Live Review: John 5 + Richie Kotzen + Vern Daysel and The Burning Breeze @ Variety Playhouse, Atlanta – October 30, 2025

Chris Collett
Nov 2
3 min read

A Halloween Week Showcase of Pure Guitar Power

On Thursday night, October 30, 2025, the Variety Playhouse in Atlanta was packed with die-hard guitar fans ready for a night of world-class musicianship. The historic theater provided the perfect setting for two of rock’s most technically skilled and stylistically distinct guitarists to share the stage.

Vern Daysel & The Burning Breeze Start Strong

Opening the show was South Florida’s Vern Daysel & The Burning Breeze, a band that brought Southern heat and blues-driven grit to Atlanta. Frontman Vern Daysel handled lead vocals and guitar with fiery intensity, supported by Paige Cantrill on drums, Cody Widmer on rhythm guitar and Nico Swarly on bass. Together, they delivered a tight, energetic set full of swagger and soulful grooves.

Vern Daysel - © Chris Collett/No Flash Needed

The crowd immediately connected with their sound, nodding along to Daysel’s bluesy riffs and Cantrill’s rock-solid percussion. Their chemistry was undeniable, and the set moved smoothly through original songs filled with heart and grit. As they reached the final notes of their closing song, the venue lights flickered and the power briefly went out, adding an unexpected rock-and-roll moment to end their performance. When the lights returned, the crowd erupted in applause, a perfect sign that the night was just getting started.

John 5 Brings the Spectacle

By 8:00 p.m., the lights dimmed again and John 5 appeared through the blacklight soaked stage with his glowing lava lamp Telecaster, setting the tone for a show that was as theatrical as it was technical. Known for his work with Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson, and currently serving as the lead guitarist for Mötley Crüe, John 5 turned the Variety Playhouse into his personal showcase of precision and creativity. He recently wrapped a Las Vegas residency with Mötley Crüe, and his energy made it clear he brought that same arena-level intensity to this smaller, intimate venue.

John 5 - © Chris Collett/No Flash Needed

His set featured songs like “I Am John 5” and “Qué Pasa,” along with a standout instrumental run through Mötley Crüe hits that had the crowd completely fired up. Ripping through snippets of “Kickstart My Heart,” “Girls, Girls, Girls,” and “Dr. Feelgood,” John 5’s tribute to his current bandmates drew cheers from every corner of the room. He also tossed in his instrumental take on Queen’s “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” showing off his versatility and sense of fun.

Every song was a blend of skill and showmanship, moving seamlessly between heavy riffs, country picking, and blues phrasing. John 5 proved once again that his technical ability is matched only by his ability to entertain.

Richie Kotzen Closes with Soul and Style

After a short changeover, Richie Kotzen took the stage alongside Matt Lesser on drums and Dylan Wilson on bass. From the first note, the trio’s chemistry was locked in. Kotzen’s smooth vocals and expressive guitar tone created a rich, emotional atmosphere that balanced John 5’s fireworks with soul and sophistication.

Richie Kotzen - © Chris Collett/No Flash Needed

Songs like “Bad Situation” and material from albums such as 24 Hours and Into the Black highlighted Kotzen’s ability to blend feeling with technical precision. His phrasing was tasteful, his solos fluid, and his voice as strong as ever. Lesser and Wilson kept a steady groove, giving each song warmth and depth that drew the audience in.

Final Thoughts

John 5 and Richie Kotzen showed two different sides of world-class musicianship. John 5 combined speed, precision, and a sense of humor with a nod to his current Mötley Crüe chapter, while Kotzen closed the night with soul, tone, and depth. Together, they delivered one of the most musically rewarding nights for guitar lovers Atlanta has seen this year.

John 5 – Setlist (Atlanta, GA – October 30, 2025)

LA Xpress
I Am John 5 (John 5 and The Creatures song)
Fiend
Crazy Little Thing Called Love (Queen cover)
Strung Out
Crank It – Living With Ghosts (John 5 and The Creatures song)
Que Pasa (John 5 and The Creatures song)
Live Wire / Too Fast for Love / Shout at the Devil / Looks That Kill / Home Sweet Home / Wild Side / Girls Girls Girls / Same Ol’ Situation / Dr. Feelgood / Kickstart My Heart (Mötley Crüe medley)