In this episode of Ampocalypse, Damian is joined by legendary guitarist John 5 to talk about his long-awaited solo UK and European tour, the critically acclaimed album Ghost, and what it means to finally step fully into the spotlight as a solo artist.

Best known for his work with artists including Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, and now Mötley Crüe, John 5 reflects on the excitement of bringing his own music to intimate venues across the UK and Europe for the first proper full solo run. He shares why smaller rooms create a completely different energy, how Ghost was recorded with a live feel in mind, and why diversity in sound—from crushing riffs to bluegrass and jazz influences—has always been such an important part of his musical identity.

John also opens up about life on the road, the importance of respecting the people around you on tour, and why live instrumental music creates a unique connection with an audience that words sometimes cannot.

Then, it’s time to see how John 5 would fare in his own Ampocalypse—where a global solar flare wipes out electricity, modern technology disappears overnight, and live music might be the only entertainment left. Could he survive with just an acoustic guitar and instinct alone?

🤘 If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and subscribe to Ampocalypse. And let me know in the comments: if the world lost electricity tomorrow, what would be your survival plan—and what Ampocalypse scenario should we explore next?

#John5 #Ampocalypse #GhostAlbum #SoloTour #GuitarLegend #RockPodcast #MetalPodcast #InstrumentalMusic #MötleyCrüe #RobZombie #MarilynManson #GuitarPlayer #LiveMusic #RockInterview #MusicPodcast #UKTour #EuropeanTour #ApocalypsePodcast #HeavyMusic #DamianFitzGerald

Videographer: Damian FitzGerald

Editor: Damian FitzGerald

Producer: Damian FitzGerald

Social links

Band socials:

https://john-5.com/main/

https://x.com/john5guitarist?s=21

https://www.instagram.com/john5official/

https://www.facebook.com/John5official/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAs30zOb0rrocyCAYezm6Lw

V13 Media:

https://v13.net

https://twitter.com/v13media

https://www.instagram.com/v13media/

https://www.facebook.com/v13media 

https://soundcloud.com/v13media

Damian FitzGerald:

https://v13.net/author/damian_fitzgerald/

https://twitter.com/damolition82

https://www.instagram.com/damolition82/

https://www.facebook.com/damian.fitzgerald1/

https://www.threads.net/@damolition82

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Ampocalypse

01:30 Significance of the Solo Tour

03:11 The Magic of Intimate Venues

06:29 Mindset of a Solo Artist

08:55 Reflections on the Album 'Ghost'

10:54 Exploring Musical Diversity

14:09 Anticipation for Live Performances

16:30 The Connection of Instrumental Music

19:12 The Apocalypse Scenario

22:17 Survival Skills in the Apocalypse

24:06 The Magic of Live Music

24:38 Embracing Technology Post-Apocalypse