John 5

John 5

By: Bri Rodriguez

“I think what stands out about Sinner is that I had so much time to really focus on the songwriting,” explained ‘Tele Master’ John 5 during a recent interview with Rival Magazine about his latest solo album. “Everything about the record — I just had tons of time. And it really paid off. We went over the songs and rewrote them a number of times and it really helped. You really think you’re putting in a lot of time when you’re doing a record under normal circumstances, but when you’re in quarantine, it’s a whole other level.”

John 5 [real name John William Lowery] is a living legend in the world of rock and metal, most notably known as the lead guitarist in Rob Zombie’s current lineup. Throughout his music career, he has built up a compelling resume with such diverse acts as Marilyn Manson, David Lee Roth, 2wo, Rob Halford, and Alice Cooper. The guitar virtuoso has also cultivated a successful solo career.

On his tenth solo instrumental record, Sinner, John and his band The Creatures — featuring bassist Ian Ross and drummer Logan Miles Nix — showcase an ambitious range of compositions that venture the conduits of metal, classic rock, funk, bluegrass, EDM, country and western. Sinner consists of ten electrifying tracks, which include creative collabs with Megadeath’s Dave Mustaine, Butcher Baby’s Carla Harvey, and founding KISS drummer Peter

Criss, valuable attributes that strengthen the overall diversity of the album. This compilation is pure John 5 — every note played bleeds with unfaltering honesty, authenticity, and passion. The psychedelic cover art is credited to artist Jeff Wood. An album cover had already been set in place for Sinner, but the art direction quickly changed when J5 discovered Wood’s work and found his style very befitting for the new record.

John 5 cites “Land Of The Misfit Toys” as one of his favorite tracks off the record: “It’s an epic kind of song in my eyes. It’s one of those songs that you start recording, but you don’t really know how it’s going to turn out. And it just kind of comes together on its own. And it’s such a journey. I really love it. I’m very proud of it.”

“How High The Moon” is a Les Paul and Mary Ford cover and another track that is very special for John: “I got a chance to play with Les Paul in New York. That song is so much fun to play. I’m very happy with those songs, but I love all of them, to be honest.”

There is an intricate beauty in finding inspiration. John shared that just the other night, as he was winding down for bed, an idea came to mind and he immediately recorded it on his phone:

“We’ll see if that will make the next record. You never know what’s going to happen or when inspiration will strike. That’s why I think inspiration is one of the most important things because it could change your life forever, especially when you’re a kid. You could hear something or see something that will stick with you forever.”

Most of the material that comprises Sinner is instrumental, however it is the distinctive vocal hooks scattered throughout the tracklisting that spellbinds with their beautiful incantations. The fourth track on Sinner vividly illustrates this point: “Que Pasa” is funky, infectious, and jubilant - an ideal match for the iconic Megadeath frontman.

J5 breaks down his experience of working alongside each of the album’s musical guests and expresses his immense gratitude for this chance to work together:

“Working with these great artists — you never know what it’s going to turn out like, and you never know how the artist is going to react, if they’re going to want to do the song or not. I reached out to Dave Mustaine’s assistant and he said he would show him the song. Dave really liked it. That was the one I was most surprised about. It was a pleasant surprise and I was very excited about the opportunity to work with him. His performance was just stellar.

I’m very close with Peter Criss. He loves jazz music, so when he heard the track [Georgia On My Mind], he was really excited. He only played it like two times. That was it. It was just perfect. I’m so honored. I love Peter so much.

With Carla Harvey, I’m very good friends with Charlie Benante of Anthrax, her boyfriend, and I thought she was just perfect for the track. She nailed it. I’m very happy and thankful for all of them.”

The guitar maestro shared details of his ‘dream-like childhood’ in Michigan, where he lived on the lake with his family and discovered his passion for music in his early youth. At the age of seven, he enrolled in guitar lessons at Fiddler’s Music and received instruction from a brilliant teacher named Chuck Miller, who innately shaped John’s love for music and his future.

Growing up, John attended concerts and played gigs. He didn’t drink or smoke and he’s never had any interest in drugs. This lifestyle granted him much freedom since his parents were very trusting of him. John’s earliest musical influences were television series, such as The Monkees, Happy Day, and Hee Haw.

“My sisters had tons of records - Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, Cream, etc. They had everything. So I had access to a huge record collection that they owned, and they were very kind to let me listen. But I remember getting the very first Van Halen record when it came out. That was a huge moment for me. I remember getting KISS Love Gun - that blew my mind and started my life-long obsession with all things KISS. I loved my vinyl and I still do this day.”

Music runs through John’s blood; this is evident with the enduring presence of his guitar — they are truly inseparable. A career in music was always the plan in his life, but stardom was never a goal or desire that crossed his mind. The only dream he sought to

achieve was the chance to pursue his passion for music and play guitar everyday. He initially planned to pursue a career as a session musician:

“I wanted to be a session musician. I wanted to live at home, go to work, and then come back home. I wasn’t really into traveling. That wasn’t my dream in life when I was younger. I wanted to go and come home, even as a child. I understood the comfort of relaxation. It’s so strange. Any kid would be like, ‘I want to be a rock star and travel the world.’ But instead of that route, I kind of wanted that nine to five of being a session musician. I honestly don’t know what I would do if I wasn’t a musician.”

In the midst of touring and recording, John 5 has worked alongside many musicians across the music spectrum, including Sebastian Bach, Steve Perry, Rod Stewart, and Meat Loaf. In recent news, John 5 has joined forces with Rob Zombie, Nikki Sixx, and Tommy Clueftos, co-founding the new all-star band L.A. Rats, took part in the “State of Guitar in 2021” summit of Guitar World, and oversaw the public release of long-shelved studio recordings alongside David Lee Roth. Among all of his connections, Rob Zombie has probably had the most impact on him.

“I have played with a lot of artists that have influenced me beyond words, in business, health, and life. They’ve traveled these roads. And I’ve always looked at what they’ve done and listened in on meetings. Rob Zombie, I think has changed my life more than any of them - his business sense, his health sense, and his approach to life has been an enormous influence on me.” Before hitting the stage, John ensures that he’s always prepared as

“I’d say 99% of the time, I am not nervous before walking on stage because I’m so prepared and I know exactly what I’m doing. It’s the same thing as when you’re in school and you have to take a test. If you study, then you feel good about it. If you don’t, you’re nervous. My pre-show rituals are playing guitar, keeping my fingers very loose, and watching TV.”

John discusses his approach to staying physically and mentally healthy while balancing his time on the road, writing, and recording new music.

“Your physical and mental health couldn’t be more important. It could be everything; if you’re not mentally there, it’s just not going to work. And if you’re physically not there, it’s not going to work. I really think that food is the number one thing healthwise. In order to stay healthy, you have to eat right. You have to be disciplined. Luckily, I am not addicted to food. So if someone says, ‘Oh, well, you can’t eat this. You can only eat this,’ I would be like, ‘Oh, okay.’ It wouldn’t be a problem for me at all. I guess I’m lucky. Eating right helps your mental state. When your body is healthy, your mind is healthy.”

John acknowledges the pressures and obstacles he has faced as a musician: “There’s obstacles in anything, any job you have, any endeavors you have. There’s always obstacles. I think the biggest one for me is probably touring. Keeping musicians happy, keeping crew happy. It’s difficult out there. Sometimes it’s very hard. People get tired. People get sick. People miss their families. It’s not for the weak of heart.”

Whenever he finds himself in a rut, J5 says all he can do is wait. “It’s a hard thing to describe. But when you’re feeling uninspired, you just have to wait. Because it will come. That’s why I think the pressures of record companies or managers or anyone else like that saying, ‘We need this record by this time’ - it’s very frustrating because when you’re not on a time constraint, it’s much better. These ideas will come, but you can’t force them. Anybody can knock out an idea and hope that people will like it. But if it’s not up to your par, then you won’t feel great about it. And that’s why when you’re in a rut or uninspired, all you can do is wait.”

Besides being a technically versatile guitarist, John 5 also has a distinctive image. “I always thought image was very important. When you are making an album, doing photoshoots, and going out on stage, it’s just like if you showed up at your job. If you had an office role and you showed up in shorts or sweatpants, they would say, ‘You can’t dress like that here’ because there is a certain image you have to portray at the office job: a shirt, tie, nice pants and shoes. I approach music the same way. I think fashion is very important. You’re in the public eye. You have to maintain your image and looking good for yourself and for the fans.”

family and watching movies. However, his big passion is collecting vintage KISS merchandise - a hobby he first cultivated at the age of seven. It brings him much comfort. John also confided with Rival about his love for 40’s music, what he’s currently watching, and his passion for Universal Classic Monsters horror films.

“I love listening to 40’s music - the tone of the music, the tone of the voice - it’s like nothing I’ve ever heard. It’s unbelievable. Half of the songs are instrumental and they’re incredible music. I’m currently watching a movie called Lansky on Amazon Prime. It’s about a mobster. It’s really wonderful. After that, I’ll be catching up on my Dexter series on Showtime.

My favorite horror movies are the very early Universal Monster films: Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein, Ghost of Frankenstein, House of Frankenstein, Dracula, Dracula’s Daughter, Creature from the Black Lagoon, Revenge of the Creature, The Creature Walks Among Us, The Wolf Man, The Mummy, The Invisible Man. All of those early 30’s and 40’s Universal movies. I just love them.” I’m watching. I love skimming through Instagram or YouTube, looking for great musicians, especially guitar players that will influence me. Move to a city that is going to further your career. If you’re in a very small town, chances are there’s not many record companies or other musicians around so I would say move to Los Angeles, which is what I did. Stay safe and I’ll see you on the road soon.”

Sinner is out everywhere now via Big Machine Records.

Sinner tracklisting: “Welcome To The Island” “For I Have Sinned” “Euphoria (feat. Carla Harvey)” “Que Pasa (feat. Dave Mustaine)” “How High The Moon” “Creepshow” “Land Of The Misfit Toys” “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” “This Is How I Do It” “Georgia On My Mind (feat. Peter Criss)”

Near the end of Rival’s interview with John 5, he had some final, inspiring words he wanted to share with his fanbase and anyone who aspires to pursue music, but may feel discouraged on their journey. Keep chasing after those dreams. “Some encouraging advice for aspiring musicians: Get online. Get on YouTube. Get on Instagram. Get on Facebook. Show the world what you have. The world is watching.

Photographer: Heather Koepp

“I remember getting the very first Van Halen record when it came out. That was a huge moment for me. I remember getting KISS Love Gun - that blew my mind and started my life-long obsession with all things KISS. I loved my vinyl and I still do this day.”