marilyn Manson to Rob Zombie, showcasing his adaptability across musical styles.
His addition to Mötley Crüe came at a pivotal moment. The band’s founding member Mick Mars retired due to his battle with Ankylosing Spondylitis. This chronic inflammatory disease affected Mars’ mobility.
Support from veteran musicians like Ace Frehley has eased John 5’s transition into the iconic band. He continues to honor Mick Mars’ legacy while bringing his technical expertise to the group’s sound.
