JOHN 5's Advice To Young Musicians: 'Play What You Love'

In a new interview with Mexico's Frontera Rock, acclaimed guitarist John 5 (real name John William Lowery) was asked what advice he would give to young musicians looking to follow a similar path. He responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "Well, I believe that everybody is inspired by another artist. Yeah. It doesn't matter if you're Mozart or you're Beethoven, they were inspired by someone. THE BEATLES were inspired by someone. THE ROLLING STONES were ins[pired by someone]. LED ZEPPELIN [were inspired by someone]. It doesn't matter who you are, you've always been inspired by someone. And for young people wanting to be musicians and doing that, play what you love. If you love METALLICA, write yourself a song that makes you excited, that brings you joy, that brings you excitement. Write in that vein. Write what you love, and that's what I always say. Play what you love."

John 5 is one of the most prolific guitarists around, having been involved in creating rock, industrial metal, funk, EDM, progressive and bluegrass compositions, along a musical resume that includes such diverse artists as K.D. Lang, Rod Stewart, Dolly Parton, David Lee Roth, Meat Loaf, Rob Halford, Lita Ford, LYNYRD SKYNYRD, Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie, and most recently, MÖTLEY CRÜE.

John 5 released his latest solo album, "Ghost", in October 2025.

For over 30 years, John 5 has been one of the most in-demand guitar players on the planet. As well as being a songwriter/guitarist for hire, John 5 has shared the stage as axe-man for Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson and Rob Halford. He has also worked with an impressive array of names, from all walks of music, including KD Lang, Rod Stewart, David Lee Roth, Alice Cooper, Tina Guo, LYNYRD SKYNYRD, Meat Loaf, Dolly Parton and Ricky Martin.

In October 2022, it was announced that John 5 would be joining MÖTLEY CRÜE as their guitarist following Mick Mars's decision to retire from the road. John 5 continues to tour with MÖTLEY CRÜE, including the recently completed "The Return Of Carnival Of Sins" tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of CRÜE's groundbreaking 2005-2006 "Carnival Of Sins" tour and the 45th anniversary of the band.

In the several four years, John 5 has been involved in numerous projects, including completing his documentary, which includes testimonials from the likes of Joe Satriani, Rob Halford, the late Gary Rossington, Michael Anthony and Rudy Sarzo, among others. He's also opened a KISS museum, featuring his own personal mementoes and rare artifacts from the group's early years.

Slash has called John 5 "one of the most mind-blowing guitarists around," and Rob Zombie has dubbed him "a fucking shredder."