John 5 Sets the Record Straight on Motley Crue Allegations

Motley Crue guitarist John 5 is responding to claims he's using backing tracks during his performances. John 5 joined Motley Crue after Mick Mars retired from touring.
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[@mscar7609]

John 1, 2, 3, and 4 may need a backing track. John 5 does not need a backing track.

[@davieslocker86]

@@mscar7609 it’s not about him “needing” it, it’s about joining a well oiled machine that’s already been back tracking you can’t add a live guitar to the mix and think it’s gonna sound the same as your pre planned production

[@juandeaux4115]

Coming across the Texas border to take his job, Juan 6

[@jk-76]

John 5 doens't owe anyone an explanation. He is a class act.

[@6XXBANSHEEXX8]

I agree! John 5 is a stand up dude and talented af! However, I am on Mick's side as far as the rest of the 3 assholes go.

[@TKID-17105]

He might not "owe" anyone an explanation, but the video makes it look like the band can't carry their own bodyweight, never mind the actual songs.

[@shawkes6775]

PREACH!

[@jackypapp6785]

Correct.

[@alexlief2072]

You're correct that John5 owes no explanation. However I think it's a fantastic idea John5 videoed his response so casually​@@6XXBANSHEEXX8

[@gwyn8372]

John 5 can play his and everyone's parts at the same time on guitar if he wanted to, the man does not need backing tracks. Backing tracks would need him.

[@MarkKramKarmVI]

Right?

[@djjazzyjeff1232]

Correct, but Motley Crue definitely does using tracks. Absolutely.

[@stumpsulcatatortoise]

@@djjazzyjeff1232 if only for automated lighting cues and video it is necessary.

[@djjazzyjeff1232]

@@stumpsulcatatortoise No lol, I'm talking about the bass parts and backing vocals being canned, they're not live. Neither is the piano on home sweet home. That's tracked also.

[@TheHookBoy]

John5 is a guitar freak and there’s no way he’d ever use backing tracks. He might be clean laced, but that guitar is his drug. Dude does interviews and his fingers are still playing an invisible guitar. Dumbest accusation I’ve ever heard.

[@davieslocker86]

Money is a hell of a drug! Motley Crue sure does have a lot of it to pay a guy to play guitar for them and sign a contract to deny all claims so it doesn’t sound different than Tommy’s tracked drums 😂🤷‍♂️

[@TheHookBoy]

@@davieslocker86 I don’t like Motley Crue, I’ve never liked them, and I wish they’d hang their boots up so John could do something better with his time because their performances are embarrassing. Yes, this is a dream of his, but they are so below him. I highly respect the man, I don’t have to like the band he’s in. My girl went and saw them before John joined and it was one of the worst shows she’s ever seen.

[@davieslocker86]

@@TheHookBoy me neither! Shout at the devil was cool when I was 5 but John 5 is a total legend I know he doesn’t “need” to play back tracks but it’s totally not outta the realm of possibility

[@joshbain]

@@TheHookBoy so get off this thread. Just spreading hate. Wow what a cool person you are. Why are you here?

[@theshapeexists]

​@@joshbain he's here cuz he likes john5 and knows he's above Crue

[@leddygee1896]

I HIGHLY doubt John 5 is doing this. Far too classy for that. On the other hand, I wouldn't put it past Nikki, Tommy & Vince!! Posers...

[@jamesquattro5214]

And far too easy for him just to play his parts. Stellar guitar player.

[@lenaaustin6692]

Lol. John 5 he's notley motley. He can play with anyone. 😂

[@joshbain]

You really think Nikki can’t play? Or Tommy? Vince had lost it….we all know that, but come on.

[@MichaelHemotoxin]

3:57 "Alright kids!"

[@bandit217]

No way Vince is miming. No one would mime sounding that bad

[@haydn1984]

Insane Guitarist.

[@Seven7Pain1]

John 5 would never use backing tracks he's freaking too good for that

[@kitkat88]

My thoughts exactly.

[@psychotictactoe]

But the rest of them would.

[@Chris-derf5]

and because the rest do, John5 has to in order to keep everything in sync ​@@psychotictactoe

[@nunyafunyuns]

That's what I say. When you're as good as him you have a certain amount of pride about your playing. Backing tracks? I don't think so.

[@brianpark492]

Money Talks BS walks.​@@nunyafunyuns

[@mac24seven]

Yeah, I can see the other members of MC using backing tracks. But John 5? Heck no.

[@horror-core]

I honestly can't believe he joined the band. He must have been offered a hell of a lot of money. To join a band who doesn't like each other. Has been bribed to tour. Who didn't even write their comeback song for the tour they were talked into doing back then. Tommy wouldn't even show up to practice. Vince Neil is well past his prime, and it's time to hang it up, Nikki barely plays live, and god knows what Tommy is doing. In the middle of lawsuits at that. That's like walking into a tornado with a dumpster on fire swirling around, and you have to watch all angles to make sure you duck.

[@HatredPrime]

You are assuming modern musicians are Rich. Ask Devin Townsend.

[@fluidalchemist68]

John 5 IS the backing track the world should play to.

[@aricpaul]

I think it’s so funny that the one guy that likely no one doubts is playing for real is the guy that parades out and says I’m not using back tracks.

[@TheNiteinjail]

And he replaced the last guy no one doubts he was playing

[@randyconley8080]

Exactly!! Both of these comments

[@Doom-Head]

I saw this man live and up close at HorrorHound in Indianapolis, and watched him play like 15 different guitars in ONE set….he is not using backing tracks for fucks sake 😂😂😂

[@James-CreekSquad-Jones]

The whole darn band he plays with does though.

[@ilaser4064]

If you can play one guitar, you can play 100. Are you impressed when people that know how to drive get into a car they never driven, yet somehow know how to drive it? 🙄

[@marvinmartin3438]

Dude, is it true Vince Meal eats all the backstage food before the rest of the band can get to it? Asking for a friend

[@dldissolving2005]

Vince Meal 😂😂😂

[@dacechasinghawk3910]

I heard he eats all the skin from the fried chicken and just the skin and leaves what's left? Not sure if it's true?

[@peteparker708]

Now THAT is funny as hell.

[@rockrane1]

​@@dldissolving2005🤣🤘

[@AmongSaints]

He's a legend, he got over weight, he also lost a daughter. What have you done with your life?

[@gusgiesel]

Hammer-ons and pull-offs are some of the best tricks to make extended sessions much easier, with less fatigue.

[@djjazzyjeff1232]

100%, especially live. People think that "oh X guitar player is AMAZING he only alternate picks blah blah" they're just pure BS. NOBODY does that. Paul Gilbert showed one time how you sneak in a cheeky hammer every 4 notes or so to just give your hand a quick break.

[@dimebagdave77]

Cant see any possible reason John F'n 5 would need a back track..

[@MrSongwriter2]

Backing tracks need John 5 😂

[@djjazzyjeff1232]

@@MrSongwriter2 They do, they're named Motley Crue

[@spuddoright1970]

I can't believe John 5 would even play with this version of Motley Crue.

[@jconner3891]

Hired hand. That’s what they do.

[@yesmaybe3791]

Nikki could write a bigger check for John than Rob could.

[@robeddy3722]

Actual John 5 content starts at 2:25. You're welcome.

[@TheBonusHoles]

Not a fan of Motley Crue, but I saw John 5 with Rob Zombie when he was touring with Marilyn Manson a few years ago and he is unquestionably an awesome guitarist. That being said, who cares if he were to use backing tracks? What of it? As long as it's not done in a fraudulent manner, that is all that matters. If he were to mime his playing to a track, that would be fraudulent, but great guitarists make use of loop pedals all the time so they can layer parts over each other in a live setting without the need for a second guitarist. As a guitarist, I respect the skill of being able to record loops live. I can't even do that. If I want to layer something, I have the parts I'm not playing live already saved on an SD card in my loop pedal. Already got too many pedals and vocals to worry about without also having to worry about getting a part exactly right and hitting the pedal at the exact right moments to make it sound right and in time. Backing tracks are not necessarily a bad thing. Just don't use them to trick your audience.

[@notsure1135]

It’s its own skill.

[@dragnasty540]

John 5 is such an amazing guitar player, he doesnt need backing tracks nor would he ever do that!!!

[@Bearlyontime]

First! John 5 is Da Man 👊🏾 Thanks for the update!

[@RockFeed]

Thanks for tuning in! I greatly appreciate yall!

[@KJ-nl4ei]

If there’s one dude on the planet that doesn’t need any help it’s John.

[@ScottRHudd]

I don’t know a lot about John 5 but this was a great response. Seems like a cool dude.

[@mojodojo5533]

He's totally laid back. He's a fan at heart.

[@Snikks89]

John 5 is an amazing guitar player, it's kinda funny people think he uses backing tracks. When you listen and watch guitar gods ( satriani, Vai, malmsteen, mcalpine list goes on) they do all sorts of crazy tricks that leave you scratching your head. That's the enjoyment of it, learning how its done and improving your own guitar skills.

[@spooktatorbob4867]

I am a musician and I saw John 5 with Rob Zombie on the 2010 Mayhem Festival in Cincinnati and, trust me, John 5 is a beast of a guitarist and he was not faking anything in any way. He absolutely shredded. Amazing musician; truly.

[@Mognam]

He can play for sure, but look at all the footage. He had a rhythm backing track going while he plays lead breaks with Motley Crue. They did this also when Mick Mars played with them. This is not unusual for a band with just one guitarists. It's not cheating, it's just filling out the sound. Just the same as Falling in Reverse using backing tracks.

[@Barlow88]

It’s a major compliment to be so good at playing the guitar that people don’t even believe it to be true lmao

[@jesseparrish9198]

John is the one playing to the backing tracks.

[@floydsemlow8253]

Your hairless cat comment, meant more to me than the whole video of John 5😂

[@BATMAN7666]

I watched him once on That Metal Show go full on Liquid Metal with his guitar. NO WAY is he using backing tracks!

[@ballstadt]

Who cares? Motley Crue is over.

[@evenzeroescanbeheroes6875]

When are we going to get a more affordable version of that tele? I've been wanting one forever

[@OD138]

I don't think people are talking about his pull offs and hammer ons or that John 5 isn't playing live.....but Motley does have a bunch of backing tracks being pumped in.

[@novakvideoproductions]

I saw him play on his birthday one year. He blew the roof off.

[@aarons.8532]

I saw his solo show in march and did a quick meet and greet after. Phenomenal musician and a really nice person.

[@thievingpanda]

Nobody can replace Mick Mars.

[@thepainfulreality]

Mick mars truthfully wishes he had 1/10th the talent on guitar that John 5 does

[@thievingpanda]

@@thepainfulreality If you named John 5's three best selling songs ever, that he wrote all the guitar parts to, nobody here would recognize them. If you did the same for Mick Mars, most people even slightly familiar with rock music can name Motley Crue's hits Mick Mars played on.

[@thepainfulreality]

@@thievingpanda and at the same time how much writing did mick actually really do ? Nobody knows the 100% truth on it but if u say how many hits he played on I’ll give u that one

[@thievingpanda]

@@thepainfulreality I believe all guitar parts on all Motley Crue material that came out before his departure, with the exception of some Crosby parts in the 90s were Mick Mars. Mick has written some truly memorable riffs that are instantly recognizable.

[@thepainfulreality]

@@thievingpanda I remember growing up Hearing that Nikki sixx was primary writer on all The songs but who knows but ya I remember hearing that growing up

[@comfortablynumb9342]

It's possible that the Crüe has some rhythm guitar backing tracks for solos. But he doesn't need any help with solos.

[@brentdavis435]

That's about as humble, easy going and matter of fact as it gets! Solid dude and a legendary guitar player hands down

[@WILD__THINGS]

As a non-guitar player, I just had my mind blown!

[@peaner083]

Haha he blows even us guitarists minds, even the pros I imagine 🤘 Absolute legend!

[@WILD__THINGS]

@peaner083 Did I use the wrong term? Is it "guitarist", not "guitar player"?

[@peaner083]

@@WILD__THINGS Um nah...both mean the same thing

[@JeremyDeWallMusic]

@@peaner083 Not mind blowing in this particular clip that's just pure stand issue guitar playing.

[@JeremyDeWallMusic]

@@WILD__THINGS It's funny, it's one of those things that most real deal music guys say "guitar player" it's kind of a dead giveaway if someone says guitarist, that they're not a musician. Similar to how guys who make racecars go real fast, they all call the engine the "motor." And if you see someone referring it as the 'engine,' they're probably not legit! Don't ask me why lol but that's the way it is.

[@vonclod123]

Old Motley Crue was fun, new Crue..naw. Love John 5!! he has nothing to explain, he's as real as it gets!!

[@cms1381]

No question J5 plays live. I'm a former road tech and arena stage and lighting hand. Worked many Crue and other shows. Tracks and click tracks became far more common starting in the 90's. I know for a fact Mars played back in the day, and Tommy played too. Tommy's misses and mistakes were obvious. I saw it back stage and from overhead a lot. Vince always stunk live and well Nikki... goes without saying he needed help.

[@NightOwlEd]

Who tf are making these allegations, and on John 5 of all people cuh 😂

[@EjSinner13]

Motley haters.

[@GillRockatansky]

But how is he still playing the rhythm part while he's soloing? Because he is playing live and using a backing track.

[@blankwavemessiah]

He’s my favorite gtrist. My first tattoo ever was the devil knows my name ouija 5 pick. And just a few years ago he played downtown hobart Indiana a mere 2 BLOCKS from MY APARTMENT!!!! Imagine how legendary it was for me to walk out the back door and see one of the people I look up to shred? That theater was also where I premiered my skate videos at, and my brother in law who passed opened for Doyle at. Just had to share. Amazing shit

[@williammartinez1751]

I wise dude once said "When a man loves cats, I am his friend and comrade, without further introduction."

[@dananthony6258]

I was cranking wild side when It came on the radio the other day. I thought of trying to play that riff. Now I see what he’s doing. Very cool.

[@Andrew-bf2oj]

If John is on backing tracks the world is a simulation. This guy is one of the best guitarists out there.

[@samcrorie]

Ever since i saw your interview with him I've been a fan. I was so impressed with not only his musical ability but he seems like such a humble and genuinely nice guy. He made trolls and haters look like dumbasses in the most polite yet informative way possible. 👍🤘

[@thomascoker3600]

dude you dont have to explain yourself to anybody your one of the best

[@goawwy]

He's the best guitar player on the planet this guy rocks. How dare they accuse him of that

[@notsure1135]

He can play all of those songs in his sleep, better than all the original members. What he can’t do, is write a song as appealing, but he really doesn’t need to. Love his playing.

[@jeremytee2919]

I’d like to thank all the children. For inciting yet another epic free and personal John 5 performance. He gets plenty of cred, But nearly enough.

[@timothycornell3032]

I saw John 5 in Rochester N.Y. in 2019 Hes GREAT!

[@crisprtalk6963]

I dont know if JOhn does but the band HAS used them in the past, and probably now too!

[@ilaser4064]

Played guitar for 30+ years, 3:34 listen to the strum noise, now listen to him explain musicians know this later 3:50 no strum noise... MAGIC And yeah the hammer on/pull offs are easy, as is not needing to look at your fretboard.

[@evanDeeMT]

People think J5 needs a backing track?! Dude knows every note to ever exist

[@marcblum5348]

Here the thing: John 5 is such a virtuoso, his hammer-ons and pull-offs come across so tight, so in time, with such good tone and with minimal noise from unwanted strings, most guitarists will have a hard time playing even simple parts that good. They cannot accept that he knows his craft.

[@ryanpekarchuk4078]

Saw John play in Hollywood years ago, then ran into him at a Richie Kotzen gig, cool guy, totally down to earth, funny and a huge music fan oh and one hell of a guitar player also...literally one of the best players around right now

[@gregoryh9442]

I was fortunate enough to play bass for John on his Art Of Malice album. He can play anything. Period.

[@chelrob2]

John 5 and Buckethead should form a band and jam to prerecorded drum tracks at children's birthday parties

[@mikebodak6808]

John 5 is amazing. The hairless cat seals it.

[@Seven7Pain1]

John 5 and the creatures Zoinks is a crazy song the guitar is amazing

[@drittz5470]

I have played for 40 plus years. This Bro here is Legit🤙

[@guitarzan73]

Conveniently,he didn't demonstrate the part in question.

[@juanvaldez5422]

John 5 stopped using effects pedals (delay ) because he thought it was “cheating” .. dudes a bad azz , I promise , this dude does NOT need any stinking backing track

[@flazjsg]

He is absolutely using a backing track. Watch Mike on the "art of guitar" channel's video on this. As soon as John 5 takes a solo, you can hear a rhythm guitar playing in the background. It's not the same thing that the original video alleges, but technically they are using backing tracks.

[@danielserin1862]

Where is the part where John shows how he plays the solo and rhythm guitar part at the same time? If you notice the rhythm guitar part continues while he is doing the solo.

[@RobertCatiller67]

John 5 and Wolfgang Van Halen are great examples of class, talent, humility and social media done right. They can shut down trolls with little effort often simply with action instead of words.

[@guitarchimedes9264]

And even if you are not a fan of john 5, he is extremely talented and clean while playing. Also unique and inventive.

[@susanrednour1605]

John 5 would NEVER NEED backing tracks!! I've saw him twice with Zombie as well as his live videos... that's just absurd! I ❤❤❤ John 5!!

[@djjazzyjeff1232]

They're DEFINITELY using tracks, does anyone dispute that anymore?

[@guitarchimedes9264]

I saw them live recently. Bassist does have backing tracks. John 5 did not! But the bass was quite obvious.

[@roscoepcoltrane23]

Much preferred Corabi in the band. John 5 ain’t faking.

[@jouhannaudjeanfrancois891]

i do not have John5 swag, talent, success, assymetrical hands or anything BUT we share an eternal love affair with the Telecaster

[@horror-core]

Just glancing at the thumbnail picture i thought that was that country guy Brad Paisley.

[@ShnarfKat]

is telly the cat or the guitar ? I know the guitar is a tele but what is the cats name

[@drowningin]

John 5 is the guy they call to record those backing tracks

[@WeSRT4]

Motley Crue is one of those bands that should not have come back. They have done themselves no favors.

[@blaness13]

Rob Zombie has talk about how much of a insane player he is, to the point where he refused to even use effects while playing live, and opted for adding the trails of delay by himself by actually playing them instead of using a effect unit.

[@oldfriend327]

I have seen Motley Crue in concert five times total and could easily see them five more. One of my biggest concert regrets is not having seen them not only more, but in the 80's and early 90's. They have a God like intangible quality in concert that never gets old. As much as I miss Mick so bad, John 5 is the perfect fit. He really is. When I saw MC live at the Hollywood Palladium in late 2008/early 2009 time period, there is no way they had backing tracks. I heard and saw Nikki's playing and was totally blown away by his bass playing alone. Vince was in great shape and Tommy's drums, laser precise and saturated with heavy groove. Mick's playing, God like on the guitar. Now as far as in the last five years, I don't know about the backing track thing and if they are using backing tracks, not sure if the band members are also playing live along with it.

[@zedcarr6128]

There isn't a backing track good enough to match the virtuosity of John 5. He's a phenomenal musician..............PERIOD!

[@gustavofogaca6558]

Ive seen the Crüe live last year in São Paulo, and John is just too damn good to need a backing rack

[@QuestionTheAnswers]

Funny, John 5 being accused of doing ANYTHING besides utterly EVICERATING whatever the hell he wants to shred at,..is insane. Great video, and John 5 rocks. Always will!!

[@christianmejia4839]

🤣John 5 using backing tracks is too funny. He is a one of a kind guitar player.. Awesome response from him. 🎸

[@rocktorrocks]

Nice to know, even after Mick the guitarist in the band is still my favorite member of Motley Crue.

[@bobklein7366]

I bet John 5’s cat could play the riff too

[@sinisterskeletonandfriends2398]

Clearly using a backing track in this video.

[@electricbone3284]

John 5 is a class act. I think Motley Crue made a wise choice choosing him to replace Mick. I’m really excited to see the Crue live with John in the lineup. I’m a fan since the 80’s and it’s awesome they are still playing and creating new music.

[@Nut-ml5wc]

Yeah, I couldn't imagine him NOT playing live. Was listening to 2wo tonight

[@aceintheplacelondonc354]

One of the best in the business schooling those that don't know. Pure class Why would somebody who appreciates his instrument so much and the art form play to a backing track.

[@joseteem8032]

Father 5 loves music to his core may you continue to bless us with your music fan forever telle forever

[@sinakaedwards2009]

John 5 love him or hate him, he is one of the most fluid musicians ever. This makes him appear to do great things without trying thus everything looks easy.

[@justfine77777]

John 5 is one of the best guitar players alive, and he’s a serious class act. I think of the movie Crossroads, where Ralph Machio has to play against Steve Vai for his soul. If you go to hell, and you have to play against John 5 for your soul, just drop your guitar, and get used to the heat. 👹🔥

[@grogu1986]

Bruh he’s deadass one of the best and most authentic guitarists on the planet, and a lovely guy. Incredibly embarrassing and insulting to accuse him of anything!

[@Curiouz0ne]

love them

[@tizombie]

I’ve seen John 5 when he was with Rob Zombie several times and there is NO WAY he doesn’t play live. He IS a guitar GOD!

[@MrGuy-vy8rw]

Real or not he does a great job miming to a backing track if so…if not then he is just a great guitarist that can do it all.

[@cerebrix]

John5 also has the most impressive collection of Telecasters in the world. Full Stop. Fender literally borrows historical pieces from him for display at the factory. Dudes one of the baddest players on the planet. Easily top 20 alive right now. Anyone that says otherwise doesn't know shit about guitar.

[@donut_lyfe]

Backing tracks are extremely common in majority of live act these days. It’s not a big deal. It’s not like they can’t play their own songs. It just helps a consistent sound throughout the tour. That being said, John 5 is the man!

[@intoit1074]

I disagree- I think backing tracks are a big deal. I want to hear the band play not a pre-recorded version of them lip-syncing it. Foo fighters don’t use them, Metallica doesn’t, lots of bands still play LIVE.

[@Psykostatik]

John 5 could play this shit in his sleep and probably does 😂.

[@travisjgood02]

I want that tele!

[@StoneXue]

John 5 is so good people doubting him are just not clued into life. I could freeze my aging and practice for the next 50 years and I will still never be near his level he is just that good.