JOHN 5 SLAYS IN GLASGOW | IN PICTURES

PHOTO GALLERY | JOHN 5 | SLAY, GLASGOW | 17th October 2026 by Kim Sabatelli

Despite the cold weather, a loyal and expectant crowd gathered at Slay, Glasgow, for a night of serious guitar talent. There were also a few black and white painted faces in the audience which added to the visual atmosphere. With Halloween just around the corner, the scene was set perfectly for the arrival of headliner John 5.

First up were The Fear, who battled a few sound issues but still managed to keep the sizeable early crowd entertained. Dan Byrne followed with a strong set of great tunes, showcasing a tight, well-rehearsed band and a frontman who knew how to connect with the audience. His self-deprecating humour, including a quip about the five people who had seen them before, went down well. A smoke machine that appeared to have a mind of its own bathed the stage and room in an eerie green glow, while his praise for the UK alternative music community earned a huge cheer. It was particularly refreshing to see a band so genuinely appreciative of their fans, with Dan inviting everyone to meet them at the merch stand afterwards.

Then came John 5, whose striking black and white face paint made an immediate impression as he took to the stage. With an impressive CV that includes working with David Lee Roth, Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie, before joining Mötley Crüe in 2022, his guitar-playing credentials are beyond question. Opening with ‘Season of the Witch’, he was greeted with screams of approval from the crowd.

There wasn’t much audience banter, but it soon became clear where John 5 was putting his energy…into an electrifying performance, of course! His incredible technical ability and seemingly relentless energy kept the focus firmly on the music, demonstrating exactly why he is held in such high regard as a guitarist. His 2025 solo album, Ghost, adds another chapter to an already remarkable career.

For the finale, the opening notes of ‘Sweet Dreams (Are Made of These)’ sent the audience into one last frenzy, bringing a memorable night to a fitting close. A brilliant showcase of guitar mastery and a welcome reminder that, sometimes, the music really does speak for itself.

Check out where John 5 plays next by clicking HERE!

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Kim Sabatelli

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