[Interview] John 5 talks to HeavyMag as he prepares for 2020’s Australian shows
From HeavyMag.com:
John talks more about Invasion, why he has chosen to stay instrumental on his solo albums instead of using guest musicians, the difficulties in connecting with the listener in a piece of music without lyrics, coming up with song titles with no narrative for inspiration, what we can expect from next years tour and plans to record the shows live, the differences between playing in bands and doing his solo stuff, his early days when he moved to L.A as an 18-year-old and being robbed on his first night, the lucky break that gave him his start in the music industry, the biggest influence on his career and more.
Review: J5 & The Creatures at 1175 Sports Park: “not just a man with a guitar, it’s a musical experience.”
From MadnessToCreation.net:
Whether or not you’re familiar with his work, the show is an experience in itself. It’s almost incomprehensible how easily John switches from picking to plucking to slapping his guitar, and even briefly playing it with a plastic Elmo toy. He changes instruments mid-song, just to play a different solo on a smaller guitar, or even a banjo. All of this looks effortless as he does it. It’s as if we’re invited to his daily practice, a jam session, as he barely breaks a sweat on stage playing some of the most complicated guitar tracks I have ever heard. It’s clear and undeniable that he is a multi-talented, musical virtuoso, and likely one of the greatest living guitarists….
Although it was a smaller than average sized crowd, not unexpected for a Tuesday night at a bar in rural Wisconsin, the front of the pit was packed, and fans cheered for their favorite tracks and solos for the entirety of the one hour plus set. This is not just a man with a guitar, it’s a musical experience.
Read the review in full here: madnesstocreation.net/review-john-5-creatures-live-at-1175-sports
Photo Credit: Ian Storck at 3 Count Photography
Listen as John 5 chats to Real Rock 97.7 QLZ about ‘why he paints himself up every show, his thoughts on fans recording concerts’ and much more!
From Real Rock 97.7 QLZ:
What an honor! I loved getting insight and learning the history of one of the industry’s brightest talents.
In the interview you can hear below, John 5 and I talk Halloween, why he paints himself up every show, his thoughts on fans recording concerts, the new Rob Zombie album, MORE!
The Creatures show at Reggies, November 2019, reviewed: “nothing beats seeing a musician enjoying themselves when they are performing”.
A fantastic review of the John 5 and The Creatures show at Reggies in Chicago, IL, on November 2nd from Loud Hailer Magazine:
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again – nothing beats seeing a musician enjoying themselves when they are performing, rather than just going through the motions and cashing the checks. Throughout the show, John 5 could not keep the smile off his face, it was contagious. The energy was reciprocated both on and off stage.
The unique skills he displays on the cornucopia of guitars will never cease to amaze. An entertaining and enthralling show throughout. This is an annual tradition we hope will carry on for years to come. It’s great to see familiar and new faces getting to enjoy the unique show. Long may it continue!
Read the review in full and see pictures from the show here: loudhailermagazine.com/concert-reviews/john-5-the-creatures-at-reggies-in-chicago-il/
To get your tickets & VIP packages for the Invasion Tour 2019 and all other shows go to our tour page.
John 5 speaks to Metal Insider about “horror films, sobriety, and staying busy”.
From Metal Insider:
John 5 is one of the hardest and perhaps most loyal working musicians out there. Between his solo career with John 5 and the Creatures and his role with Rob Zombie, he’s still working with other artists. As we were lucky to see the guitarist perform this past spring, John 5 has returned for another round of tour dates in support of his latest effort, Invasion, as his fall tour kicked off just in time for Halloween. We recently caught up with John 5 to discuss the new album, his favorite horror films, living a sober life, and always staying busy.
To read the interview in full, go here: metalinsider.net/interviews/john-5-horror-sobriety-busy
Via Guitar World: Watch John 5 tear it up with “I Want It All” play through!
From Guitar World:
John 5 recently stopped by the Guitar World studios to play through his song I Want It All, from his recent album, Invasion.
As the electric guitar player explains, there’s “a lot of wacky, weird stuff,” in the instrumental tune. Which means it’s, yes, a John 5 song.
If watching John pull off the song’s arpeggios, string skipping, “crazy noises,” squeals, trills, behind-the-nut string bends and other tricky moves feel intimidating, have no fear – he also spends a few minutes after the playthrough going over some of the licks at slower speeds.
To watch the video in full, go here: guitarworld.com/news/watch-john-5-i-want-it-all
John 5 declares “the show must go on” at Megacruise after noise complaints threaten set!
John 5 and The Creatures were recently at Megadeth’s Megacruise playing a crowd pleasing set for the fans aboard – but the show almost came to a jarring halt, when San Diego Police boarded the ship after the set violated local noise ordinance rules.
As Consequence of Sound write about the incident:
“John 5 was rocking the top deck of Megadeth’s MegaCruise on Monday night when his performance caught the attention of the San Diego police force. Apparently, the Rob Zombie guitarist and his band the Creatures violated the city’s noise ordinance, forcing him to cut the outdoor show short. However, that didn’t stop him from finishing the set.”
The show eventually carried on, after 5 and the organisers agreed to take their set below decks.
Read the full write-up on what happened here: consequenceofsound.net/2019/10/john-5-megacruise-noise
Photo by Antonio Marino Jr.
NEW DATE added to QUEENSRŸCHE ‘THE VERDICT 2020 TOUR’ with special guest John 5
We recently announced that John 5 will be joining fellow guests Eve to Adam on the QUEENSRŸCHE FOR ‘THE VERDICT 2020 TOUR’ in 2020.
Today we are announcing a new date:
When: January 22, 2020
Where: Emo’s Austin: 2015 E. Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78741
Tickets: (On sale Oct 17, 2019 at 10AM CDT): emosaustin.frontgatetickets.com/event/vaoem8pocqbtugdq
For all tour dates for 2019 and 2010, go here: john-5.com/main/tour/
John 5 to support Queensrÿche for ‘The Verdict 2020 tour’ as well as announcing 5 headlining solo dates.
John 5 and The Creatures will be joining legendary heavy metal band Queensrÿche on their The Verdict 2020 tour, which runs from 17 January to 27 February 2020.
As well as the 22 shows John 5 will be supporting them on (along with fellow support act Eve To Adam), John is pleased to announce 5 “The Creatures” headline shows (not Queensrÿche shows) for the Invasion Tour 2020 leg, with dates on the 26 and 27 January and the 3, 11 and 18 February.
“This is definitely going to be a tour to remember,” says JOHN 5. “I’m looking forward to seeing everyone there. Don’t miss it!”
Ticket information is coming soon and will be posted on the tour page here: john-5.com/main/tour/
To see a full list of dates, click >>> (more…)
John 5 and The Creatures announce first ever Australian tour dates in 2020.
JOHN 5 is heading to Australia, for his first ever solo shows here, to shred our nation to pieces thanks to Silverback Touring. Accompanying him is American blues-rock guitarist and singer JARED JAMES NICHOLS who is rated as one of the hottest players on the scene, also making his debut appearance in Australia.
Comments John “I am so excited that I’m coming to Australia with the creatures there’s gonna be a lot of pickin, tappin, bendin, slappin so get ready Australia and let’s get weird !!!”
Joining them on this three-date tour is JARED JAMES NICHOLS, who has toured with The Creatures on both legs of the Invasion 2019 tour in the USA. NICHOLS is best known for his high-energy performances and ‘pick-less’ electric guitar playing technique. He is rarely seen without playing his “signature” single-pickup Gibson Les Paul Custom P90 nick-named Old Glory. He fronts a power trio under his name, rooted in the early 1970s hard-rock vein of Cream and Mountain.
Get set for a night of pure guitar driven ecstasy where shred meets the blues and plenty of technical genius on display.
Also joining on the tour, to complete the line-up, will be Australia’s From Love To Violence, band who draw “from their creative influences, experimenting in a combination of heavy\dance\ electronic\rock to form a unique sound that gets your blood pumping and leaves you wanting more!!”
Dates are as follows:
- Thursday 16 April: The Prince – Melbourne
- Friday 17 April: The Zoo – Brisbane
- Sat 18 April: Manning Bar – Sydney
Pre sale: Wednesday 18 September, 9am AEST to Thursday 19 September 5pm AEST
General on sale: Friday 20 September at 9am AEST
VIP packages will be available from the official John 5 store: john-5.com/store/
Full tour dates, including ticket links, can be found at our tour page here: john-5.com/main/tour/
To see the tour poster in full, click >>> (more…)
John 5 speaks to Revolver Mag about MARILYN MANSON, PLAYING FOR PRINCE, NEW ROB ZOMBIE ALBUM & more
From Revolver Magazine:
This year sees John 5 juggling the release of what he calls a “very heavy” new Zombie record with his own recently unleashed solo record Invasion, for which he plans to release a separate music video for each track.
Following a successful spring solo tour and the aforementioned Twins of Evil tour, John 5 will be out on the road with his backing band the Creatures for the Invasion Tour 2019 that sees him booked through the end of November. Read on to find out how he’s managing this breakneck pace without, you know, actually breaking his neck.
Read the interview in full here: revolvermag.com/music/john-5-marilyn-manson-show-prince-rob-zombie
John 5 to appear at Horrorhound 2019 (Sept 6-8)
John 5 will be in Indianapolis for this years HorrorHound weekend.
As well as performing, John 5 will be signing all weekend so make sure you get yourself down to The Indiana Convention Center.
The event takes place September 6-8 2019, and you can get your tickets here: horrorhoundweekend.com/shows/201909/ and Photo Op opportunities with John 5 can be purchased here: purchase.growtix.com/eh/HorrorHound_Weekend_Indianapolis.
John 5 and The Creatures will be performing on the Saturday night (September 7) in the Westin Hotel Ballroom. Get more info here: horrorhoundweekend.com/events
J5 speaks to Guitar World: “I play so much guitar that it might not even be healthy – and I’m not joking”
From Guitar World:
John 5 might just be the most subversive artist working in the music business today. Yes, he rocks the corpse-paint vibe and has spent a goodly chunk of his career playing electric guitar with master of controversy Marilyn Manson and his current bandleader, Rob Zombie, so the obvious conclusion is that he’s working the ‘horror metal’ groove to the max.
But even the most rudimentary investigation into his solo albums and videos reveals a very different reality. Sure, you’ll uncover some scary monster sounds, serial-killer-inspired titles and sound clips, and an eerie, unsettling sense at work in many of the songs. But what you’ll also find is some of the most sublimely gnarly country-style picking this side of Robert’s Western World in Nashville…
John took time out from his relentless schedule to discuss his new album, Invasion, his career to date and how he’s managed to steer a successful and lucrative course through the difficulties of monetizing a career in a ravaged music industry.
Read the interview in full here: guitarworld.com/john-5-i-play-so-much-guitar
Image by Tour Bus Live.
John 5 speaks to Guitar Player Mag about making 2019’s most shred worthy album!
From Guitar Player Magazine:
While a sizable contingent of metal fans know John 5 from his longtime gig as Rob Zombie’s ghoulishly flamboyant shred master, guitar enthusiasts have a broader picture of him — that of a deeply eclectic and prodigiously proficient player schooled in country, bluegrass, western swing, jazz and flamenco. Whether he’s peeling off hyperspeed chicken-pickin’ lines, replicating cascading banjo rolls, or dispatching immaculate, sweep-picked solos, there seems to be no end to his knowledge or skill set.
“I appreciate anything that’s done well,” John states. “You could be throwing knives or juggling bowling pins, and I’ll be amazed.
“But with music, it goes a lot further. If I hear a bluegrass player killin’ it, I’m like, ‘I have to play that!’ And if I hear a metal player rippin’ it, my brain just fries. So I have to learn what they’re doing and execute it perfectly. I obsess over it, and I love it dearly.”
Read the interview in full here: guitarplayer.com/john5-on-how-he-made-2019-most-shredworthy-album
Photo: NEIL ZLOZOWER/ATLAS ICONS
Metal Rules interviews John 5; “I Have Such an Appreciation for All Types of Music!”
From Metal Rules:
One of the hardest working musicians on the planet has to be guitar virtuoso, John 5. He is currently on tour this summer with Rob Zombie, he released an innovative and dynamic new solo CD, Invasion, on July 31st, and he just announced a solo tour starting October 30th.
John 5’s guitar abilities are unsurpassed to most guitarists with the perfect combination of brilliant technique and style. A visionary player that can sculpt sound and bend minds in equal measure. He is a true innovator and virtuoso on the guitar. Together with Roger Carter on drums and Ian Ross on bass of The Creatures, John and his band explore every sonic highway possible; from the shredding on “Midnight Mass” to the country picking on “Howdy” to EDM on “Crack It – Living with Ghosts!”
I caught up with John to talk about his impressive new solo CD, the importance of creating a highly entertaining live show, and his Fall solo tour with Jared James Nichols.
Read the interview in full here: metal-rules.com/2019/08/11/john-5-on-his-new-cd-invasion
Interview and by Robert Cavuoto
John 5 and The Creatures add additional date to Invasion Part 2 tour this Fall!
Last week John 5 and The Creatures announced that they will be back on the road from November this year, teaming up with Jared James Nichols and Reverend Jack for what is being billed “Invasion Part 2”.
In addition to the 22 dates already announced, The Creatures are happy to be adding a new date:
- November 10th at Barleycorn’s in Wichita Kansas.
Tickets and VIP are available now – go to john-5.com/main/tour/ for all links and dates.
Please note this is a 21+ show.
MXDWN Music reviews Invasion: “Eclectic, strange and satisfying”.
Another brilliant review on the album Invasion from John 5 and The Creatures, this time from MXDWN Music.
“Some other notable songs on the album are “Howdy,” “Crank It – Living With Ghosts” and “I Like the Funk.” Each of these songs is incredibly different from each other, which is part of what makes them worth mentioning. “Howdy” is filled with country guitar licks and some impressive picking that not many artists can accomplish. It’s fast-paced and fun, and Lowery shows that he can be much more than a rock guitarist. “Crank It – Living With Ghosts” is worth mentioning not because it’s a great song, but because it’s an odd one that will remain memorable. A robotic voice says throughout “crank it mother fucker,” and though it’s a little bit strange, it gets stuck in listener’s heads for sure. Finally, “I Like the Funk” brings in the funk style on the album, with some funky guitar riffs meshing in with the rock ones.”
Read the review in full here: music.mxdwn.com/2019/07/31/reviews/john-5-invasion/
John 5 The Creatures announce new Invasion tour dates starting in October 2019
Fresh on the back of last week’s release of the amazing new John 5 and The Creatures album Invasion, the band are announcing a US tour which will start this October 30th at the Music Factory in Battle Creek, MI.
Joining The Creatures on this 22 date tour, is Jared James Nichols, who earlier this year teamed up for the Invasion (part 1) tour. Also The Creatures are welcoming Reverend Jack to the line-up.
Dates as follows:
30 Oct: Music Factory – Battle Creek MI
31 Oct: The Winchester – Cleveland OH
01 Nov: Token Lounge – Detroit MI
02 Nov: Reggie’s – Chicago IL
03 Nov: Q & Z Expo Center – Ringle WI
05 Nov: 1175 – Kansasville WI
06 Nov: Turf Club – Minneapolis MN
07 Nov: Lefty’s – Des Moines IA
08 Nov: Sokol Underground – Omaha NE
09 Nov: The Bottleneck – Lawrence KS
11 Nov: Fubar – St Louis MO
12 Nov: Growlers – Memphis TN
14 Nov: Smith’s Old Bar – Atlanta GA
15 Nov: The Parish @ H.O.B – New Orleans LA
16 Nov: Village Door Hall – Miramar Beach FL
17 Nov: The Basement East – Nashville TN
18 Nov: Amos Southend – Charlotte NC
20 Nov: Blind Tiger – Greensboror NC
21 Nov: Ram’s Head on Stage – Annapolis MD
22 Nov: Voltage Lounge – Philadelphia PA
23 Nov: Chameleon Club – Lancaster PA
24 Nov: Montage Music Hall – Rochester NY
Tickets and VIP packages will be available from john-5.com/main/tour/
To see the tour poster, click >>> (more…)
Go Venue reviews Invasion. An “explosive new album that shreds, taps and riffs into the soul”.
Last week John 5 and The Creatures released their third album together (and the ninth solo studio release from John 5). There have already been some outstanding reviews for the album, and this one from Go Venue Magazine also heaps praise on Invasion:
“The nexus of the album is the guitar, and the use of styles and flavors to indicate the eclectic study base that has created John 5’s ability is astounding. The technical ability can be heard by a novice to expert ear, the pace and texture remains smooth and the effect and amplification is that of a master at work. It is no mistake that the varying styles are supported so well by both bass and drums too, ‘Logan MilesNix‘ drops to a country feel, funk and sporadic jazz fills to weave the underground of each track as necessary, again showcasing the talent of the musicianship in the band. ‘Ian Ross‘ gives the basslines groove and threads each sequence perfectly and uses effect subtly and yet in equity with the rest of the track.”
Read the review in full here: govenuemagazine.com/review-invasion-john-5-creatures/
nvasion is available now digitally and a Limited Edition box set or the digipack CD are available to pre-order (coming September 1st): https://smarturl.it/invasionalbumJ5
KNAC reviews Invasion: “What makes John 5 that much more of an entertainer is he isn’t simply for your ears but for your eyes as well”.
Another fantastic review for the latest John 5 and The Creatures album Invasion, which was released earlier this week (July 31st). This time from our friends at KNAC:
Not typical of other solo records where the bulk of the music is straight Rock and/or Metal, but typical of John 5 is to always add that southern twang letting the listener know where his influence blossomed from, such as the track “Howdy”, appropriately named. With some Rock-A-Billy, a hint of Psycho-Billy and some Country Blues type swings, he also adds a variety of other genres on Invasion to noodle around with. It’s plenty more Dance than anything, with light-hearted jamming allowing him to show off his virtuosity. “Crank It” proves this with the drum-n-bass beat holding steady while John 5 gives the disco track some life. On the track “Zoinks!” he and the band really go off, showing some of that versatility the entire band possesses, with lots of funk and classic rock vibration reminiscent of some Highway Star (DEEP PURPLE).
Read the review in full here: knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=33218
Invasion is available now digitally and a Limited Edition box set or the digipack CD are available to pre-order (coming September 1st): https://smarturl.it/invasionalbumJ5
Cryptic Rock reviews Invasion: “Electrically engaging until the final note”.
Yesterday (July 31st) John and The Creatures released their latest album Invasion and our friends at Cryptic Rock have given it a resounding 4.5 out of 5.
“Comparing or ranking John 5 albums seems trivial when you really should just concentrate on the individual moments and the divergence between them that the guitarist is so sly at creating. As an eleventh masterful creation that can not be denied its technical prowess, Cryptic Rock gives John 5’s Invasion 4.5 out of 5 stars.”
Read the review in full here: crypticrock.com/john-5-and-the-creatures-invasion-album-review/
Invasion is available now digitally and a Limited Edition box set or the digipack CD are available to pre-order (coming September 1st): https://smarturl.it/invasionalbumJ5
‘Invasion’ – out today. Watch the new John 5 and The Creatures music video ‘I Want It All’
In addition, JOHN 5 and The Creatures are scheduled to announce a new tour very soon, so stay tuned for more details!
Invasion, featuring the extraordinary new singles “Zoinks!”, “Crank It – Living With Ghosts”, “I Am John 5” and “Midnight Mass”, is available to order now in both physical and digital formats here: https://smarturl.it/invasionalbumJ5
Today, in celebration of the release of Invasion, JOHN 5 and The Creatures have released yet another new single and music video, entitled “I Want It All”. Brought to life by the same team on “Crank It – Living With Ghosts” – director Israel Perez, art director Cody Varona and producer Nicole Hatley, with wardrobe by Forgotten Saints LA – the “I Want It All” video is a zany romp featuring some bodacious babes quite literally sustaining life via their Instagram feeds.
JOHN 5 says, “I’m super excited for this record to finally come out, for fans to see the new video, ‘I Want It All’, and to announce a new tour to follow in the fall very soon!”
Check out even more recent music videos/tracks by JOHN 5 and The Creatures here:
“Zoinks!”: http://smarturl.it/zoinksj5creatures
“Crank It – Living With Ghosts”: http://smarturl.it/crankitj5
“I Am John 5”: http://smarturl.it/iamjohn5
“Midnight Mass”: http://smarturl.it/midnightmassj5
[Listen] John 5 speaks to PureGrainAudio about touring, anti-freeze guitars, his KISS collection and much much more.
From PureGrainAudio:
John 5 is a guitarist who should need no introductions. From David Lee Roth to Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie, his unique guitar stylings have wowed fans for over two decades now. Over the years, John 5 (given name: John William Lowery) has built up a fanbase of followers as a killer guitarist, adaptable session man, and a great solo artist. Over the past fifteen years, John 5 has recorded nine solo guitar albums, with his latest, Invasion, due for release on July 31st.
John 5 chatted with PureGrainAudio a few weeks ago by phone….many of John’s answers come to life as you listen to his answers.
Dead Rhetoric reviews Invasion: “A cavalcade of guitar effects, sounds and styles that illustrates the depth of creativity.”
Invasion, the ninth studio album from John 5, and the third album released under the John 5 and The Creatures moniker, will come out this Wednesday (July 31st). Online magazine Dead Rhetoric have give the album 8.5 out of 10, saying;
“…Invasion is the total package. A cavalcade of guitar effects, sounds and styles that illustrates the depth of creativity and skill John 5 and The Creatures possess that will soon have you hitting the replay button to discover even more of the tricks and treats found within.”
Red the reviews in full here: deadrhetoric.com/reviews/john-5-and-the-creatures-invasion
You can pre-order ‘Invasion’ here: https://smarturl.it/
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