On Tuesday Night at the Keswick Theatre in Glenside, Pennsylvania, John 5 and Richie Kotzen gave the crowd a night filled with killer guitar work and two totally different styles of rock. It was one of those shows where you didn’t have to be a musician to appreciate the talent on stage. You could just sit back and take it all in.
John 5 opened the show and wasted no time showing why he’s one of the most respected guitarists in the business. His set was loud, fast, and full of personality. He jumped from heavy riffs to twangy country picking and even threw in a few classic rock nods that got the crowd cheering. His stage presence was as strong as his playing, with glowing guitars, creepy masks, and a killer drummer that kept up with every move. The highlight came when he did a medley of Motley Crue hits, proving he can play anything and make it his own.
After a short break, Richie Kotzen took the stage and immediately shifted the vibe. Where John 5 brought flash and fire, Kotzen brought groove and soul. His voice sounded smooth and powerful, and his guitar tone filled the room perfectly. He played songs like Love Is Blind and Remember with a mix of emotion and effortless skill. Every solo had feeling behind it, and you could tell the crowd connected with the way he played.
Both artists showed two different sides of what great guitar playing can be. John 5 wowed everyone with his speed and creativity, while Kotzen drew people in with emotion and pure feel. Together they turned the Keswick Theater into a guitar lover’s paradise and reminded everyone that great musicianship never goes out of style.
Richie Kotzen
John 5
