Guitarist John 5 visited White Oak Music Hall on his tour with support from special guest Marty Friedman.
Hailing from Grosse Pointe Michigan, John 5 is a guitarist well known for playing with artists like Rob Zombie and Mötley Crüe. The guitar icon is notable not only due to his musical abilities, but for his appearance too. John 5 often wears face paint and makeup similar to popular rock artists such as Kiss and Alice Cooper. Additionally, his unique and unconventional guitars have gained him plenty of attention — his most notable being a telecaster with a clear body containing liquids that give the appearance of a lava lamp.
John 5 stopped by White Oak Music Hall in Houston on February 23 during his tour with support from Marty Friedman. As Marty Friedman took the stage, him and his band instantly blew the crowd away. Most known for his 10 year run as the guitarist for metal band Megadeth, Friedman’s music is heavy, loud and technical. Him and his band mates had remarkable energy on stage throughout their entire set. Every member performed solos, which proved each individual’s unmatched talent. Friedman was very personal and chatty with the audience, making for an intimate and memorable experience for all in attendance.
As John 5 began is performance, he was greeted by hundreds of cheering fans eager to see him play. Joined on stage by only his touring drummer, he played many long and complex tunes on several different guitars before finally greeting the audience after the first few songs. His performance remained entertaining and unpredictable throughout the night. He brought out different props including a light up mouthpiece, a toy laser gun and a blinding LED telecaster. He was even joined on stage by a crew member wearing a giant John 5-inspired mask during one of his songs.
The guitarist played a medley of several Mötley Crüe hits, as he joined the rock group back in 2022 following the departure of original guitarist Mick Mars. Aside from the Mötley Crüe covers, John 5 played many other notable covers such as “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” by Queen and “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” by Eurythmics, as well as many of his own original tracks. Pyrotechnic sparks flew as he completed his show with his song “Land of Misfit Toys”, which left the audience satisfied after watching his talent unfold before them for over an hour.
I’m a Houston based photographer who loves being around live music and all the creative people involved in the local music scene. I enjoy capturing performers and artists doing what they love and the essence of how live music makes people feel. When Im not behind the lens, I love trying new things and visiting new places.
