In a recent interview on “The Jasta Show” hosted by Hatebreed’s Jamey Jasta, guitarist John 5 opened up about his departure from Rob Zombie and subsequent joining of Mötley Crüe.
John 5 emphasized there’s no animosity between him and Rob Zombie. “We’re not on bad terms,” he clarified. “Rob wished me well.” However, they haven’t spoken since his exit in late 2022.
The guitarist cited a desire for new experiences as his motivation. “17 years is a long time,” he acknowledged, “but it was just time to… I wanna live my life, and to get this opportunity with Mötley Crüe is rare.”
John 5 also addressed the return of guitarist Mike Riggs to Rob Zombie’s band. He revealed suggesting Riggs himself as a replacement before his departure. “I even said to Rob, ‘If he needs anything, I want to help,'” he recalled. “[But] Aftershock, I guess Rob didn’t want me to play.”
Despite the unusual transition, John 5 expressed positivity towards both bands. “I think Rob’s doing awesome,” he said. “And I think the band is awesome… It’s all about people having fun and enjoying the music, and that’s what’s happening.”
