John 5 is an American guitarist from Grosse Pointe, Michigan, born in 1971. His work spans alternative metal, heavy metal, industrial metal, country, bluegrass and flamenco, and he releases music through John 5 Music. He is known for combining styles across rock and metal with instrumental guitar work.

Career

John 5 begins his career as a session guitarist after moving from Michigan to Los Angeles at the age of 17. His first Los Angeles band is Alligator Soup, which leads to work with Rudy Sarzo’s band Sun King and introduces him to producer Bob Marlette. He then works with Marlette on television soundtracks, film soundtracks, including Speed 2: Cruise Control, and commercial and infomercial music.

He later plays with Lita Ford and opens for Kiss, developing links with Kiss members including Paul Stanley. This leads to guest guitar work on Stanley’s Live to Win album. He also works in short-lived projects with Randy Castillo, including Bone Angels and Red Square Black, whose Square EP appears on Zoo/BMG.

In 1996 he forms 2wo with former Judas Priest singer Rob Halford, alongside Sid Riggs, James Wooley and Ray Riendeau. The group’s album Voyeurs is later remixed by Trent Reznor. He is then chosen by David Lee Roth to play lead guitar on the well-received 1998 album DLR Band.

Marilyn Manson and Loser

John 5 joins Marilyn Manson in July 1998 as the replacement for Zim Zum and remains with the band until 2004. His stage name comes from being the fifth replacement member to join Manson, and it also refers to a biblical passage.

In 2005 he forms Loser with vocalist Joe Grah, bassist Charles Lee and drummer Glendon Crain, with Bob Marlette also involved in the project. The band begins work on Just Like You, but is later dropped by its label.

Rob Zombie and other collaborations

John 5 plays guitar for Rob Zombie during Ozzfest 2005 and contributes to the album Educated Horses, co-writing and recording most of its material. He then becomes Zombie’s full-time guitarist. He also works with Paul Stanley on Stanley’s second solo album, with Meat Loaf, Nikki Sixx and FeFe Dobson.

He has performed with k.d. lang on tour, after being selected from a large pool of guitarists, and he has also worked with Lita Ford and Kiss.

Solo work

John 5 records several solo albums. His solo material combines hard rock with progressive bluegrass and country, a blend he calls Blackgrass. Songs for Sanity includes guest appearances by Albert Lee and Steve Vai. The Devil Knows My Name is an instrumental album built around true stories about serial killers and criminals, and it features contributions from Jim Root, Joe Satriani and Eric Johnson.

Film, media and side projects

He makes the short film God Is Closed Vol. 1, which is first available through his official website and later sold through the Japanese version of Vertigo. He also records music for television commercials, commercials, and video games.

Other projects and equipment

In 2021 he is announced as part of L.A. Rats with Rob Zombie, Nikki Sixx and Tommy Clufetos. He also has a Fender signature instrument, the John 5 Telecaster, produced in three models including a triple-humbucker version, with the specifications determined by him.