John 5 // Dan Byrne // Live Review// Thekla // Bristol
After catching his set at Steelhouse Festival earlier this year, I was keen to see Dan Byrne open the evening in a much smaller setting. The packed venue enjoyed a night of melodic hooks, technical brilliance, and high-energy performances from two very different but equally engaging artists.
Dan Byrne took to the stage and immediately showed why he’s been earning attention across the rock scene. Dan and his band delivered a confident headline-worthy performance built around strong songwriting and polished musicianship. Easily worthy (and possibly more deserving of) stealing the title ‘the voice of rock’ from Glenn Hughes, Dan has a vocal style reminiscent of Mr Hughes, with hints of Danny Bowes from Thunder and the late great Chris Cornell.
Opening with “Saviour”, Byrne quickly set the tone, blending modern hard-rock energy with catchy choruses. “Like Animals” followed, bringing a heavier edge and fully engaging the audience. The dark swagger of “She’s the Devil” was one of the set’s standout moments, while “Pulling Me Under” showcased Byrne’s ability to balance melody with heavier riffs.
Mid-set tracks “Hate Me” and “Cherry & Leather” highlighted the band’s versatility, moving between driving rock rhythms and more atmospheric passages. “Hard to Breathe” brought some of the evening’s strongest vocal moments, before Byrne closed with “Death of Me”, leaving the crowd thoroughly won over.
This band restores my faith in the next wave of British classic rock. The debut album is still on vinyl, and it feels very much like Thunder’s debut from decades ago. I’m really looking forward to seeing where this journey takes them.
Review: Steve Gibbons
Photography: Emma Painter
John 5 emerged to enthusiastic applause and opened with “Season of the Witch.” With a drummer, he quickly set the evening’s focus: a guitar-led performance built around his instrumental material and distinctive blend of rock, metal, country, and rockabilly influences. Anyone expecting versions of his Marilyn Manson or Rob Zombie catalogue was in for a disappointing evening (short of a rendition of “Sweet Dreams”).
So how does a duo turn a 90-minute guitar solo into a 90-minute show? Well, “The Ghost” and “666 Pickers” showcased the technical precision he is known for, combining rapid picking, intricate runs, and heavy riffs. While musicianship was undoubtedly the centrepiece, the songs provided enough variety to keep the set engaging throughout.
“Howdy” and “Strung Out” kept the momentum going, letting John 5 show the versatility that has made him one of modern rock’s most recognisable guitarists. Rather than relying on extensive between-song banter, he largely let the music speak for itself, keeping interruptions to a minimum.
A run through “Fiend,” “The Phantom” and “Crank It” kept the pace high before “How High” and “I Am John 5” highlighted the broad range of influences present in his playing. From machine-like metal riffing to fluid country-inspired passages, the set moved comfortably between styles while remaining unmistakably his own.
One of the strongest audience responses came during “You, Me & the Devil Makes 3,” while “Deviant” and “Que Pasa” continued the focus on technically demanding arrangements and intricate guitar work. The drummer provided a solid foundation throughout, letting the songs retain their power and drive live.
Somewhat controversially (for the uninitiated), John 5 is now a bona fide member of and touring guitarist for Mötley Crüe. To some, it was an unpopular decision. To John, however, it was an offer no guitarist would turn down, thus making him the musical equivalent of Charlie getting the keys to the chocolate factory. Ending his set with a medley of Crue classics, he wore as much joy as the fans. Dr Feelgood, Livewire, Looks That Kill, Wild Side, Girls Girls Girls, Kickstart My Heart all played effortlessly, bringing the proceedings to a raucous close.
This could easily have been construed as an extended ego massage of fret shaggery, but the balance between skill and musicality gave us a tightly structured performance that showcased both his abilities as a guitarist and the strength of his instrumental compositions.
https://linktr.ee/john5official
Review: Steve Gibbons
Photography: Emma Painter
