In a new interview Ultimate Guitar, ax master John 5 talked optimistically about the potential for rock music in the coming future. John 5 has been holding it down for years as Rob Zombie's guitarist, as well as several of his own solo LPs. But in this interview with UG, John 5 mapped out a progression that he would like to see happen in the scene, something he believes will offer a much-needed reinvigoration of the sound.
Making an analogy, John 5 said, "It's just like an automobile; you will push the limits and try to make something better. Now we have a car that can drive itself…. It's kind of the same thing with guitar playing, there's so many new techniques that are out there that I am obsessed with, and I love to learn. I am just so attracted to anything that is inspiring… When I find that stuff, I'll sit down, and I will learn it, because that's what makes me happy. It just stimulates my brain and gets me excited."
John 5 added that, "I put something on my Instagram just a couple days ago, of a new little technique. I do that for the same reason I think other people do, it's not to say, 'Hey, look at how cool this is' but to hopefully inspire somebody or to inspire some kid who is the next Eddie Van Halen that will change the world, because they're out there. But if everybody just goes, 'Eh, I'm good enough…' No, there has to be a new epiphany out there, there has to be a new changing of the guard, there has to be a new guitar player, bass player, drummer, singer, that will change everything.
"I pray that happens because we need it. We need it. What is the last new band out there that is just changing everything? There are a couple out there… there's Greta Van Fleet and Ghost, and things like that. But think about back in the day, there were zillions of them. There were so many new bands that were filling arenas all the time. So we just really, really need it. And that's why I get on Instagram and play, and hopefully some kid will pick it up and be the next Eddie Van Halen, or the next Steve Vai or the next Paul McCartney or something like that." [via MetalSucks]
John 5 released his most recent LP, Sinner, in 2021. Currently you can find him out on the road with Rob Zombie, with special guests Mudvayne, Static-X, and Powerman 5000 in tow. The remaining dates can be found below.
8/12 – Irvine, CA – FivePoint Amphitheatre [Tickets]
8/13 – Las Vegas, NV – Michelob ULTRA Arena [Tickets]
8/14 – Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre [Tickets]
8/16 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater [Tickets]
8/18 – Del Valle, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheater [Tickets]
8/20 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena [Tickets]
8/21 – The Woodlands, TX – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion [Tickets]
