Richie Kotzen and John 5

Richie Kotzen has performed on some of the biggest stages in the world since he first signed a deal with Shrapnel Records in 1988 as a guitar prodigy. He continues to release records as a solo artist and also fronted The Winery Dogs for multiple worldwide releases and tours. Now known also as a prolific songwriter and one half of acclaimed duo Smith/Kotzen with Iron Maiden’s Adrian Smith, Richie’s ever-growing back catalogue (including more than 20 solo albums) ensure that his fans around the world are constantly treated to his prodigious talent both recorded and live.

When Guitar World convened their State of Guitar in 2021 all-star summit, JOHN 5 appeared on the magazine’s cover, right alongside Metallica’s Kirk Hammett and Tool’s Adam Jones. Without a doubt, his reputation as a guitar-slinging troubadour and top-notch shredder is well-earned, recognized by friends, peers, and collaborators like Slash, Paul Gilbert, and Steve Vai over the years. But the man whose passport reads “John William Lowery” is more than a postmodern guitar hero. An eclectic showman and horror-obsessed pop culture maverick, his tastes and talent are as vast and diverse as his renowned collection of guitars and as robust as his expansive discography. As evidenced by the latest slab of sinister sounds credited to his JOHN 5 AND THE CREATURES outfit, the Michigan-born musician, who moved to Hollywood as a teen to pursue his rock n’ roll dreams, follows his artistic muse wherever it leads. SINNER is pure JOHN 5, summoned with the same mix of vibrant energy and passionate emotion beloved by fans of his work as guitarist for Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, and David Lee Roth. His 5th record with Zombie, The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy, became the hard rock icon’s first No. 1 album. The debut single from L.A. RATS, pairing John and Zombie with Nikki Sixx (Mötley Crüe) and Tommy Clueftos (Ozzy Osbourne, Rob Zombie), cracked Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Top 40. The key to it all was John’s uniquely identifiable style, which he nails on SINNER.