In a recent interview with Radioactive MikeZ on the 96.7 KCAL-FM program Wired In The Empire, John 5, the former ROB ZOMBIE and current MÖTLEY CRÜE guitarist, weighed in on a long-standing METALLICA debate: which album is better, Ride The Lightning or Master Of Puppets.
“I would pick Master Of Puppets, and here’s why,” John 5 explained. “Everybody has their opinion, but the production on Master Of Puppets is crazy great. It’s perfection. Even today, it sounds amazing. The songs are well-written and well-executed, but it’s the production that takes it over the edge. And let’s talk about the cover — it’s a gorgeous piece of art. The back cover is rad too. Maybe it’s just me, but I got Ride The Lightning first and then Master Of Puppets, and that’s how I feel.”
Favorite METALLICA Song
When asked to name his favorite METALLICA song, John 5 chose the title track from …And Justice For All. “This is an odd choice, but I love …And Justice For All. I was with METALLICA on their …And Justice For All tour for many dates. I was good friends with those guys, and we had a blast. I remember jamming the intro with Kirk [Hammett], and it has a special fondness in my heart.”
MikeZ noted that …And Justice For All has faced criticism for its production, known for its lack of bass and thin guitars. John 5 agreed but defended its raw sound. “Absolutely. But if I had to choose between …And Justice and Master, I’d pick Master for the production. That said, I wouldn’t want to hear …And Justice For All with different production. It’s like classic Coke — you don’t mess with it. The imperfections are part of its charm.”
John 5’s Career Highlights
Back in 2017, John 5 released a cover of METALLICA’s Enter Sandman. He is now gearing up for a tour with his band JOHN 5 AND THE CREATURES, set to kick off NAMM weekend in January 2024. The tour will feature special guest Jared James Nichols and run through early March.
For over three decades, John 5 has been one of the most sought-after guitarists in the music industry. Beyond his work with ROB ZOMBIE and MÖTLEY CRÜE, he has collaborated with an eclectic mix of artists, including Steve Perry, KD Lang, Rod Stewart, David Lee Roth, Alice Cooper, and LYNYRD SKYNYRD. Known as a “fucking shredder” by Rob Zombie and praised as “one of the most mind-blowing guitarists around” by Slash, John 5 has released seven solo albums to date, along with a remix album.
In 2015, John 5 took his solo act on the road, forming THE CREATURES to support his live performances. The band has since become a staple of his solo work, contributing to albums like Season Of The Witch, It’s Alive, Invasion, and 2021’s Sinner.
Joining MÖTLEY CRÜE
In October 2022, John 5 was announced as the new guitarist for MÖTLEY CRÜE following Mick Mars’s retirement. He hit the road with the band as part of The World Tour alongside DEF LEPPARD, marking a new chapter in his illustrious career. With his vast experience and undeniable talent, John 5 continues to cement his legacy as one of the greatest guitarists in rock and metal history.
