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John 5 and Richie Kotzen: An Electrifying Night of Guitar Mastery

By I Am Lorelei! on November 18, 2025

COHOES, N.Y. – November 13, 2025 – Four illuminated jack-o’-lanterns eclipsed each speaker, their mischievous smiles greeting the audience with a warm orange gleam. Clips from classic horror movies streamed throughout John 5’s set, enhancing the festive atmosphere. Since Halloween is his favorite holiday, he kept the celebration going by wearing masks during different songs and having his bassist toss candy into the crowd. These playful touches, like my scramble to catch a pack of Smarties and a piece of chocolate, became memorable highlights, making the concert feel more like a celebration among friends than just another tour stop. The evening’s blend of spontaneous joy and top-tier musicianship turned the show into a truly unique experience.

On November 13, 2025, the historic Cohoes Music Hall provided an intimate setting for an unforgettable night with guitar virtuosos John 5 and Richie Kotzen. The pairing of these renowned guitarists promised, and delivered, an evening of technical brilliance, soulful performance, and genre-spanning artistry.

photo by I Am Lorelei! / RadioRadioX

BAND, Inc., a dynamic female-fronted group, opened the night with infectious energy and tight musicianship, surprising the audience with the confidence and poise of seasoned professionals, despite it only being their third live show with this tour. Frontwoman Giuliana Lucia Amaral captivated the crowd with her powerful vocals and charismatic presence, leading the band through standout singles like “Queen Of Insanity,” “Better Off Dead,” and “Midnite Rider.” Their modern rock sound set the bar high for the night, and Amaral’s star quality marked BAND, Inc. as a rising force in the rock scene.

photo by I Am Lorelei! / RadioRadioX

As anticipation built, John 5 took the stage, immediately captivating the audience with his signature blend of heavy riffs, lightning-fast runs, and theatrical flair, drawing from his work with Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, and now Motley Crue. He demonstrated his versatility by weaving elements of country, bluegrass, and flamenco into his metal prowess, with highlights like “Black Grass Plague” and a medley of rock classics showcasing his genre-bending creativity and technical mastery.

photo by I Am Lorelei! / RadioRadioX

After John 5’s electrifying set, the mood shifted as Richie Kotzen took the stage, bringing a more intimate and soulful energy. The audience, still buzzing from the previous performance, settled into near silence, captivated by Kotzen’s emotive ballads and blues-rock grit. Songs like “You Can’t Save Me” and “Remember” resonated deeply, while his improvisational jams showcased his technical skill and musical intuition. Kotzen’s ability to balance technical brilliance with heartfelt delivery reminded the crowd that he’s more than just a shredder; he’s a storyteller.

The sound quality was crisp, allowing every note and nuance to shine through, while lighting and staging perfectly complemented the performances without distraction. The audience’s enthusiasm was unmistakable, with standing ovations and cheers after each set, making the atmosphere truly electric.

More than a showcase of technical skill, the John 5 and Richie Kotzen concert was a celebration of individuality and guitar artistry. Each performer commanded the stage in their own unique way – John 5 with his theatrical, genre-defying technique, and Kotzen with soulful vocals and blues-infused guitar work. Their back-to-back performances offered two distinct musical journeys, highlighting the diversity and depth of modern guitar. Though they never shared the stage, both artists left fans inspired and grateful for a night of pure musical excellence – a testament to the enduring power of great musicianship and the magic that happens when true artists take the spotlight.