ION INDIE MAGAZINE January 2016, Volume 20 | Page 94

Story and Photography by Timothy Schumann When I heard that JOHN 5 was coming to the LOWBROW PALACE on November 17, 2015, my first thought was not if I would be approved to cover the show--it was…why at the Lowbrow, of all places? Not that it’s not a very cool place to see a show, because it is. It’s just rather small, especially for a national act like John 5. But I was pleasantly surprised by the turn out. You see, if you put less than one hundred people in this venue, it sure looks packed, as it did on this peculiar evening. Now, of course I knew who John 5 was (JOHN WILLIAM LOWERY)…he's played with DAVID LEE ROTH, MARILYN MANSON--and now is the permanent guitarist for ROB ZOMBIE. The only other time I have seen him was with Zombie last year at “Uproar”. During his solo career, he has produced seven albums--plus he likes to title his songs after famous murderers such as Ed Gein (“Gein with Envy”) and Albert Fish (“Werewolf of Westeria”)--something that caught my attention! Truth be told, I had no idea what to expect from "John 5 and the Creatures", but boy, was I surprised and impressed. No vocals--straight instrumental, nothing but John 5 making multiple Telecaster's talk to me for 90 minutes…this guy is just unbelievable! I have longed for a show of this caliber for quite some time. I have just wanted to be entertained by a master on an electric guitar…you know, like the STEVIE RAY VAUGHNS, the JIMMY PAGES, the STEVE VAIS and the JAKE E. LEES…that type of skillful master. After all, Lowery has only been playing since the age of seven--and does it show! I strongly suggest that you take in his show if it rolls thru your town. I promise you, if you are a fan of guitar wizardry, then John 5 would be a “must see”, take my word for it…you won't be disappointed! www.john-5.com