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Guitar Slinger John 5 Strums Up a Storm at City Winery in Chicago
By James Currie
Music fans flocked to City Winery last night, eager to catch the electrifying performance of renowned guitarist John 5. Known for his incredible talent and electrifying stage presence, John 5 took the stage to deliver a night filled with mesmerizing guitar riffs and unforgettable moments.
This show was one fans had been talking about since its announcement earlier in the year. The reason being, the location. John 5 plays Chicago fairly often. Sometimes, like this year, twice in the same year, but City Winery is not one of his stops. Normally, it’s a rough and ready club show like Reggies, or more recently a mid size club like The Arcada in St. Charles. City Winery is typically more, well, refined in its atmosphere and audience. It’s a diner theater with seated tables and chairs and waitstaff that serve food and drinks while you watch a performance. John 5 shows, are, not that. They are dirty, rough, loud, spooky and have an audience that like to mosh or at least pogo. How was this going to work?
For both die-hard fans and newcomers, this was a going to be a night to remember. As the lights dimmed and the crowd buzzed with anticipation, John 5, whose real name is John William Lowery and semi local being from the Detroit area, walked out onto the stage and proceed to light up the venue with his surgical like chops.
The energy in the room was palpable. With a career that spans decades, including stints with rock legends like Marilyn Manson, David Lee Roth, Rob Zombie and currently Mötley Crüe, John 5 has made a name for himself as one of the most versatile guitarists in the industry.
Kicking off the show, J5 wasted no time in showcasing his virtuosity. From the opening notes of his set, it was clear that this was not just another concert; it was a masterclass in guitar playing. With a mix of original compositions and fan-favorite tracks, he kept the audience on their toes (or rather, on the edge of their seats) seamlessly transitioning from one song to the next. Each song was an adventure, and you could see the joy on his face as he connected with the crowd waining for them to give more adoration.
One of the standout moments of the night came when he took a step back from the electric guitar to being handed a mandolin. The change in tempo and style allowed for a more eclectic atmosphere, and the audience jaws dropped. This happened several times as he played other guitars, banjo and even a bass with a toy laser gun. It was another reminder of his diverse skills, proving he can captivate an audience no matter the style or instrument.
As the evening progressed, John 5 engaged with the crowd, sharing anecdotes and short stories from his musical journey. He talked about how cool it was to be playing at City Winery saying, “I’ve played in clubs like this for years and this has to be one of the coolest.” His down-to-earth nature and genuine love for music resonated with fans, making everyone feel like they were part of something special. “It’s all about having fun,” he said with a grin. “If you’re not having fun, what’s the point?”
Whether you were a longtime follower or a first-time listener, it was impossible not to get swept up in the excitement. Adding to the night’s allure, John 5 showcased his impressive range by diving into genres beyond rock. He effortlessly blended elements of country, blues, jazz and even a touch of classical, proving his versatility as an artist. Each style was met with enthusiastic applause, affirming his status as a musician unafraid to push boundaries. And he always plays homage to other artists. At another point of the show he approached the mic and said, “I don’t sing, but I hope you will along with this next song.” Then went into Queen’s, “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” playing the vocal parts with guitar and the audience following along with the actual lyrics.
John surprised fans even further later in the set as he exclaimed, “I’m playing in a house of wine and I’ve never had even a sip of it before. Not even a beer!” He went on to say, “Well that’s gonna change tonight! Should I have a drink?” He called out to the house to try a glass of wine and was meet with someone giving him a wine glass. John took it, reached up to the sky with it and said, “Here I go.” Tipped the glass back and sipped up a mouthful promptly followed by spitting it out and saying, “That’s awful! You guys like that?” before back peddling quickly saying, “Wait, I’m in a winery, that’s paying me to be here, maybe I shouldn’t be saying that.” The house got a chuckle and we witnessed something pretty rare.
As the night drew to a close, John 5 treated the audience to an epic encore that left everyone on their feet. With cheers echoing, he played a medley of some of his most popular tracks, culminating in a high-energy finale of Mötley Crüe snippets.
The connection between John and his audience was undeniable. At one point a woman in the front row of tables was wearing a John 5 white cowboy hat and he reached out to her for it. She gladly gave it up and he wore it during a country jam.
After the show, fans who purchased the VIP meet and greet lingered, waiting to meet the flashy guitarist. True to his approachable persona, John 5 took the time to meet with these fans, signing autographs and snapping selfies. It was a fitting end to a night filled with incredible music and shared experiences.
For those who missed the show, John 5’s reputation as a live performer precedes him, and it’s safe to say that he will be back in Chicago again soon as he’s a regular around town visiting at least once a year. With his unmatched talent he continues to solidify his place in the world of rock music, no matter with which band, it’s one unforgettable performance at a time.
So, did the show work? Did it fit in this venue? Yes. What we go this night was a more refined John 5 performance. A solo show without the Creatures. No costumes, No props, No makeup. Just John 5 and a drummer showcasing his skills. Almost like a personal lesson given. For true fans of his music, playing style and humor, this most definitely worked. You just had to take it in for what it was. This couldn’t have happened in any other club.
- Chicago, concert review, David Lee Roth, Guitar Virtuoso, guitarist, john 5, John 5 and the Creatures, marilyn manson, Mötley Crüe, rob zombie, Solo
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John is just amazing. Seeing him live in this place was awesome. We sat right up front. It was great because we didn’t have to stand the whole time as my old ass legs can’t do what I use to. If he comes back so will we. He’s a great addition to Motley Crue. They are lucky to have him.