Storm Outside, Fire Inside: John 5 and Richie Kotzen Deliver a Shredding Spectacle in Dallas
It may have been a stormy Friday night in Dallas, but inside the Granada Theater, the weather didn’t matter. The walls shook with guitar-driven energy as Vern Daysel and the Burning Breeze, John 5, and Richie Kotzen delivered a night packed with blistering solos, showmanship, and pure rock ’n’ roll passion.
Vern Daysel and the Burning Breeze kicked things off in style. From the first note, the band’s Southern-infused rock grooves had the crowd moving. Their confident stage presence and infectious energy quickly won over the audience, setting the tone for the evening. By the time they wrapped up their set, the fans were already cheering for more.
Then it was time for John 5, who emerged in an all-leather outfit, his signature makeup gleaming under the stage lights, and his iconic Telecaster strapped in. The crowd erupted as soon as he struck the first riff. What followed was a dazzling display of technical mastery and theatrical flair. Between lightning-fast solos, John 5 made sure to engage the fans—stepping up to the mic to joke, share stories, and even toss out Halloween candy with help from his bass player and guitar tech. Throughout his set, John 5 showcased his incredible versatility, switching between instruments including a mandolin, bass, banjo, and a collection of custom Telecasters. One was filled with liquid that swirled like a lava lamp, while another glowed with LEDs across its body, each guitar a spectacle in its own right. He mixed in masks and costume changes, keeping the crowd entertained at every turn. The set culminated in a roaring Mötley Crüe medley, a nod to his current gig as the band’s guitarist. Fans sang along to every word as John 5 tore through the classics before taking a final bow and disappearing backstage.
After a brief intermission and stage reset, the lights dimmed again, and Richie Kotzen and his band took the stage. The crowd greeted them with enthusiastic applause as the first chords rang out. Kotzen’s signature soulful vocals and smooth, fluid guitar work captivated the audience from the first song to the last. His blend of blues, rock, and fusion tones filled the theater, creating a mesmerizing close to an already unforgettable night. When the final notes faded, the fans weren’t ready to let go—cheering and calling for more as the band waved their goodbyes. In the end, the storm outside only amplified the electricity inside the Granada Theater. With three powerhouse performances and two of the finest guitarists in modern rock sharing one stage, this show proved to be an unmissable night for music lovers.
If this tour stops anywhere near your city, don’t miss it—you’ll witness guitar virtuosity at its absolute finest.
Words and Photos by Craig Youngblood
