Mötley Crüe’s founder guitarist Mick Mars’ retirement — or removal, depending on who you ask — set off a chain reaction. Rob Zombie guitarist John 5, who had been rumored to take over Mars’ role, was soon announced to take his place, and the Crüe soon took to the studio and live stages with their new axeman.
Until now, we didn’t know how Rob Zombie felt about his trusty guitarist of 17 years turning to another full-time gig.In a new interview with SiriusXM Eddie Trank’s Land of TlanJohn 5 thinks back to the moment he broke the news to Zombie, who, though silent, understood.
“We never said anything negative between us,” John 5 said of his relationship with Rob Zombie (courtesy of long tongue). “He’s a good friend of mine and we’ve been making great music and performing live together for 17 years and we’ve never really had a problem. But I thought to myself, I was like, ‘Life is too short…I think experience life as much as possible.’ I was thinking about myself. I was like, ‘I want to do this for me, because I’m 51 (at the time)’… how many times have you had it later in life Open a new chapter in life on this scale?
The guitarist says he was initially approached by Nikki Sixx to join Mötley Crüe for the band’s current touring obligations and he jumped at the opportunity immediately. But “the hard part was telling Rob.”
“I talked to Rob and he got it,” John 5 added. “Rob is a smart, rational guy. I mean, he’s not thrilled, but he gets it. I think he’s amazing. He’s just, like, ‘go get’ ’em. He’s fine with it. Then ( Zombie) got (Mike) Riggs and I think he’s a great addition. When Rob was making his early solo records, he was the guy he used and I think it’s a great addition. They kick ass.
He continued: “I told Rob before the media published it. But I agreed with Nicky. Then I called Rob and I said, ‘This is what’s happening. We did a show together, Louder Than Life, That was my last show (with Rob) in Kentucky. … But it wasn’t bad blood or anything; it wasn’t bad; it wasn’t dramatic or anything. Rob was super cool. He was like , ‘Hey, I get it. He’s cool about it.”
Despite being friends, John 5 revealed he hasn’t been in touch with Zombie since leaving Zombie’s band, saying: “I miss talking to him and texting him. I’m more concerned about him not texting me back or not replying. I think that’s going to really break my heart. That’s it. I think I’m going to be really upset about it.”
Mötley Crüe are the latest John 5 to enter the studio and will resume their 2023 world tour with Def Leppard later this month.Tickets are available here.
Meanwhile, Rob Zombie will embark on a North American summer tour co-leading with Alice Cooper and supporting acts Ministry and Filter.You can pick up tickets for those dates here.