John 5’s recent show at the Observatory OC in Santa Ana was nothing short of a masterclass in guitar wizardry and captivating showmanship. From the very first notes of “Season of the Witch,” it was clear that the NAMM packed audience was in for a night of electrifying music on what turned out to be a beautiful night here in central Orange County. From top to bottom, John 5 put on an amazing show, leaving no doubt why he is considered one of the most talented guitarists on the planet today. His performances are not to be missed, and this one was one of the best I have seen (bar none) in years.
Opening for John 5 on Friday night was none other than The Atomic Punks, a Southern California based tribute to early Van Halen. Considered to be one of the most authentic tributes to David Lee Roth era VH of all-time, these cats put on a headline type show that brought out the inner rocker in everyone attending. Classics like “Panama,” “So This is Love,” and “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘bout Love” were all sonic perfection coupled with spot-on stage antics that had the crowd wondering if this was actually Van Halen in its prime. My favorite moment of the night was watching Punks guitarist Frankie Lindia crush EVH’s legendary guitar solo “Eruption” in a way that few have ever been able to capture. His recreation of this classic was truly magical and literally brought tears to my eyes.
Next up was another up and coming guitar heavyweight, Jared James Nichols. Good lord, this guy can play. Known for his “pick-less” guitar playing technique, Jared crushed a 12-song opening set that left little to the imagination for the ever growing crowd here at the Observatory. I’ve seen JJN’s live performances before and can honestly say he took this one to a whole new level. Blues infused hits like “Easy Come, Easy Go” and “Skin ‘n Bone” were cooked to perfection and had the crowd screaming for more all night long. But it was Nichols impeccable cover of Alice in Chains’ “Man in the Box” that stood out for me. He took an already classic song and placed his own indelible stamp on it in a way I might have felt impossible. Respect.
Now on to the main attraction, John 5. This guy has been shredding his magic since first hitting the stage with David Lee Roth in 1998 and continues to do so today with the same intense passion he had then. J5 has had formidable stints with Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie, and now continues as lead guitarist for Mötley Crüe, in addition to all of his phenomenal solo work. Friday’s show could be considered a culmination of all that hard work, and literally thousands of NAMM crazed fans packed the Observatory for a sold-out to witness firsthand his guitar genius.
Friday’s setlist was a dynamic journey through John 5’s illustrious career, featuring tracks from his solo albums and select covers that showcased his eclectic musical influences. The seamless transitions between blistering metal riffs, haunting acoustic passages, and infectious grooves kept the audience on the edge of their seats. Standout moments included the jaw-dropping display of technical prowess during “Zoinks!” and one of my favorite John 5 tracks, “Crank It.” A highlight for many was a 10-song medley of Crüe classics including “Live Wire,” “Home Sweet Home,” and “Kickstart My Heart.” This one was simply brilliant.
John 5’s live performance at The Observatory OC was a testament to his unparalleled musicianship and his ability to captivate audiences with his technical prowess and magnetic stage presence. For fans of virtuosic guitar playing and electrifying live performances, John 5’s shows are an absolute must-see. He effortlessly merges technical proficiency with raw emotion, creating an experience that transcends the boundaries of musical genres. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply appreciate the art of guitar mastery, attending a John 5 concert promises an unforgettable night of sonic exploration and unbridled passion. Friday night’s show was no exception and highlighted in spades why this guy is simply “badasseery” defined.
JARED JAMES NICHOLS
THE ATOMIC PUNKS
