John 5 Says Mötley Crüe Deserves More Recognition at the Rock Hall
via The Howard Stern Show / youtube
Current Motley Crue guitarist John 5 has voiced his bewilderment over why the band has not yet been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, insisting they “deserve” the honor.
5 joined Motley Crue’s touring lineup in late 2022 after original guitarist Mick Mars retired from live performances. In a recent interview with American Musical Supply, he reflected on the band’s legacy and influence on the music world. “I have no idea [why Motley Crue isn’t in the Rock Hall],” he said. “But if it was up to me, I’d have them in one day after the 25 years. I think they should be in, and I think it’d be wonderful. They deserve it so much. Because I think it’s all about influence, right? And so many countless musicians and bands have been influenced by Motley Crue, and I think that’s what’s important. So yeah, it’s a head-scratcher.”
Addressing Criticism and Controversy
John 5’s tenure in the band has not been without scrutiny. His joining followed a lawsuit from Mars against Vince Neil, Nikki Sixx, and Tommy Lee, alleging financial disputes and attempts to remove him from the group. Mars also claimed onstage fakery, which sparked fan accusations online.
In a mid-2024 Instagram post, John 5 addressed criticisms about his performance technique. “I do this thing where I flip the pick around on my neck,” he explained. “Very simple. It’s not a big thing. A lot of things are played with one hand. A lot of musicians know this. So, nothing to worry about, no backing tracks.”
Legacy, Recognition, and Future
Despite their commercial success and influence, Motley Crue does not expect Rock Hall recognition anytime soon. Neil joked to WMMR Philadelphia in 2024, “We’ll probably be dead when they induct us.” Sixx has long argued that the Rock Hall operates as a “fixed old-boy network,” and even if inducted, he would decline.
The band will celebrate their 45th anniversary next summer with the Return of the Carnival of Sins tour, featuring support from Tesla and Extreme, continuing to honor their enduring legacy on stage regardless of institutional recognition.
