‘Mick’s Gonna Retire’: John 5 Speaks Up on What the First Mötley Crüe Rehearsal Was Like, Reveals How Much He Had to Practice…
When longtime guitarist Mick Mars officially announced his retirement from touring with Mötley Crüe in 2022, the news hit fans hard. Known for his gritty tone and dark, blues-driven riffs, Mars had been a defining presence in the band since its inception. His departure opened the door for virtuoso guitarist John 5, formerly of Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson, to step in. Now, John 5 is shedding light on what those early days with the band were really like—and just how much preparation it took to fill Mars’s legendary shoes.
In a recent interview, John 5 reflected on the moment he learned he’d be joining one of rock’s most iconic bands. “When I got the call that Mick was going to retire, I was honored, but I also knew I had a massive responsibility ahead of me,” he said. “These are songs people have lived with for decades. They know every note, every solo, every squeal.”
John 5 described the first rehearsal with Mötley Crüe as both thrilling and intimidating. “We got into the room, and there was this electricity in the air. Tommy, Nikki, Vince—they’ve been playing together for so long, and here I was, the new guy. But the second we kicked into ‘Live Wire,’ it just clicked.”
Despite being a seasoned guitarist with decades of professional experience, John 5 knew he had to approach the Mötley Crüe catalog with respect and precision. “I practiced every single day for hours—at least eight hours a day,” he revealed. “I wanted to honor Mick’s legacy. I wasn’t going to just throw my style on top of these iconic songs. I studied his playing, his phrasing, even the tone he used on each album.”
He went on to explain the depth of his preparation: “It wasn’t just about the solos or the riffs. It was about getting the feel right—the attitude. Songs like ‘Kickstart My Heart’ or ‘Dr. Feelgood’ have a certain swagger to them. That doesn’t come easy, even if you know the notes.”
John 5 also opened up about his admiration for Mars. “Mick’s playing is unique—he’s got that bluesy, almost haunting style. It’s not just technical ability, it’s emotion. That’s what I tried to channel.”
His dedication paid off. After weeks of intense rehearsals, the chemistry between the band members began to solidify. “We’d finish a song, and Nikki would look over and smile. That meant everything to me.”
Now fully integrated into the Mötley Crüe lineup, John 5 is not just replacing a legend—he’s carrying forward a legacy. “I’ll never be Mick, but I’ll always honor what he created. That’s my mission every night on stage.”
For fans worried about the future of the Crüe without Mars, John 5 offers reassurance: “Mötley Crüe isn’t slowing down. We’re just getting started on a new chapter, and I’m grateful to be part of it.”
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