Rob Zombie took the stage at Aftershock Festival 2022 with original guitarist Mike Riggs instead of John 5. Zombie addressed the crowd, saying Riggs had returned "after a 20-year absence" and didn't mentioned what was going on with John 5. Of course later we found out that John 5 had joined Mötley Crüe, though neither artist ever issued a statement on their split.
Then finally in a recent interview with Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk (as captured by Blabbermouth), John 5 addressed the split and how Rob Zombie handled the whole thing. Long story short, he wasn't thrilled about losing his guitarist, but understood and was supportive. "I talked to Rob, and he understood. Rob is a smart, rational person. I mean, he wasn't psyched, but he understood," said John 5. "And I think that was amazing of him. And he was just, like, 'Go get 'em.' He was fine about it. And then they got [Mike] Riggs, who I think is a great addition. That's who he was using when Rob did the early solo records, and I think it's a great addition. And they're kicking ass."
John 5 said he agreed to join Mötley Crüe in a conversation with Nikki Sixx prior to telling Rob Zombie, and only said something before it got out into the press.
"I told Rob before it got out in the press. But I agreed to Nikki. And I called Rob and I said, 'This is what's happening.' And we did a show, Louder Than Life, together, and that was my last show [with Rob] in Kentucky. And then they got Riggs and were rehearsing with him and did the Aftershock show. And then it was announced — my time frame is not great, but then I believe it was announced a little bit after that. But it was no bad blood or anything; it wasn't anything bad; it wasn't dramatic or anything. And Rob was super cool. He was, like, 'Hey, I get it.' He was cool about it."
As for their relationship now, John 5 said he hasn't spoken with Rob Zombie, but hopes they're cool.
"To be honest, I haven't, and I miss talking with him and texting with him. I'm more worried about him not texting me back or not replying. I think that would really break my heart. That's the thing. I think I'd be really bummed out about that. But I haven't. To answer your question, no, I haven't."
