Nikki Sixx Compares John 5 and Mick Mars Performance In Motley Crue

In a recent interview with Bass Player, Mötley Crüe’s Nikki Sixx opened up about his long-standing creative partnership with guitarist John 5 and reflected on what made their musical connection so unique.

Longtime Collaboration with John 5

“I’ve been writing music with John for 15 years,” Sixx shared. Their first project together was The Monster Is Loose by Meat Loaf, produced by Desmond Child. Although John 5 didn’t write that track, he played guitar, and the two quickly bonded. Sixx recalled a particular Sixx: A.M. song, “Lies of the Beautiful People,” saying:

“I had John come to my little studio, we plugged in some cheap amps, and that song became a Number 1 hit for the band.”

Their partnership continued to grow, and John 5 even played on tracks for The Dirt, a movie soundtrack inspired by Mötley Crüe’s autobiography. Sixx said:

“We spent a lot of time together writing songs and he was a big part of that studio work.”

John 5’s Adaptability and Teamwork

What Sixx admires most about John 5 is his adaptability. “On the song ‘Cancelled,’ he came in with riffs that really added to what we were doing,” he shared. Sixx praised John’s consistency and ability to elevate the band’s music, saying:

“Being able to depend on a musician is key in a band. He’s a great player and consistent… we’re all operating on a higher frequency.”

New Beginnings for Mötley Crüe

In 2022, John 5 officially joined Mötley Crüe on their Stadium Tour with Def Leppard, filling the spot left by Mick Mars, who had to step back from live shows due to health concerns. Reflecting on the transition, Sixx noted, “I’m a person who has a clear vision, but you need a strong team. You could be the best quarterback, but without the right team, you’ll get sacked every time.”

With over a decade of collaboration, Sixx and John 5 have built a powerful partnership, bringing fresh energy and ideas to Mötley Crüe while honoring Mars’ legacy. As Sixx says:

“I’ve known and worked with J5 for over 15 years, and he’s exactly who we need now.”