After months of rumors, followed by months of John 5 posting social media videos of himself learning Crue songs, it finally happened, folks- John 5 is now officially baptized as a live member of Mötley Crüe.
The first show took place last night in Atlantic City, New Jersey at the kick-off of Mötley Crüe’s ‘The World Tour’ with Def Leppard, which is sure to make everyone involved another boatload of money.
Back in October, the band officially revealed John 5’s involvement, explaining that Mick Mars was no longer capable of continuing in the live environment:
“While change is never easy, we accept Mick’s decision to retire from the band due to the challenges with his health. We have watched Mick manage his Ankylosing Spondylitis for decades and he has always managed it with utmost courage and grace.
“To say ‘enough is enough’ is the ultimate act of courage. Micke’s sound helped define Motley Crue from the minute he plugged in his guitar at our very first rehearsal together. The rest, as they say, is history. We’ll continue to honor his musical legacy.
“We will carry out Mick’s wish and continue to tour the world as planned in 2023. No doubt will it take an absolutely outstanding musician to fill Mick’s shoes so we are grateful that our good friend, John 5, has agreed to come on board and join us moving forward. We’ll see all of you Crueheads out on the road! – Vince, Tommy & Nikki”
Soon after, Nikki Sixx vouched for 5 and backed up the decision by saying “He checks all the boxes. He’s an insane player. Has respect for our music, is funny as fuck and has history with us and we’ve written some pretty big hits together.”
Here’s the setlist, followed by fan-filmed footage of John 5’s first time playing guitar live with Mötley Crüe:
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01. Wild Side
02. Shout At The Devil
03. Too Fast For Love
04. Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)
05. Saints Of Los Angeles
06. Live Wire
07. Looks That Kill
08. The Dirt (Est. 1981)
09. Rock And Roll, Part 2 / Smokin’ In The Boys Room / Helter Skelter / Anarchy In The U.K. / Blitzkrieg Bop
10. Home Sweet Home
11. Dr. Feelgood
12. Same Ol’ Situation (S.O.S.)
13. Girls, Girls, Girls
14. Primal Scream
15. Kickstart My Heart