There comes a time when musicians decide to turn the page to write another story. Mötley Crüe had announced that Mick Mars wouldn’t be a part of their touring this year, and more recently, the news surfaced that John 5 was the lucky one to fill his place. Everyone had a lot to say about this transition into a new era, including Ryan Roxie, who is also gearing up to hit the road with Crüe.
“John 5 is one of those guitar players who could join any band and get it done,” shared Roxie to Guitar World. “I know that John 5 will take the opportunity of being able to play the classic Mötley Crüe songs night after night in a stadium setting and make the most of it. I think he will also pay homage to Mick Mars and approach the songs with the utmost respect to Mick.”
The guitarist added, “All anyone has to do is look at John’s history and see all the different people he’s played with and styles he’s done, and you’ll see he can handle it. I think he will uphold the legacy of the songs but also add his flavor when it’s his time to shine. But I think, for the most part, he’s not going to mess with anything; he’s going to make Mötley Crüe sound like Mötley Crüe.”
Mars has been struggling with ankylosing spondylitis for many years. The years of touring haven’t been good for the guitarist, as the disease affected his movement and resulted in scoliosis. Finally, it reached its peak, where he couldn’t continue the road life with the band. Roxie explained, “Fans want the band to be the best version possible. So, if Mick can’t do it for health reasons, I am sure John 5 will give the fans what we want. I don’t think anyone will forget Mick Mars, but I believe John 5 will provide a great show.”
The musician also noted, “Everyone knows how great Mick Mars is and how much he’s contributed to the legacy of rock; that’s a given. But if Mick can’t perform at the level he feels needed to represent Mötley Crüe, then I’m sure John 5 will give fans the best version of Mötley he can. And if he doesn’t, I’ll let him know! But I won’t need to; I am sure that John has got this.”
It seems like John 5 is ready to take on the challenge while also honoring the legacy Mars created for Mötley Crüe fans. Roxie is confident that he will give it his all to make the fans proud. Change is never easy, especially when it’s rooted in the music the band created. Yet, John 5 will surely bring his own dynamic energy and virtuosic guitar skills to the band’s shows.
