The guitarist received the call while on tour with Rob Zombie after Mars stepped back due to health issues in late 2022.
During a Q&A session at the Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp, John 5 recalled receiving the call to join Mötley Crüe as their touring guitarist while he was on tour with Rob Zombie. John 5 stepped into the live role after original guitarist Mick Mars stopped touring in October 2022 due to ankylosing spondylitis, an inflammatory condition affecting his spine and pelvis. Mars later sued the band in April 2023, alleging that members attempted to remove him as a stakeholder after he retired from touring.
John 5 brought a long history with bassist Nikki Sixx, having previously collaborated with him on SIXX: A.M., L.A. RATS, a Meat Loaf track, and The Dirt soundtrack. John 5 played his first show with Mötley Crüe in 2023 during their tour with Def Leppard, with drummer Tommy Lee stating that his arrival brought new fire and excitement to the group.
