Halloween lives on: John 5 brings tricks, treats, and guitar firepower to The Sherman Theater

by Tara Adams

Writer, Haunt Hunters App

STROUDSBURG, Pa. — John 5 ignited The Sherman Theater Friday night by mixing blistering guitar work with Halloween swagger and transforming the packed venue into a fog-shrouded haunt.

The stop in the Poconos was part of a co-headling tour with guitarist and singer Richie Kotzen. 

John 5 played some new songs and fan-favorite cuts from across his catalog, ending with a Motley Crue medley that had the crowd singing along. Accompanied by Alejandro Mercado on drums, John 5's playing was sharp, theatrical, and fun rock and roll.

The Motley Crue guitarist engaged with fans throughout the night, throwing out guitar picks and even teasing the crowd about his song, “Que Pasa,” which features Megadeth's Dave Mustaine. 

“I always joke and say, ‘Oh, Dave Mustaine's here,’ and everyone cheers, and I say, ‘I'm just kidding,’” he said. “But tonight, it's true! It's true!” 

“Please welcome to the stage, Mr. Dave Mustaine from Megadeth, come on,” John 5 said with a grin and to cheers from the crowd. “No, he's not here.”

Before joining Motley Crue, John 5 was the lead guitarist for Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie. 

True to his spooky-season persona, he cycled through several masks during the night, slipping into each one like he was switching characters in a midnight horror flick. The stage was decorated with large jack-o-lanterns that glowed red to add to the Halloween flair. 

Even the crew got in on the fun: his guitar tech walked the stage throwing Halloween candy to the crowd as John 5 played, keeping the trick-or-treat energy alive. 

“We're going to pass out some candy to you guys, because I'm not letting go of Halloween,” John 5 said. “I love Halloween so much. We're all parents, and we don't get candy, so we're going to play some passing-out-candy-to-you music.”

John 5's setlist included “Season of the Witch,” “Crank It,” “The Ghost,” “I Am John 5,” “Que Pasa,” and the new track, “Deviant.” 

His new album, “Ghost,” dropped in October. For more information on the album and remaining tour dates and meet and greets, visit john-5.com. 

“Thank you guys for having me,” John 5 told the Stroudsburg crowd. “You guys are awesome. I love coming here. I love coming to your town and walking around.”