Guitarist John 5 has once again opened up about his relationship with Rob Zombie following his departure from Zombie’s band in 2022, revealing that the two musicians still have not spoken since the split.
Speaking during a recent appearance on the Thinking About Guitar podcast, John 5 reflected on why he decided to leave Rob Zombie’s longtime touring and recording lineup for the opportunity to join MÖTLEY CRÜE as Mick Mars’s replacement.
“Life is short and I want to experience as much as possible,” John 5 explained during the interview. “I want to see things. I want to experience things. I’m still so hungry to do things.”
The guitarist spent 17 years working alongside Rob Zombie, contributing to five studio albums and performing hundreds of shows worldwide. Over the years, the pair developed a close creative partnership, something John 5 was quick to acknowledge while discussing his decision to move on.
“I was never a band member with anything,” the guitarist continued. “I’ve never been a band member with [Marilyn] Manson or Rob or MÖTLEY CRÜE or anything. So me and Rob had such a special bond and we work so well together. We write so well together. Those shows… We had so much fun. We never had a negative word between us. I mean, he’s just, he’s the greatest. But I just wanted to experience this. I wanted to experience it. And I know that might be selfish, but I just wanted to – I didn’t want to have this pass by.”
Despite the longtime friendship and successful collaboration, John 5 confirmed that there has been no communication between the two since he exited the band.
“I haven’t spoken to Rob, unfortunately,” he revealed. “Of course, I miss him. And 17 years [together] and I love him. And I wish nothing but the best for him. But I have no ill will towards Rob Zombie whatsoever.”
This is not the first time John 5 has addressed the subject publicly. During an appearance on The Jasta Show in 2024, he was also asked whether he had remained in touch with Zombie after making the move to MÖTLEY CRÜE.
“We’re not on bad terms,” John 5 said at the time. “And Rob wished me well. And he was, like, ‘Go get ’em,’ and all that stuff. So we’re not on bad terms, but we just have not spoke; we haven’t spoken to each other. But he’s doing great. He’s got a great new band, and he’s kicking a*s out there. But we just haven’t talked. I don’t think there’s any bad blood or anything. I mean, 17 years and things like that, but it was just time to…
“I wanna live my life, and to get an opportunity at this stage is a pretty rare opportunity,” he continued. “So I just want to see so many more things. I’m never gonna retire — I guarantee you that; I’ll never retire, but I just wanna do so much more.”
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