John 1, 2, 3, and 4 may need a backing track. John 5 does not need a backing track.

John 5 doens't owe anyone an explanation. He is a class act.

John5 is a guitar freak and there’s no way he’d ever use backing tracks. He might be clean laced, but that guitar is his drug. Dude does interviews and his fingers are still playing an invisible guitar. Dumbest accusation I’ve ever heard.

John 5 can play his and everyone's parts at the same time on guitar if he wanted to, the man does not need backing tracks. Backing tracks would need him.

I think it’s so funny that the one guy that likely no one doubts is playing for real is the guy that parades out and says I’m not using back tracks.

I HIGHLY doubt John 5 is doing this. Far too classy for that. On the other hand, I wouldn't put it past Nikki, Tommy & Vince!! Posers...

John 5 would never use backing tracks he's freaking too good for that

Insane Guitarist.

Actual John 5 content starts at 2:25. You're welcome.

Yeah, I can see the other members of MC using backing tracks. But John 5? Heck no.

Dude, is it true Vince Meal eats all the backstage food before the rest of the band can get to it? Asking for a friend

I can't believe John 5 would even play with this version of Motley Crue.

Cant see any possible reason John F'n 5 would need a back track..

I saw this man live and up close at HorrorHound in Indianapolis, and watched him play like 15 different guitars in ONE set….he is not using backing tracks for fucks sake 😂😂😂

John 5 IS the backing track the world should play to.

Not a fan of Motley Crue, but I saw John 5 with Rob Zombie when he was touring with Marilyn Manson a few years ago and he is unquestionably an awesome guitarist. That being said, who cares if he were to use backing tracks? What of it? As long as it's not done in a fraudulent manner, that is all that matters. If he were to mime his playing to a track, that would be fraudulent, but great guitarists make use of loop pedals all the time so they can layer parts over each other in a live setting without the need for a second guitarist. As a guitarist, I respect the skill of being able to record loops live. I can't even do that. If I want to layer something, I have the parts I'm not playing live already saved on an SD card in my loop pedal. Already got too many pedals and vocals to worry about without also having to worry about getting a part exactly right and hitting the pedal at the exact right moments to make it sound right and in time. Backing tracks are not necessarily a bad thing. Just don't use them to trick your audience.

John 5 is such an amazing guitar player, he doesnt need backing tracks nor would he ever do that!!!

I don’t know a lot about John 5 but this was a great response. Seems like a cool dude.

If there’s one dude on the planet that doesn’t need any help it’s John.

I am a musician and I saw John 5 with Rob Zombie on the 2010 Mayhem Festival in Cincinnati and, trust me, John 5 is a beast of a guitarist and he was not faking anything in any way. He absolutely shredded. Amazing musician; truly.

He can play for sure, but look at all the footage. He had a rhythm backing track going while he plays lead breaks with Motley Crue. They did this also when Mick Mars played with them. This is not unusual for a band with just one guitarists. It's not cheating, it's just filling out the sound. Just the same as Falling in Reverse using backing tracks.

First! John 5 is Da Man 👊🏾 Thanks for the update!

John 5 is an amazing guitar player, it's kinda funny people think he uses backing tracks. When you listen and watch guitar gods ( satriani, Vai, malmsteen, mcalpine list goes on) they do all sorts of crazy tricks that leave you scratching your head. That's the enjoyment of it, learning how its done and improving your own guitar skills.

Played guitar for 30+ years, 3:34 listen to the strum noise, now listen to him explain musicians know this later 3:50 no strum noise... MAGIC And yeah the hammer on/pull offs are easy, as is not needing to look at your fretboard.

I watched him once on That Metal Show go full on Liquid Metal with his guitar. NO WAY is he using backing tracks!

I don't think people are talking about his pull offs and hammer ons or that John 5 isn't playing live.....but Motley does have a bunch of backing tracks being pumped in.

It’s a major compliment to be so good at playing the guitar that people don’t even believe it to be true lmao

That's about as humble, easy going and matter of fact as it gets! Solid dude and a legendary guitar player hands down

Hammer-ons and pull-offs are some of the best tricks to make extended sessions much easier, with less fatigue.

John is the one playing to the backing tracks.

I saw his solo show in march and did a quick meet and greet after. Phenomenal musician and a really nice person.

Ever since i saw your interview with him I've been a fan. I was so impressed with not only his musical ability but he seems like such a humble and genuinely nice guy. He made trolls and haters look like dumbasses in the most polite yet informative way possible. 👍🤘

It's possible that the Crüe has some rhythm guitar backing tracks for solos. But he doesn't need any help with solos.

He’s my favorite gtrist. My first tattoo ever was the devil knows my name ouija 5 pick. And just a few years ago he played downtown hobart Indiana a mere 2 BLOCKS from MY APARTMENT!!!! Imagine how legendary it was for me to walk out the back door and see one of the people I look up to shred? That theater was also where I premiered my skate videos at, and my brother in law who passed opened for Doyle at. Just had to share. Amazing shit

Here the thing: John 5 is such a virtuoso, his hammer-ons and pull-offs come across so tight, so in time, with such good tone and with minimal noise from unwanted strings, most guitarists will have a hard time playing even simple parts that good. They cannot accept that he knows his craft.

Your hairless cat comment, meant more to me than the whole video of John 5😂

As a non-guitar player, I just had my mind blown!

Nobody can replace Mick Mars.

He can play all of those songs in his sleep, better than all the original members. What he can’t do, is write a song as appealing, but he really doesn’t need to. Love his playing.

When are we going to get a more affordable version of that tele? I've been wanting one forever

I have seen Motley Crue in concert five times total and could easily see them five more. One of my biggest concert regrets is not having seen them not only more, but in the 80's and early 90's. They have a God like intangible quality in concert that never gets old. As much as I miss Mick so bad, John 5 is the perfect fit. He really is. When I saw MC live at the Hollywood Palladium in late 2008/early 2009 time period, there is no way they had backing tracks. I heard and saw Nikki's playing and was totally blown away by his bass playing alone. Vince was in great shape and Tommy's drums, laser precise and saturated with heavy groove. Mick's playing, God like on the guitar. Now as far as in the last five years, I don't know about the backing track thing and if they are using backing tracks, not sure if the band members are also playing live along with it.

dude you dont have to explain yourself to anybody your one of the best

But how is he still playing the rhythm part while he's soloing? Because he is playing live and using a backing track.

I was cranking wild side when It came on the radio the other day. I thought of trying to play that riff. Now I see what he’s doing. Very cool.

Where is the part where John shows how he plays the solo and rhythm guitar part at the same time? If you notice the rhythm guitar part continues while he is doing the solo.

Rob Zombie has talk about how much of a insane player he is, to the point where he refused to even use effects while playing live, and opted for adding the trails of delay by himself by actually playing them instead of using a effect unit.

Conveniently,he didn't demonstrate the part in question.

No question J5 plays live. I'm a former road tech and arena stage and lighting hand. Worked many Crue and other shows. Tracks and click tracks became far more common starting in the 90's. I know for a fact Mars played back in the day, and Tommy played too. Tommy's misses and mistakes were obvious. I saw it back stage and from overhead a lot. Vince always stunk live and well Nikki... goes without saying he needed help.

I dont know if JOhn does but the band HAS used them in the past, and probably now too!

Saw John play in Hollywood years ago, then ran into him at a Richie Kotzen gig, cool guy, totally down to earth, funny and a huge music fan oh and one hell of a guitar player also...literally one of the best players around right now

He is absolutely using a backing track. Watch Mike on the "art of guitar" channel's video on this. As soon as John 5 takes a solo, you can hear a rhythm guitar playing in the background. It's not the same thing that the original video alleges, but technically they are using backing tracks.

John 5 is a class act. I think Motley Crue made a wise choice choosing him to replace Mick. I’m really excited to see the Crue live with John in the lineup. I’m a fan since the 80’s and it’s awesome they are still playing and creating new music.

John 5 stopped using effects pedals (delay ) because he thought it was “cheating” .. dudes a bad azz , I promise , this dude does NOT need any stinking backing track

Old Motley Crue was fun, new Crue..naw. Love John 5!! he has nothing to explain, he's as real as it gets!!

I saw John 5 in Rochester N.Y. in 2019 Hes GREAT!

If John is on backing tracks the world is a simulation. This guy is one of the best guitarists out there.

They're DEFINITELY using tracks, does anyone dispute that anymore?

I saw them live recently. Bassist does have backing tracks. John 5 did not! But the bass was quite obvious.

Backing tracks are extremely common in majority of live act these days. It’s not a big deal. It’s not like they can’t play their own songs. It just helps a consistent sound throughout the tour. That being said, John 5 is the man!

Who tf are making these allegations, and on John 5 of all people cuh 😂

And even if you are not a fan of john 5, he is extremely talented and clean while playing. Also unique and inventive.

I was fortunate enough to play bass for John on his Art Of Malice album. He can play anything. Period.

He's the best guitar player on the planet this guy rocks. How dare they accuse him of that

Who cares? Motley Crue is over.

Ive seen the Crüe live last year in São Paulo, and John is just too damn good to need a backing rack

One of the best in the business schooling those that don't know. Pure class Why would somebody who appreciates his instrument so much and the art form play to a backing track.

Funny, John 5 being accused of doing ANYTHING besides utterly EVICERATING whatever the hell he wants to shred at,..is insane. Great video, and John 5 rocks. Always will!!

John 5 would NEVER NEED backing tracks!! I've saw him twice with Zombie as well as his live videos... that's just absurd! I ❤❤❤ John 5!!

John 5 and the creatures Zoinks is a crazy song the guitar is amazing

A true professional will make it look easy every time. There are technically savvy players and then there are talented musicians with ingrained ability which they have refined themselves over the years. Often classically trained, or simply naturally adept to play (in-tune) by ear, John 5 is the genuine article.

I have played for 40 plus years. This Bro here is Legit🤙

I wise dude once said "When a man loves cats, I am his friend and comrade, without further introduction."

i do not have John5 swag, talent, success, assymetrical hands or anything BUT we share an eternal love affair with the Telecaster

John 5 and Buckethead should form a band and jam to prerecorded drum tracks at children's birthday parties

Bruh he’s deadass one of the best and most authentic guitarists on the planet, and a lovely guy. Incredibly embarrassing and insulting to accuse him of anything!

🤣John 5 using backing tracks is too funny. He is a one of a kind guitar player.. Awesome response from him. 🎸

Mick confirmed use of backing tracks. Of course John's not miming the guitar, but I highly doubt they decided to ditch using backing track "enhancements". He's an employee of the Crue corporation and does what he's told.

John 5 is the man. The calm response with proof just shows his confidence knowing the real fans don't need this explanation.

It’s a sad day when someone as talented as John 5 has to explain this to the world. The guy is so talented. And people into guitar have known this for years. He’s sick. If anything the standard of stuff he’s now playing in Motley is several steps below what he usually plays. He’s a fuckin maestro

Clearly using a backing track in this video.

John 5 is the guy they call to record those backing tracks

I’ve seen John 5 when he was with Rob Zombie several times and there is NO WAY he doesn’t play live. He IS a guitar GOD!

Nice to know, even after Mick the guitarist in the band is still my favorite member of Motley Crue.

John 5 is a true gem of a guitarist, he can play anything and play it well, that's not to say I don't love Mick Mars though they are both in a realm of guitar mastery.

Yeah, I couldn't imagine him NOT playing live. Was listening to 2wo tonight

I'd never think for a min the John 5 would not be playing his parts live. Vince, however. If that's his actual voice on the new recordings, I'll eat my hat.

Crue riffs are likely fairly simplistic for him and alt tunings can do part of the work for performance too for chords. Saw Stones last week and they used this a lot for the aging Richards.

Just because John 5 isn't using tape doesn't mean he doesn't have Verse 1, chorus 2 in his ear monitors

Father 5 loves music to his core may you continue to bless us with your music fan forever telle forever

Let's be honest, he is playing an easy song to do this with To Fast For Love, however the video of Wildside is distinct strumming attacks.

You never know. They had Mick mimicking to attract. I wouldn't doubt it if they had John do the same thing.

Real or not he does a great job miming to a backing track if so…if not then he is just a great guitarist that can do it all.

Used to see him around LA. VERY nice person. I’m sure we all know he isn’t on backing tracks but last tour Tommy and Nikki were. It bummed me out but no hate from me. I don’t play stadiums and dont know their reasoning. I hope this tour theyre back to live rockin without that silliness. John was a great pick. 😎💯🎸

John 5 and Wolfgang Van Halen are great examples of class, talent, humility and social media done right. They can shut down trolls with little effort often simply with action instead of words.

Well, when you are 15 and Too Fast for Love comes out, you love it. What you hate, is a band staying past its prime. There is no doubt, Vince was using it on a tour a couple(?) years ago. Didn’t like how they did Mick and wouldn’t want to walk into that room after that. No issue with John.

I had the misfortune of seeing Motley Crue on their '22 Stadium Tour. Seemed like Mick Mars was the only one even trying. Weird how there happens to be a constant here 😂

Notice he didn't say anything about anyone else in the band...

With his skill and talent, I couldn't imagine John 5 using backing tracks.

John 5 is one of the best guitar players alive, and he’s a serious class act. I think of the movie Crossroads, where Ralph Machio has to play against Steve Vai for his soul. If you go to hell, and you have to play against John 5 for your soul, just drop your guitar, and get used to the heat. 👹🔥

Well if the rest of them are using backing tracks, wouldn’t he have to because it’s all playing together on one backing tracks. It doesn’t mean he doesn’t know how to play it just means that they want to play perfect for the fans