John 5 Official Website » Interview

John 5 to appear on Oscar’s Guitar Shop this Friday live at 2pm PST

Emma — Thu, 09 May 2013 18:41:58 +0000

Tune in to Oscar’s Guitar Shop this Friday May 10th, live at 2pm PST at www.latalkradio.com and find out everything you ever wanted to know about solo artist and Rob Zombie guitarist John 5. We discuss his latest record, Rob Zombie, film scoring, and don’t miss this week’s Burning Question. To see how you can listen and more about the podcast available to download from iTunes after the show

Listen Live at: http://www.latalkradio.com/

The show can be downloaded the next day for free on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/oscars-guitar-shop/id592290314

Under the podcast section look for “Oscar’s Guitar Shop” and Subscribe to get the new show every week, plus download archived shows.

The show can also be downloaded from Stitcher.com, and is available for Apple, iPhone, iPad, Android and Kindle devices.

Find out about other guests on Oscar’s Guitar Shop by clicking “LIKE” on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oscarsguitarshop

http://www.oscarsguitarshop.com/

John 5 live with the Junkman on KNAC this Monday 22 April

Emma — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:37:52 +0000

John 5 will be joining the Junkman on KNAC this Monday 22 April a 4pm PST. John 5 will be talking about the new Rob Zombie album Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor which is out in the USA on April 23 (out today in the UK), as well as summer touring and more.

To find out more go to: http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=9431

John 5 Rising – Flashwounds interviews J5

Emma — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 17:09:19 +0000

Check out this interview from independent website Flashwounds, with John 5, where he talks about forthcoming albums, working with Rob Zombie and more, in a recent phone conversation.

To read the full interview

John 5 Rising By Craig Lindberg

What do you get when you cross Bela Lugosi with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart?

You get a twisted, dark genius of a musician known simply as John 5. The enigmatic guitarist who provides the shred behind the immortal Rob Zombie’s latest album Venomous Rat Regenerator Vendor (which hits stores on April 23rd ) shared his thoughts on the new album and on scoring Rob’s new film The Lords of Salem during a recent phone conversation.

“We are all very excited about the new album,” said John. “We tried some new things that all just felt…right. We are all best friends, which makes our writing process that much easier. When you’re on the same page with everyone else in the band it isn’t work, it’s a pleasure.”

Egos are in no short supply when it comes to musicians; even the mediocre or completely untalented ones can have an [unearned] air of arrogance about them, so it’s only natural to expect a bit of narcissism from an acclaimed virtuoso like John 5. Being known primarily as the guitarist for another musician ~ a hired gun, if you will ~ can be awkward for someone of such talent, but John not only acknowledges it sans ego, but also embraces it wholeheartedly.

“Rob is a super guy and great friend, we work very well together but at the end of the day it comes down to a mutual respect. He’s the boss, I understand that. My solo work allows me to shred the way I need to, playing the Zombie stuff is fun…it’s just good music and we all understand it’s about the music. This was a huge challenge for me,” he admitted. “It was like 10 times the intensity of writing a record. It took months and months as the timing is key to each scene. The music was very challenging and sometimes there was no key signature or time signature for this music, which is all orchestral and acoustic with the exception of one Death Metal song. You had to be able to follow the story and create emotions for each scene with the music.”

While the jury is still out on the success of the score, and while we’re forced to stifle our anticipation of the film’s release for another month, the rate at which the first single ~ “Dead City Radio and the New Gods of Supertown” ~ off the new record is climbing the rock chart makes it pretty safe to assume that the John 5/Rob Zombie collaborative will be rocking our world for some time to come…And that no creative medium is safe from this diabolical duo.

John 5 speaks to noisecreep about Scoring Rob Zombie’s ‘Lords of Salem’ Film, Working With Rod Stewart on His New Album

Emma — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 16:32:51 +0000

Noisecreep sat with John 5 recently to talk about a multitude of subjects, including scoring the forthcoming The Lords of Salem soundtrack for Rob Zombie, giving his time to the Rock Against MS benefit concert and working with Rod Stewart. To read the article

John 5 on Scoring Rob Zombie’s ‘Lords of Salem’ Film, Working With Rod Stewart on His New Album (INTERVIEW) by Allyson B. Crawford

When the new Rob Zombie flick Lords of Salem hits debuts April 19, theater-goers will get more than just a historic-horror flick. They’ll also enjoy a soundtrack carefully crafted by guitarist John 5 and Griffin Boyce. The soundtrack marks the first time John 5 has scored an entire film.

“I’ve done a lot of work, for things like Baywatch and I’m educated in all style of music, but this movie has so much music in it, it’s unbelievable,” John 5 tells Noisecreep. “There’s something like 62 cues. That’s a tremendous amount of music for a movie. It was like making four albums.”

The music is varied and sometimes, John 5 says he just needed to create a “mood” or atmosphere.” This meant getting creative and thinking outside the box.

“There’s a lot of violins, cellos, violas in soundtracks. I would take an acoustic guitar sometimes and use a violin bone to tune my guitar a different way to make it sound like a violin or a viola. I used very unorthodox methods to make it sound unique and cool. I’m so excited for people to experience this movie.”

John 5 put his music talents to work with Zombie to collaborate on the new album Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor.

“It took me a little while to learn that title!” laughs John 5. I’m so happy with the new record. It is something special and all the songs – I love it, love it, love it. It’s doing really well. There’s so many great songs on the record. The cover of “American Band” and there’s “Lucifer Rising” — I’m so excited. I can’t wait to play it live.”

John 5 loves to work and create music and he’s being recognized for his talents. He’s currently one of the nominees for Revolver Magazine’s Golden Gods Awards in the “best guitarist” category. Unlike some musicians, he’s not shy about the honor or nomination. In fact, he loves it.

“I think it’s just a popularity contest and I really hope I win! It is important. I’m just sitting there, playing guitar. I play guitar all the time. So if anyone is reading this, I hope you vote for me! I’ll really appreciate it! I wanna win. I love that stuff.”

For anyone looking for a shot of drive and passion, looking to John 5 for advice makes sense. The guitarist has made his own luck and way in the music business from the beginning, not afraid to take risks and asking anyone and everyone he loves to collaborate. For John 5, continuing to grow and experience new things means getting the most out of life.

“For anyone checking out this interview, go after it, tackle your dreams,” affirms John 5. “Otherwise, somebody else is gonna. I still go after certain things I want to do. I go out of my way. I was at this thing called the ASCAP Awards and Rod Stewart was being honored. I love Rod Stewart and I said ‘Hey, I’m John 5!’ I kicked his wife’s drink over and it was a mess. His keyboard guy, Kevin Savigar, was there. He wrote ‘Forever Young’ and was in Rod’s band forever – since the late ’70s. I said ‘Hey, we should write some songs together.’ Fast forward, we have a song on Rod’s upcoming record [Time] that comes out May 7. You gotta go after your dreams and do it. Go and do it.”

John 5 will take part in the Rock Against MS benefit concert Wednesday, March 27 at the Whisky a Go Go. Tickets are on sale now.

WATCH: JOHN 5 Talks ‘Rock Against MS’ Benefit Concert, ‘Rockstar Energy Mayhem

Emma — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 14:53:39 +0000

LA based, Argentinean rock journalist Lucas H. Gordon, sat with John 5 at this weeks Mayhem Festival press conference, at The Whisky A-Go Go to talk about the forthcoming summer tour, the new Rob Zombie album and a subject close to his heart, the Rock Against MS Benefit Concert for his friend and publicist Nancy Sayle. To watch the video

Guitar International asks John 5; ‘Venomous Rat – what does it all mean’?

Emma — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 16:17:42 +0000

John 5 sat down with Guitar International to speak about the forthcoming new Rob Zombie album ‘Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor’. In the interview he also talks about what it is like to work with Rob, scoring movies, and his own work. Enjoy

John 5 – Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor – What does it all

By: Robert Cavuoto

To date the band, Rob Zombie, has sold over fifteen million albums worldwide and contributing to much of that success is long standing friend and writing partner – guitarist John 5.

John 5 joined Rob Zombie during the 2005 Ozzfest as a temporary gig for just the tour.

Six weeks turned into eight years and four CDs includingEducated Horses and Hellbilly Deluxe 2. Now the band is releasing their much anticipated CD, Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor on April 23th.

John 5’s guitar abilities are unsurpassed to most guitarists with the perfect combination of brilliant technique and style. A visionary player with the uncanny ability of going from a beautiful sitar piece to a warp speed shredding lead.

Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor will not let diehard Zombie fans down as each tracked is designed to kick ass while moving and grooving to hook driven riffs.

I was able to sit with John 5 to talk about the new CD and better understand what a Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor really is!

******

Robert Cavuoto: Tell me about the origins of the title of the new Rob Zombie CD, Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor and what it means?

John 5: I’m really not sure what it means. Venomous Rat, it kind of sounds like the record going to be a nasty, growling, dirty venomous thing.

I’m so proud of this record. It has such a vibe, a tone, and a life to it. Before I was in the band, I was a Rob Zombie and White Zombie fan. If I wasn’t in the band, I’d buy this record and be totally psyched.

Robert: Rob Zombie has definitely mastered a unique sound and musical style that gets perfected with each release. Every song is just kick-ass. It’s just a great groove-oriented CD.

John 5: And it’s got great hooks too. It’s very musical, as well.

Robert: I think my favorite song is “Lucifer Rising.” Can you tell me a little bit about it?

John 5: I love that song. That’s one of my favorites too. It’s just an ass-kicker. We had the song complete and were doing some overdubs when Rob said, “Why don’t you put a crazy guitar solo on here?”

And you know, I’m always up for crazy guitar solos [Laughing]. That’s the kind of thing I play all day, every day.

I said okay, we were in the studio with Bob Marlette and he pressed record and I did it in one take. Rob said, “It’s perfect. Don’t change a thing.” That was just like a one-take thing.

Robert: I like the whole vibe of the song too.

John 5: It’s total Rob Zombie, driving in your fast car.

Robert: Another song I thought was really cool was “Ging Gang Gong De Do Gong De Laga Raga.” Where did the inspiration come from when writing that one?

John 5: I have no idea, but that song was one of the first songs we wrote. I think it’s really hooky. And you look at it with a title like that and you’re like, how is this gonna be hooky? I love the guitar riff and how it breaks down to just the drum, and he’s singing the chorus to just that. It’s really a fun song. I can’t wait to play that live.

Robert: There’s a kind of David Lee Roth moment where it seems that Rob forgets the words and scream – “Just go to the chorus, go to the chorus!” Was that intentional?

John 5: Yeah, that was real. It was so rad that they kept it in. And you can see how he’s saying, “Turn me up. Turn me up louder.” And you can hear because he’s really doing that. There were probably more things like that, but they could only do so much.

Robert: We talked about “Lucifer Rising” being one of your favorite tracks. Do you have another favorite track on the CD?

John 5: Of course, I love “Dead City Radio” and “Teenage Nosferatu Pussy.” I think that’s a really fun song.

Robert: You also cover “We’re an American Band”.

John 5: It’s exactly what we are. We’re just an American band so it was just so perfect. We were talking about covers early on, and we were like, “My god, this is like the perfect cover for us.”

And if you listen to that, in the original song there’s a lyric that says “… up all night with Freddie King. But, if you listen to our version, it’s “… up all night with Kerry King. So, that’s a little tool to the whole thing.

Robert: You also scored Rob’s new film, The Lords of Salem. I was trying to figure out from the track listing, if you’re playing guitar on every song or just the ones with your name is next to?

John 5: You know, I haven’t heard the soundtrack yet, but in the movie, I’m playing everything. I mean everything. There’s something like 60 cues for this movie. There’s so much music to it, and it came out great. It was a lot of work with the orchestra pieces and sometimes some weird guitar things.

Strange stuff, like taking a violin bow across an acoustic guitar. That was the main theme of the movie. I played that in the really creepy scenes. People have been giving me rave reviews about the movie and score.

Robert: How is doing the score different from doing a Rob Zombie studio CD? What type of mindset do you go in with one versus the other?

John 5: It was really hard thing to do. It took a lot of work. Sometimes there wouldn’t even be a time signature or key signature or something like that. It was pretty challenging.

Robert: Every interview I read with Rob Zombie where he mentions you, he puts you in the highest regard, not only as a guitar player, but as a songwriting partner and as a trusted friend. Tell me a little bit about your friendship and the writing partnership you have.

John 5: You know, it’s funny because when I joined, I did OzzFest with them. It was for like six weeks and he said, “It’s only six weeks, so don’t get comfortable.”

Six weeks can turn into a whole lot of years. I’ve played with a lot of people and there is no comparison. I’d do anything for the guy. We’ve just become really close friends. He’s like a brother I’ve never had. I’ll call him for just any advice at all. He’s been such a great, close friend. It’s lucky. It’s kind of like being in the band with your best friend, so it’s kind of worked out perfect.

Robert: How does that translate to writing songs?

John 5: It translates to writing because I know what he wants.

Here’s where I think a lot of people get confused. We are really good friends, but I understand that he’s the boss. A lot of people, when they get really close to their working colleagues or bosses, they seem to forget that. I understand that.

He’s the boss and if he wants it a certain way, that’s how it’s going to be. I’ll put in my two cents and then he’ll put in his, but at the end of the day, he’s the boss and he’ll always be the boss. It works out great because I understand that.

That’s why things have been going so well. We have a great writing relationship. We have never argued over a part.

Robert: I know the band itself has had a lot of lineup changes, including guitar players. What do you make of all those lineup changes and what do you attribute your longevity with the band?

John 5: I think it’s experience, like I was talking about before: Rob’s the boss, and that’s what you have to remember. Some people leave the band and they want to go on to bigger, brighter things. But, I have learned that it’s not always about money. It’s not totally about this or that. The grass is not always greener.

I’m so happy and I appreciate where I am. I’m not trying to get the bigger, better gig or anything like that. I love what I do and I’m so happy where I am. I get offered gigs all the time and the grass is not always greener. I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Robert: You also worked with David Lee Roth, one of my favorite singers; both he and Rob are talented singers, songwriters, and businessmen. Tell me about what you’ve learned from both of them, from a business perspective.

John 5: I’ve learned so much from Rob. If we’re meeting, I’ll stick around and just listen. Of course, I won’t say anything, but I’m listening, and taking it all in. I’ve learned so much for example with stage production. More than any other artist.

With Dave, I’ve learned so much too. He’s super smart and knows what he wants. I just did a new record with him.

Robert: I was reading a little bit about it. It’s all acoustic?

John 5: Yeah, but it’s not drummy acoustic. It’s like Doobie Brothers or Steely Dan. It’s very intricate. I don’t know if it will ever be released, but keep your eye out for that.

Robert: I hope that does see the light of day. Anything with David Lee Roth is great to hear.

John 5: Yeah, it’s called “Over the Rainbow Bar and Grill.”

Robert: You worked with another of my favorite artists, Paul Stanley, on his solo CD. I’m a huge KISS fan, and I know you are too. What was it like to work with him?

John 5: I’ve known Paul, Ace, and Gene. I know Peter really well. He’s one of my really close friends. So it’s really great, being close with those guys. I’m now a part of ‘KISStory’, if you will. It was one of the big honors of my life.

Robert: I love the video you did for “Noche Acosador” off your solo CD, God Told Me To, where you’re playing flamenco guitar. Is that one of your passions?

John 5: Yeah, I just love different styles of music. That was definitely something that I always wanted to do. I always try and broaden my horizons – just kind of push my limits and see how far I can go.

Robert: You must have an amazing guitar collection. Can you tell me a little bit about it and some of your key one?

John 5: I am a crazy Telecaster collector and I collect all the guitars, but mostly Telecasters. I’m trying to get one from every year: from the first year of 1950 to about the 1980s.

But, I have so many. I’m only mentioning a few here, but it’s really a fun thing for me to do. I have tons and tons and tons of Teles. Of course, Strats and Les Pauls and SGs, Martins, Taylors. Everything. Ibanez and BC Rich. I just have a huge guitar collection.

Robert: My last question is what would you have done if you’d never picked up the guitar?

John 5: I don’t even know. This is what I’ve done my whole life. I think I’d either deal in vintage guitars, because I have such a passion for them ,or maybe try to help people in some way.

JOHN 5 & GLENN HUGHES LIVE on 95.5 KLOS Friday, March 15th in support of Rock Against MS

Emma — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 15:41:30 +0000

John 5 and Glenn Hughes will be appearing on 95.5 KLOS on Friday March 15 on the Heidi & Frank show @ 9:00 AM, to help spread the word about the forthcoming Rock Against MS Benefit concert they are both taking part in at the end of March, in support of their friend and publicist Nancy Sayle who was struck with Primary Progressive MS in 2009. To find out more about the radio show and the event

95.5 KLOS & THE WHISKY A GO-GO~

ROCK AGAINST MS BENEFIT CONCERT

THE WHISKY A GO-GO

8901 W. Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27^TH

HOSTED BY: Bob Coburn & Gary Moore of 95.5 KLOS

FEATURING:

MARKY RAMONE, GLENN HUGHES, LEMMY, JOHN 5, BLASKO (OZZY), BILLY MORRISON (BILLY IDOL), STEVEN ADLER, KENNY ARONOFF, GINGER (ROB ZOMBIE), WAYNE STATIC, TOMMY VICTOR, PHIL BUCKMAN (FILTER), JACK RUSSELL, JEFF PILSON, JEFF YOUNG AND MANY MORE!!

MORE ARTSITS TO BE ANNOUNCED AND SOME BIG SURPRISE GUESTS TOO!

HOLLYWOOD, CA (March 1, 2013) – These artists are coming together to support a long time friend and publicist Nancy Sayle, who was struck with Primary Progressive MS in 2009. This is a severe version of the disease and only 10% are inflicted with this level. She was also diagnosed with a pituitary brain tumor 2012. Visiting her close and dear friend as well as client, Steve Stevens and his wife Josie Stevens, she informed them of this news and all the medical issues. Knowing that she would not be working as much and facing large amounts of medical bills, Stevens suggested that a benefit was in order to help her. This is an amazing self-less gathering with a lot of love as well as creating the much needed awareness.

About Multiple Sclerosis

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MS interrupts the flow of information from the brain to the body and stops people from moving.
Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis. The advancement, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are moving us closer to a world free of MS.
Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with more than twice as many women as men being diagnosed with the disease.

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SHOWTIMES:

DOORS – 7:30

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John 5 runs through his guitars and set-up backstage with Germany’s ‘Guitar Magazin’ [Watch]

Emma — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 16:44:05 +0000

When on tour last year with Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson, German publication ‘Guitar Magazin’ chatted with John 5 for their ‘Backline’ series, as he took them through the guitars he uses on stage, the back-ups and his many cabs. Marcus Collis, John 5′s guitar tech also adds to the commentary. Enjoy the four-part video. To watch click

John 5 talks Revolver’s Golden Gods Awards, Rob Zombie and music [Watch]

Emma — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 13:13:42 +0000

John 5 has recently been nominated for Best Guitarist in the forthcoming Revolver Golden Gods Awards which takes place on May 2 at Club Nokia in Downtown Los Angeles. John was part of the kick-off show and while there, The Examiner caught up backstage with John 5 to chat about the awards, working with Rob Zombie and much more. To watch the video interview

John 5 talks Revolver’s Golden Gods Awards, Rob Zombie and music: examiner.com/article/video-john-5-talks-revolver-s-golden-gods-awards

REVOLVER’S GOLDEN GODS AWARDS BY: BELINDA THOMAS

The fifth annual Revolver Golden Gods Award Show which is presented by Epiphone® will take place Thursday, May 2 at Club Nokia in Downtown Los Angeles. America’s only hard-rock and heavy-metal award show is back and for the first time ever, the event will be broadcast live on national television through AXS TV and broadcast in the United States and key international markets through Xbox LIVE and Facebook.

FOZZY frontman and WWE pro-wrestling legend Chris Jericho will reprise his role as host for the fourth consecutive year. The nominees in 11 different fan-voted categories, plus the recipients of this year’s prestigious “Ronnie James Dio Lifetime Achievement Award,” (presented by Ernie Ball), “Golden God Award” (presented by Sumerian Records®), and “Riff Lord” (presented by EMG Pickups®), were revealed at a press conference held at the Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood in Los Angeles.

Host Chris Jericho was on hand, along with Sebastian Bach, Five Finger Death Punch, Halestorm, Scott Ian (Anthrax), Maria Brink and Chris Howorth (In This Moment), John 5(Rob Zombie), Greg Puciato (Dillinger Escape Plan) and Zakk Wylde to announce the nominees. Halestorm performed a special live set, including a guest appearance by Sebastian Bach on a cover of the Skid Row classic “Slave to the Grind.

Fans everywhere can cast their vote to decide who will take home the awards for “Best Guitarist” (presented by Epiphone®), “Best Drummer” (presented by Drum Workshop®), “Best Vocalist” (presented by Rockstar Energy Drink®), “Album of the Year” (presented by Orange Amplification®), “Song of the Year,” “Best Live Band” (presented by Samson®/Zoom®), “Best New Talent,” “Most Metal Athlete” (presented by Roadrunner Records®), “Comeback of the Year,” “Paul Gray Best Bassist” (presented by Dean Markley®) and “Most Dedicated Fans” (presented by Xbox LIVE®). Voting is currently open and ends on April 15.

Nominees include Aerosmith, The Darkness, John 5, Anthrax, Lamb of God and Soundgarden and more.

Honorees this year will include Rob Zombie, Metallica and Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath.

Performing at the awards will include sets by Metallica, Five Finger Death Punch, Anthrax, Stone Sour, Dillinger Escape Plan and Halestorm, with more performers to be announced in the coming weeks.

Sebastian Bach will be hosting the pre-show with Dee Snider. Bach and Snider will be interviewing all the nominees, honorees and performers on the Revolver Black Carpet before show time for the special, which will air on both AXS TV and Xbox LIVE.

I spoke with nominee John 5 at the press conference after the nominations announcement. Click on the video link to see what he had to say about the awards, Rob Zombie and his upcoming plans.

Tickets will be available via Ticketmaster, at www.axs.com/venues/101912/club-nokia

To cast your vote now at www.goldengodsawards.com