Overview

John William Lowery (born July 31, 1970), most famously known as John 5, is an American guitarist celebrated for his versatility across genres like heavy metal, industrial, and bluegrass. He began playing guitar at the age of seven, heavily influenced by television shows like “Hee Haw” and artists such as KISS and Jimi Hendrix. John 5 moved to Los Angeles at 17 and started as a session guitarist. He gained prominence through his work with David Lee Roth, Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie, and Mötley Crüe. He adopted the stage name John 5 upon joining Marilyn Manson in 1998. Besides his band affiliations, John 5 has had a successful solo career, releasing numerous instrumental albums showcasing his guitar skills. He has also worked with various artists, including Avril Lavigne, k.d. lang, and Rob Halford. In addition to his musical endeavors, John 5 has appeared in films and composed music for film scores, further displaying his diverse talents. In late 2022, John 5 became the touring guitarist for Mötley Crüe.

Mötley Crüe

Touring Guitarist
What Is John 5’s Net Worth?

What Is John 5’s Net Worth?

John 5, the American guitarist renowned for his work with David Lee Roth, Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie, and Mötley Crüe, has accumulated a net worth of $10 million. This financial standing is primarily built through his diverse career as a guitarist, songwriter, and composer.

John 5’s Career and Earnings

John 5’s career began to take off when he moved to Los Angeles at the age of 17, where he quickly found work as a session guitarist. One of his early involvements was with the band Alligator Soup, which led to a significant connection with Rudy Sarzo of Whitesnake. Sarzo’s invitation for John 5 to join his band, Sun King, marked an early milestone in his professional journey. It was around this time that he began working with producer Bob Marlette. Together, they contributed to the soundtracks of several movies and TV shows, including “Speed 2: Cruise Control” in 1997. This period also saw them creating music for infomercials and commercials, showcasing John 5’s versatility in various musical domains.

In 1996, John 5 collaborated with Rob Halford of Judas Priest to form the band 2wo, releasing the album “Voyeurs” in 1998. The same year, he was chosen by David Lee Roth to play lead guitar on the album “DLR Band.” This marked the beginning of a significant period in his career, as he also joined Marilyn Manson’s band in 1998. During his time with Marilyn Manson, John 5 contributed to several albums, including “Mechanical Animals” (1998), “The Last Tour on Earth” (1999), “Holy Wood (In the Shadow of the Valley of Death)” (2000), and “The Golden Age of Grotesque” (2003). These albums sold millions of copies worldwide, contributing substantially to John 5’s income.

In 2004, John 5 embarked on his solo career with the release of his debut album, “Vertigo.” Over the years, he has released numerous solo albums, including “Songs for Sanity” (2005), “The Devil Knows My Name” (2007), “Requiem” (2008), “Remixploitation” (2009), “The Art of Malice” (2010), “God Told Me To” (2012), “Careful With That Axe” (2014), “Season of the Witch” (2017), “It’s Alive” (2018), “Invasion” (2019), “Live Invasion” (2020), and “Sinner” (2021). While specific sales figures for each album are not publicly available, the consistent release of solo work has undoubtedly contributed to his overall earnings.

In 2005, he created Loser. Later, John 5 began working with Rob Zombie. He has played on several of Zombie’s albums, including “Educated Horses” (2006), “Hellbilly Deluxe 2” (2010), “Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor” (2013), “The Electric Warlock Acid Witch Satanic Orgy Celebration Dispenser” (2016), and “The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy” (2021). The albums sales and the associated touring revenues augmented his financial portfolio. He also scored “The Lords of Salem” soundtrack, winning a Fright Meter Award for Best Score in 2013, shared with Griffin Boice.

John 5’s role as the touring guitarist for Mötley Crüe since 2022 has also significantly impacted his earnings. While specific contract details are not public, touring with such a high-profile band brings substantial income.

Beyond his work as a guitarist and performer, John 5 has also earned income through composing for films and producing animated promo videos. For instance, he worked as a composer and musician on the 2012 Rob Zombie-directed film “The Lords of Salem,” which earned him a Fright Meter Award. He also produced the 2019 animated promo videos “Zoinks!” and “I Am John 5,” further adding to his income stream.

John 5’s Real Estate Holdings

John 5’s real estate holdings contribute to his overall net worth. In 2000, he purchased a home in Woodland Hills, California, for $415,000. This property is estimated to be worth $1.5 million today. In 2015, he acquired a Spanish-style mansion in Northridge, California, for $1.38 million. This 6,000 square foot mansion includes 9 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, a pool, and a pool house. These real estate investments demonstrate a strategic approach to asset management, contributing to his financial stability.

Other Ventures and Assets Contributing to John 5’s Net Worth

John 5’s passion for Kiss memorabilia has led him to become one of the world’s foremost collectors. While the exact monetary value of his collection is not publicly known, such a collection is undoubtedly a valuable asset. His Instagram account, @knightsinsatanservice, showcases some of his collection, which includes clothing, merchandise, and promo items from the early ’70s to early ’80s. Additionally, his plan to turn his collection into a museum could potentially generate further income.

John 5’s collaborations with various artists, including Avril Lavigne, k.d. lang, Rob Halford, Meat Loaf, Garbage, Ozzy Osbourne, Scorpions, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Slash, have also contributed to his financial success. While specific earnings from these collaborations are not public, working with such high-profile artists certainly boosted his reputation and earning potential.

© 2025 Net Worth Ranker / All Rights Reserved