John 5’s recent Instagram post has ignited speculation about a potential reunion with Marilyn Manson. The guitarist shared a heartfelt birthday message for Manson, accompanied by photos and videos from the rocker’s birthday celebration.
While many fans expressed excitement over the nostalgic connection, others criticized John 5 for rekindling ties with Manson, given the controversies surrounding the singer.
One fan commented, “Wooow, this is nostalgic. John 5 return to Marilyn Manson???” Another wrote, “John, you belong to Manson!! PLEASE GO BACK TO HIM!!” Some even urged him to rejoin for a future tour: “Would be amazing if you joined him on the next tour.”
However, not everyone was thrilled. “Very disappointed, John. Thought you might’ve reevaluated this friendship/relationship,” one critic noted. Another commented harshly, “Never unfollowed so fast!”
John 5, who joined Marilyn Manson in 1999 as the band’s guitarist, has a storied history with the shock-rocker. He was recruited during the Mechanical Animals era, performing at high-profile events like the MTV Video Music Awards. Last year, he reflected on how he joined the band, telling That Fuzzing Rock Show, “Manson asked me to join during a meeting at a restaurant. He had this idea of naming me John 5 and doing everything with numbers. It was surreal—I didn’t even audition.”
The guitarist occasionally shares anecdotes from his time with Manson. In a 2024 episode of This Is The Worst Podcast, he recounted a moment when Manson got angry after John scared him in front of a group of women. “He got so mad that he smashed the mirrors in my room as revenge,” John shared, laughing about the incident.
While the recent post has stirred nostalgia and controversy, it remains unclear if the interaction signals a professional reunion. For now, fans are left wondering if John 5 and Manson might collaborate once more.
