John 5 Live at Club Academy, Manchester – 18 October 2026
Guitar wizard John 5 brings jaw-dropping technique, theatrical showmanship and a whole lot of attitude to Manchester, proving that sometimes two musicians are all you need to deliver an unforgettable night.
Review and photos by Paul McWillians | Jace Media Music
There are some gigs you walk into knowing exactly what to expect, and then there are nights like this one, when you find yourself wondering just how one guitarist and a drummer are going to fill a room. John 5 arrived at Manchester’s Club Academy on 18 October with plenty to prove, but it did not take long for those doubts to disappear. What followed was an extraordinary display of guitar wizardry, personality and sheer musical firepower.
With a great crowd turning out for his UK and European run, the atmosphere was ready for something special, particularly with the Ghost material featuring prominently in the set. John 5 has built a reputation as one of the most distinctive players in modern rock and metal, but seeing him in action is a different experience altogether.
He came out in full character, sporting a battered black leather jacket, oversized black sunglasses, chains hanging from his belt and a guitar pick clamped between his teeth. This was not a musician planning to stand quietly in the shadows. From the moment he took his position on stage, there was a theatrical presence about him that immediately caught the eye.
His black-and-white Telecaster-style guitar, fitted with humbuckers and a floating bridge, became an extension of his personality. With an EVH amplifier stack sitting behind him, he had the tools to make some serious noise, and he certainly made the most of them.
A Masterclass in Guitar Playing
What makes John 5 such a fascinating performer is his ability to move between musical styles without making any of it feel forced. One moment, he was delivering country-style chicken-pickin’ with astonishing precision; the next, he was unleashing blistering metal runs that seemed to fly out of nowhere.
His fingers moved across the fretboard at an almost ridiculous speed, yet the playing never felt like technique for technique’s sake. There was control, melody and a genuine sense of fun behind every passage. He could make a complicated run look effortless, then throw himself into another burst of shredding with a grin that suggested he was enjoying every second as much as the audience.
The sheer range of sounds he produced was mesmerising. The changes in tone, the speed of his playing and the precision with which he attacked each passage demonstrated just how much musical knowledge sits behind the flamboyant appearance.
And the best part? He never made it feel like a dry guitar demonstration.
Showmanship Meets Six-String Madness
John 5 understands that a live performance is about more than hitting the right notes. He plays to the room just as much as he plays to the fretboard, constantly engaging the audience with exaggerated poses, wide-eyed expressions and that trademark theatrical smirk.
His hands flew up and down the neck while he turned towards the crowd, grinning over his shoulder and clearly relishing the reaction. There was a sense of controlled madness to the whole performance, a mixture of technical brilliance and playful showmanship that made the evening feel part concert, part circus.
The audience was right there with him, responding to the energy coming from the stage. It is easy for a virtuoso guitarist to become so focused on demonstrating his abilities that the connection with the crowd gets lost. John 5 managed to avoid that completely. His personality was every bit as important as his playing.
The Ghost material added another dimension to the evening, bringing a different flavour to a performance built around his extraordinary versatility. His work with Ghost has introduced his playing to another audience, while his extensive career has seen him become a respected figure across the wider rock and metal world.
Yet this was very much a chance to appreciate John 5 as a performer in his own right, showcasing the musical identity and individuality that have made him such a recognisable name.
Two Musicians, One Huge Sound
Before the show, I was not entirely sure what to expect. Just John 5 and a drummer — could that really deliver the kind of full-bodied live experience you want from a night of rock music?
The answer was an emphatic yes.
The sound he produced was remarkable, filling the room with an intensity that made the relatively stripped-back setup feel anything but small. There was no need for a huge band or an army of musicians behind him. The guitar work, the rhythm and his commanding stage presence combined to create something that held the audience’s attention throughout.
What impressed me most was the way he made the whole thing feel so natural. The technical demands of the performance were obvious, but there was no sense of strain or uncertainty. He looked completely at home, enjoying the music and giving the crowd plenty to watch, hear and remember.
This was a performance that reminded everyone why great guitarists continue to command such respect. Speed is one thing, but combining that speed with feel, musical diversity and the ability to entertain an entire room is something else entirely.
The Verdict
John 5’s Manchester appearance was a masterclass in guitar virtuosity, backed by a personality that made the whole experience even more compelling. The playing was razor-sharp, the showmanship was infectious, and the sound he created with such a stripped-back lineup was genuinely impressive.
I went into Club Academy unsure of what kind of show I was about to witness. I left knowing I had seen something special.
John 5 is not simply a guitarist who can play faster than most people can comprehend. He is an entertainer, a musician with a distinctive identity and a performer who knows exactly how to hold an audience in the palm of his hand.
If you get the chance to see John 5 live, take it. You will not be disappointed.
Jace Media Music verdict: A mesmerising night of six-string brilliance, theatrical flair and outstanding musicianship. Manchester witnessed a guitarist at the top of his game.
Pull quote: “Just John 5 and a drummer — could that really deliver? The answer was an emphatic yes.”
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