John 5 and The Creatures at Amos Southend

John 5 of Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie at Amos Southend in Charlotte North Carolina

By: Michael Bragg (Photo Gallery & Review) of MJBragg Photography

Charlotte, NC (November 18th, 2019) –The “Invasion Tour“ rolled in to Charlotte, NC this evening with a stacked line up of music. Headlined by the famed Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie guitarist John 5 along with support acts Jared James Nichols and Reverend Jack it was eveident that Amo’s Southend was in for a treat. Fans eagerly awaited outside the venue for the doors to open where they took their places in anticipation of the shows start.

Kentucky based band Reverend Jack kicked things off with an intensity not normally seen right out of the gate for an opening act. These guys no what they are doing and command your attention right from the start. From the bass and drum grooves of Ryan Garrett and Nathan Parrish to the well placed guitar work of Dustin Black the band gave a solid foundation for frontman/guitarist Eric Harmon to showcase his outstanding vocal abilities. Reverend Jack is just a solid rock band that drives each song as hard as possible. Eric’s vocal range is reminiscent of singers like Sebastian Bach and teamed along with Dustin’s lead work this band gives a welcomed reflection to an 80’s metal vibe mixed with a fresh breath of current originality. Be sure to check out the groups current EP ”Not Playing Games” and see them live if you get a chance.

As Jared James Nichols prepared to take the stage I felt like a bit of an outcast. Hearing others around me speak of him and wondering what songs he would be playing I stood there just taking in the info. Finally I had to move the rock away that I must’ve been hiding under and ask ones around me who this guy is. Right at the time I chose to speak up and ask Jared entered the stage and gave me the answers himself. Marshall Tucker Band guitarist Toy Caldwell may have popularized picking guitar with your thumb but Jared has taken this unique style to a whole new level. Mixing blues licks in with a solid foundation of rock and roll Jared and his band held the crowd captive with their musical prowess. Reminding you a lot of a 1970’s Ted Nugent show Jared controlled the crowd with his wild, crazy stage antics and use of dynamics to draw you in. Throughout his set I literally watched people’s jaws drop in amazement. Touring in support of his current single “Nails In The Coffin” Jared pleases his longtime fans with new music while earning new fans like me.

Many know of John 5 from his time with Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie however they don’t know much more than that. John actually toured as part of David Lee Roth’s band before MM and started work as a session musician at age 17. He’s worked with legendary artists such as Rob Halford (Judas Priest) and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Many would be shocked to know he drew influences from artists on the Hee Haw show as a child based on his look and style amongst the rock bands. John has also released 9 solo studio albums of which “Invasion” is his most recent released on his birthday of July 31st this year (2019).

Currently touring in support of this album John 5 and “The Creatures” have brought their latest music to the “Queen City” this evening. With 6 songs from the album mixed throughout a 16 song set the band gave fans plenty of new music to listen to but experience as well. With the eye catching stage set up and videos playing on 4 screens there was plenty to keep your head turning trying to take it all in. John played effortlessly over a solid foundation of bass and drums as he showcased his various styles encapsulating all of his influences into one show. Playing instrumental arrangements from straight up rock to metal is what most expect but John also gave us blues licks and some of that Nashville “chicken’pickin’” to the country and western styles with songs “Hell Haw” and “Cactus Flower.” I have to say it was a bit odd to see John 5 in character playing mandolin and banjo but well received. Enticing the crowd with a medley of popular hits from Queen and Metallica to Nirvana and Pantera John 5 kept the crowd going all night like with one wow factor after another. Closing out his set with “I Want It All” John 5 thanked the crowd for their support receiving a round of abundant cheering and applause.

The “Invasion Tour” continues through November 24th, 2019 ending in Rochester, NY.

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Copyright – Michael Bragg/MJBragg Photography

John 5

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