Mötley Crüe has officially presented their updated band lineup to the world, featuring guitar virtuoso John 5 stepping in for original guitarist Mick Mars. The band shared the first formal photograph of this new formation across their social media platforms, signaling a fresh chapter for the legendary rock group as they gear up for their highly anticipated 2023 world tour.
The photograph was initially shared by bassist Nikki Sixx on Instagram, offering fans their first glimpse of Mötley Crüe with John 5 officially in the guitar player position. Sixx captioned the image with an enthusiastic message, “Ready to hit the road… The World Tour 2023,” while also tagging the band members and acknowledging photographer Ross Halfin. This post marks the inaugural instance of the band being photographed alongside John 5 as the latest member.
John 5, renowned for his previous role as guitarist for Rob Zombie, was announced as Mick Mars’ replacement following Mars’ decision to step back from touring last year. Mick Mars, a co-founder of Mötley Crüe in 1981, declared his retirement from touring in October, citing ongoing health challenges. Despite battling Ankylosing Spondylitis, a degenerative condition, for a significant period, the seventy-one-year-old guitarist remains an official member of Mötley Crüe but will no longer participate in their live performances.
Following the announcement of his new role, John 5 released a public statement expressing his enthusiasm for joining Mötley Crüe and his deep respect for his predecessor. He stated he was “honoured to carry on Mick’s legacy” and confirmed his commitment to performing with the band on their extensive upcoming world tour. This transition marks a significant moment for both Mötley Crüe and their fanbase as they embark on this new musical journey.
The World Tour 2023 is set to commence imminently, with the first performance scheduled for this Friday, February 10th, in New Jersey. Fans eager to catch Mötley Crüe with their new guitar player John 5 can find a comprehensive list of tour dates on the band’s official website.
In anticipation of the tour, John 5 recently provided fans with a preview of the guitar gear he plans to utilize for the live shows. In a social media post from last week (January 31st), John 5 showcased his touring rig, which prominently features his signature Floyd Rose-equipped Telecaster guitars – instruments frequently seen in his online Mötley Crüe cover performances. His setup also includes a variety of Boss pedals and Marshall cabinets, ensuring he’s equipped to deliver the iconic Mötley Crüe sound to audiences worldwide.
The inclusion of John 5 as the new guitar player in Motley Crue marks an exciting evolution for the band. As they embark on their World Tour, fans are eager to witness the energy and musicianship that John 5 will bring to the stage, while honoring the enduring legacy of Mick Mars.
