John 5 Drops Cryptic Hint on Mötley Crüe’s Next Move: ‘I’m Waiting to Hear’

John 5 plays an acoustic guitar in a dimly lit room, creating an intimate and reflective scene.

via LÉOPOLD Mathieu / YouTube

John 5, Mötley Crüe’s guitarist since late 2022, recently reflected on the band’s successful 2025 Las Vegas residency and offered a curious comment about what comes next. In a new interview with Loudwire, he praised the experience and shared admiration for frontman Vince Neil, who has faced health challenges in recent years.

The residency, held at Dolby Live at Park MGM, was a high-energy spectacle that celebrated the band’s decades-long legacy of excess and showmanship. But while John 5’s enthusiasm for the performances was clear, his response about the group’s next move raised eyebrows among fans.

“I don’t know. I’m waiting to hear,” he admitted, leaving the future of Mötley Crüe’s activities uncertain. For a band that has thrived on larger-than-life comebacks, the lack of immediate plans has only fueled curiosity about what lies ahead.

A Celebration and a Milestone

Mötley Crüe’s 2025 Las Vegas residency was more than just another series of shows — it was a reaffirmation of the band’s enduring appeal. Running across two separate engagements, from March to April and again from September to October, the run featured 11 exclusive performances per series. Fans and critics alike described the event as a high-voltage reminder of the band’s reputation for theatrical excess and precision.

John 5 was quick to highlight the magic of the experience, particularly Vince Neil’s perseverance. “It was magical, I’ll never forget it for the rest of my life,” he said. “Vince had his strokes, and I’m telling you, it was magical to see this guy and hear how well he sang. I was just so proud of him.” His words painted a portrait of resilience and renewed spirit within the group.

The residency marked Mötley Crüe’s first extended Vegas run in over a decade, reinforcing the city’s unique place in their story. For both longtime fans and the band members themselves, it was a fitting tribute to a legacy built on volume, spectacle, and survival.

John 5’s Impact and Evolution Within the Band

Since officially stepping in for Mick Mars, John 5 has done more than just fill an empty spot. His technical mastery and stage charisma brought a revitalized energy to Mötley Crüe’s live performances. Reports from Ultimate Classic Rock praised his ability to stay true to the band’s signature sound while adding fresh nuances and extended solos that electrified the audience.

This balance between honoring tradition and injecting new life into old hits has made John 5 an integral part of the band’s evolution. His chemistry with bassist Nikki Sixx and drummer Tommy Lee was often highlighted during the Vegas shows, where every performance felt both nostalgic and forward-looking.

Fans have also noted how seamlessly John 5 fits into the band’s over-the-top style, both visually and musically. His commitment to showmanship — combined with technical precision — makes him a natural match for Mötley Crüe’s notorious brand of chaos.

What Lies Ahead for Mötley Crüe — and John 5

Despite the success of the residency, no official plans have been announced for Mötley Crüe’s next move. John 5’s candid “I’m waiting to hear” response suggests that even band members are in the dark about what’s coming next. Still, Mötley Crüe’s history shows that silence often precedes spectacle, and fans are already speculating about another tour or even new material.

Adding to the intrigue is the band’s recent creative streak. Just before the residency, Mötley Crüe dropped Cancelled, their first EP in three decades — proof that they aren’t content to rest on past glories. This release hinted at continued studio activity, even if the next steps remain unconfirmed.

Meanwhile, John 5 is gearing up for a massive solo endeavor. His upcoming album Ghost and planned 50-state U.S. tour in 2026 show that he’s keeping his artistic flame burning beyond the Crüe. For now, both fans and the guitarist himself are waiting to see where this unpredictable rock saga heads next.