Halloween Guitar Fireworks: John 5 and Richie Kotzen at the House of Blues Orlando
Orlando, Fl. (October 31st, 2025)
The House of Blues in Orlando turned into a guitar lover’s paradise on Halloween night, as John 5 and Richie Kotzen brought their distinct brands of showmanship and musicianship to the stage. The night offered a little of everything: Southern rock swagger, metallic theatrics, and soulful blues. By the end, the audience had witnessed not just a concert but a masterclass in the art of the guitar.
The night kicked off with Florida’s own Vern Daysel & The Burning Breeze, a blues rock outfit that wears its Southern influences proudly. Their 30-minute set was steeped in thick grooves and gritty riffs that instantly warmed up the room. Daysel’s voice carried that rough-edged authenticity that makes this kind of music come alive, and his guitar tone was all grit and soul. Songs built around smoky slide licks and foot-stomping rhythm had the early crowd nodding along and raising drinks in approval. It’s rare for an opening act to get such a warm reception, but by the end of their set, Vern Daysel & The Burning Breeze had the crowd fully tuned in and ready for more.
After a brief changeover, the lights dropped and a strange hum filled the room. Out walked John 5, dressed head to toe in black leather with his trademark sunglasses. Hanging from his shoulder was his “Lava Guitar,” a transparent instrument filled with swirling liquid that glowed under the stage lights. It set the tone for the kind of show only John 5 can deliver—part horror movie, part alien guitar experiment, and entirely mesmerizing.
Backed only by drummer Alejandro Mercado, John 5 launched into “First Victim / Season of the Witch,” blending eerie melodies with bursts of controlled chaos. Mercado’s drumming provided the perfect backbone, leaving John 5 free to dart between genres like a mad scientist of sound. He tore through “The Ghost” and “Six Hundred and Sixty Six Pickers in Hell, CA,” the kind of songs that make you question how many hands he really has.
John 5’s performance was equal parts technical wizardry and personality. His facial expressions, body language, and the occasional sly grin made the whole thing feel like theater. He moved from breakneck picking to delicate runs, from country twang to metal crunch, and somehow made it all make sense. “Howdy” and “Strung Out” showcased his versatility, while “Fiend” and “LA Xpress” turned the House of Blues into a playground of tones and textures.
There were moments of humor and lightheartedness too. During the set, John 5’s guitar tech walked out tossing candy into the crowd—a small Halloween gesture that fit the playful spirit of the evening. Fans laughed and reached out to grab sweets before John 5 ripped into the next song.
As the set continued, songs like “Crank It – Living With Ghosts,” “Moon Glow,” and “Que Pasa” highlighted just how broad his musical vocabulary is. One minute he was bending notes into haunting cries, the next he was channeling vintage surf rock. Then came a surprise twist: his cover of “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” which had the audience singing along.
But the real showstopper came at the end when John 5 announced a tribute to his current band, Mötley Crüe. His guitar tech grabbed a bass, and the duo expanded to a trio for a high-octane medley that included “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,” and “Kickstart My Heart.” Each riff hit harder than the last, and the crowd responded with roaring approval. It was equal parts nostalgia and pure rock energy, a fitting finale to his set.
John 5 ended his show grinning and tossing a handful of guitar picks into the crowd before waving goodnight. Watching him live, you’re reminded that he’s more than a technician—he’s an entertainer, a performer who takes joy in the craft.
When Richie Kotzen took the stage, the tone of the night shifted from spectacle to soul. Joined by Matt Lesser on drums and Dylan Wilson on bass, Kotzen walked out calmly, picked up his guitar, and eased into “Losin’ My Mind.” From the first notes, his voice—smoky, rich, and full of emotion—commanded attention.
Kotzen’s set was a study in feel. Where John 5 dazzled with precision, Kotzen moved the crowd through raw passion. “War Paint / Bad Situation” and “Fooled Again” showed his uncanny ability to weave intricate guitar lines around soulful vocals. His playing was fluid and expressive, every bend and vibrato loaded with intent.
On “Fear” and “Doin’ What the Devil Says to Do,” Kotzen’s voice reached its emotional peak. The audience hung on every phrase, swaying gently as he poured his heart into the mic. His chemistry with Wilson and Lesser was undeniable. The rhythm section knew exactly when to lean in and when to give Kotzen space to soar.
“Love Is Blind” brought a hush over the room, the kind of song that makes you forget you’re in a crowded venue. “Peace Sign” and “Rust” built the energy back up, both showcasing Kotzen’s effortless ability to blend rock and blues with pop-like hooks. His guitar solos were tasteful but fiery, and never overindulgent.
By the time he reached “Help Me” and “Remember,” Kotzen had fully captivated the audience. His voice carried years of experience, pain, and passion, yet there was always an undercurrent of hope in his delivery. The crowd erupted in applause as he closed the set, clearly satisfied yet wanting more.
Three distinct artists took the stage, each offering something different yet complementary. Vern Daysel & The Burning Breeze brought local flavor and a reminder that the blues still thrive in the South. John 5 turned the room into a twisted circus of guitar brilliance, blurring the lines between genres with wild precision. Richie Kotzen finished the night with pure soul, his playing and vocals proving that feel will always win over flash.
Halloween in Orlando has no shortage of costume parties or club events, but for the crowd inside the House of Blues, this show was the real celebration. It was a night of authenticity, musicianship, and passion. Three artists with completely different styles united by one thing—the guitar, and what it can do when placed in the right hands.
Vern Daysel & The Burning Breeze:
John 5:
Richie Kotzen: