Former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick recently shared his detailed impressions of Mötley Crüe’s live show at Dolby Live. He offered high praise for the band’s performance and gave special attention to each member’s contribution, as reported on his X account.
Kulick described the overall experience as a masterfully designed rock show. He emphasized the band’s powerful execution and impressive stage production.
“Mötley Crüe performed a masterfully designed rock show last night at Dolby Live,” Kulick said. “Every song was executed with power and precision, with a giant stage and ego ramps for them to engage the adoring fans.”
The guitarist went on to evaluate each band member individually. He started with bassist and primary songwriter Nikki Sixx.
“Nikki Sixx prowls the venue, possessed with the knowledge of his creation sharing his passion for songwriting and love of the incredible and notorious history of the band,” he noted. “Vince Neil has been reborn since his health crisis. It’s as if his voice went back in time to a more youthful era. Tommy Lee has been a consistent monster of a drummer, with his long arms and powerful beats keeping the music performed like a Swiss clock.”
Kulick paid particular attention to guitarist John 5, who replaced founding member Mick Mars. He drew parallels to his own experience in KISS.
“John 5, filling the very large shoes of Mick Mars, played like a wizard,” Kulick explained. “Blending the signature riffs of Mick and at the appropriate times being ‘John 5’ with his ability of his fingers to fly with purpose on the fretboard. It sometimes reminded me of my years of KISS, so I was proud and awed that he could do that difficult balancing act of playing for the song but being yourself.”
The review also highlighted the production quality and the band’s longevity potential.
“The production, as expected, was brilliant, the band starting on a small part of the giant stage, representing the club years, then expanding using the venue’s ability for performers to be close to the audience,” he continued. “If Mötley wanted to continue another ten years, with the talent I experienced at last night’s performance, I see no reason they couldn’t. Personally knowing how hard it is to continue to play precisely as one ages, I was pleased to see no signs of that for Mötley.”
Kulick concluded his review by awarding the performance five stars. He expressed confidence that the audience shared his enthusiasm. He also mentioned spending time with John 5 before the show, discussing guitar playing and even jamming on John’s main Telecaster in the dressing room.
Kulick’s perspective on John 5’s performance carries particular weight given his own extensive experience navigating similar challenges during his tenure with KISS.
Wikipedia reported that Kulick served as the lead guitarist for KISS from 1984 to 1996. He replaced Mark St. John during a pivotal period in the band’s history. His twelve-year run with the legendary rock group gave him unique insight into the delicate balance required when stepping into an established band’s legacy while maintaining one’s own artistic identity.
The comparison to his KISS years is particularly relevant when considering John 5’s current role in Mötley Crüe. YouTube sources revealed that John 5 officially replaced Mick Mars as the guitarist for Mötley Crüe in 2022. This followed Mars’s retirement from touring due to ongoing health struggles. The transition marked a significant moment for the band, as Mars had been a founding member and his distinctive guitar style had defined much of Mötley Crüe’s sound for decades.
Kulick’s observation about John 5’s ability to honor Mars’s signature riffs while injecting his own virtuoso style reflects the same challenge he faced during his KISS tenure. Guitar World noted that Kulick was known for his versatility and distinct style. This allowed him to contribute significantly to albums like Asylum, Crazy Nights, and Hot in the Shade without imitating previous KISS guitarists. This experience gives his assessment of John 5’s performance added credibility and depth.
The five-star review from a guitarist of Kulick’s caliber underscores the successful integration of John 5 into Mötley Crüe’s lineup. His praise for the band’s ability to maintain precision and power while adapting to lineup changes suggests that the Crüe has successfully navigated one of rock music’s most challenging transitions—replacing a founding member while preserving the essence of what made the band legendary.
