John 5 and The Creatures w/ Mechanism
Louie G’s, Fife, WA
03.03.17

The Pacific Northwest has always been home to great music, and recently it seems so many tours are either starting or ending here, making for some memorable shows. John 5 and The Creatures were kicking off the first of their 34-date US tour to celebrate the release of his 8th solo album, Season of The Witch.

Opening band, Mechanism, is one of the PNW’s own local heroes. They have gained the love and respect of many loyal fans through hard work and dedication to their craft. Their groove was hard-hitting and their songs memorable. It was amazing to see the smiles on everyone’s faces, as the sold-out crowd was there as much to see them as the headliner.

“Devil With a Gun” was a crowd favorite, and even more so as they welcomed Kat Lorne & John Evans (Sons Of Mercury) to the stage to sing with them. The set was so high energy that it was clear to all in attendance that Mechanism is destined for big things.

The crowd was more than familiar with John 5. The wide range of artists he has worked with includes everyone from Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson to K.D. Lang and Garbage. Louie G’s was packed to the walls.

This tour kicked off with an intimate setting to witness one of rock’s most versatile guitarists up close and personal. As John 5 took the stage with his bassist and drummer it was crazy to see that shredding style and his visual style melding together! The stage stayed a bit dark while light came from a flashlight device in John’s mouth, shining through the veil he is wearing.

His outfit was as unique as his playing style. How does one even begin to describe John 5, or his stage clothing? It was like a Game of Thrones, post-apocalyptic creature goth, with a touch of corpse paint. Unforgettable. At one point in the night he donned a creepy female-looking, mannequin-like mask. Scary stuff.

The insane dexterity of John 5 was a sight to behold, with sheer fluidity and the varied styles he can play. He moved from sheer shredding to bass-like thumb tapping, to banjo and mini guitar. John 5 and his playing are just as iconic as his signature telecasters. Different guitar changes matched the various playing styles that showcased his influences. From funk, metal, and bluegrass to country, the entire night was so fluid. His skill wasn’t fair, just insane. Louie G’s served some great pizza, but John 5 was offering up humble pie to the many musicians out tonight.

John 5 took to the mic a few times throughout the evening. He joked with the crowd that he is used to being behind several dynamic front men, so having to speak is unfamiliar. He thanked the crowd for enduring an evening of “guitar solos” and introduced The Creatures. He then dedicated a song to a young fan that he met earlier in the afternoon that told him his favorite John 5 song was “Beat It,” and that he wished he wrote it.

One of the coolest highlights during the night was a guitar medley that consisted of highlights from many iconic guitar riffs. The capacity crowd ate up the entire evening. If you have an opportunity to see John 5 and The Creatures on one of his extensive tour dates, do it. It’s a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with his crushing display of guitar virtuosity that needs to be seen live.

John 5 and the Creatures Set List
Flight Of Vulcan Kelly
666 Pickers
Crazy Ones
Rifle
Jiffy Jam
HellHaw
Season Of The Witch
Portrait Of Sydney Sloan
First Victim
Guitar Solo
Black Grass Plague
Behind The Nut Love
Making Monsters
Beat It
Medley – Ain’t Talking ‘Bout Love, Iron Maiden, Back In Black, Cat Scratch Fever, Thunder Kiss ’65, South Of Heaven, I Was Made For Loving You, No More Tears, Beautiful People, Killing In The Name Of and more.
Guitars, Tits & Monsters

Mechanism Set List
A Better Way
Devil With a Gun – Featuring Kat Lorne & John Evans from Sons Of Mercury
This Machine
Dear God
Equinox
Die Alone
Illuminati
Archons
Corum’s Revenge – Instrumental Shred fest Version

Review and photos by Neil Lim Sang