Tommy Lee recently opened up about the powerful impact guitarist John 5 has had on MÖTLEY CRÜE since joining the band. His comments, shared during an interview with John The Metal Mailman, highlight how the guitarist reinvigorated the legendary rock group following the departure of longtime member Mick Mars. According to Lee, John 5 brought a level of enthusiasm, preparation, and sheer talent that immediately changed the band’s internal chemistry.
For many fans, Mars’ exit marked the end of an era. His distinctive playing helped define MÖTLEY CRÜE’s classic sound for decades. Therefore, any replacement would face enormous expectations. Yet, John 5—known for his work with Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, and countless other rock and metal acts—has proven to be a natural fit from the moment he entered the rehearsal room.
Lee described that moment with unmistakable excitement:
“From the second he walked into the rehearsal room, here’s a guy who is a f-cking insane guitar player, first of all. And second of all — I don’t know — other than KISS, Mötley is [one of his favorite bands] — he’s a fan. So he literally knew every single song. He’s, like, ‘What do you wanna play next? Let’s go.’ And he brought in this insane new fire, honestly, that we all needed. Everybody had to step up their game, man. It’s, like, ‘Woo, look out. This kid’s on fire.’”
That description alone paints a vivid picture of John 5’s arrival. Instead of easing into rehearsals, he showed up with the entire catalog ready to go. His enthusiasm pushed the rest of the band to rise to the challenge. In Lee’s eyes, that kind of passion doesn’t just improve performances—it reawakens the competitive spirit within a seasoned group.
Lee then made a personal comparison, noting that he shares the same mindset about music:
“That’s the beauty of him. And it’s very much like me. And I heard Sharon Osbourne talking about Ozzy the other day. I’m still a fan. So, I think when you remain a fan of what you do, of other bands that you’re inspired by, it’s this thing that we just keep sort of giving back. I don’t know how else to explain that. It’s kind of a weird one, but with John, he’s such a huge fan and such a talented guitar player that it literally just lit all of us up on fire. We were, like, ‘Oh, man. We are going to kill sh-t.’”
This emphasis on remaining a fan is central to Lee’s message. He believes that musicians who retain their passion for the craft bring a different kind of energy to their work. Instead of going through the motions, they approach each rehearsal and performance with genuine excitement. And when one member carries that energy into a room, it can inspire the entire group.
For MÖTLEY CRÜE, John 5 has become that spark.
To fully understand the significance of this shift, it helps to look back at the circumstances surrounding his entry into the band. Mick Mars, a founding member, announced his retirement from touring due to long-standing health issues. His departure left both fans and the band navigating a complicated transition. Replacing a guitarist with such a distinct style is never easy, and doing so in a band as iconic as MÖTLEY CRÜE adds even more pressure.
However, John 5 was not an outsider to the band’s universe. He had been close friends with Nikki Sixx for decades and often expressed his admiration for MÖTLEY CRÜE. He was also widely respected as one of the most technically skilled and versatile guitarists in modern rock. Those qualities positioned him well to help the group evolve while still honoring their classic sound.
Once he joined, it became clear why the transition worked so smoothly. John 5 didn’t just learn the songs—he internalized them. He embraced the band’s history, their tone, and the attitude that defined their music. Moreover, his technical mastery allowed him to perform older material with precision while bringing his own flair to the newer material.
Lee’s comments also suggest that John 5’s arrival reshaped the atmosphere within the band. When members see a newcomer giving 100 percent, it pushes everyone else to raise their game. This “positive pressure” is often what revitalizes bands that have been performing for decades.
Furthermore, John 5’s passion aligns with MÖTLEY CRÜE’s plan for their next chapter. The band continues to prepare for major tours, new projects, and an expanded legacy following the success of their biopic The Dirt and their recent stadium tours with DEF LEPPARD. To maintain momentum, they need a guitarist who not only respects their past but actively energizes their future.
Based on Lee’s comments, that is exactly what John 5 has done.
His arrival created a renewed sense of purpose, one rooted in technical brilliance and deep personal fandom. For a band entering its fifth decade, that kind of spark is invaluable. It strengthens the creative dynamic, improves the live show, and reassures fans that MÖTLEY CRÜE remains fully committed to delivering high-energy performances.
As the band enters a new era with John 5 on guitar, Lee’s remarks reflect optimism and excitement. The chemistry within MÖTLEY CRÜE appears revitalized, and the guitarist’s contributions are already shaping the band’s musical trajectory.
For fans, this means that the upcoming tours and performances will showcase not only the band’s classic spirit but also a renewed drive powered by fresh talent. And with musicians like John 5 pushing the group forward, it’s clear that MÖTLEY CRÜE is stepping into its next chapter with confidence, energy, and a fire reminiscent of their earliest days.
