John 5 Wears His Signature Red Monkey Ghost Guitar Strap During American Idol Performance with Carrie Underwood & Mötley Crüe
On Stage
Carrie Underwood joined Mötley Crüe on the American Idol finale for a full-blown rock moment — and John 5 hit the stage wearing his signature Red Monkey “Ghost” guitar strap.
When Carrie Underwood stepped onto the American Idol stage with Mötley Crüe, it was more than a television performance. It was a collision of country, rock, legacy, and full-volume stage energy.
The performance featured Mötley Crüe classics including “Home Sweet Home” and “Kickstart My Heart”, bringing one of rock’s most recognizable bands together with one of country music’s biggest voices.
And for Red Monkey fans, there was another detail worth catching: John 5 was wearing his signature Red Monkey “Ghost” guitar strap on stage.
John 5 and Red Monkey: Built for the Stage
John 5 is no stranger to serious stage gear. From his years with Rob Zombie to his current role with Mötley Crüe, his look has always been sharp, aggressive, and unmistakably his own.
Red Monkey has long been part of that world — building hand-built leather guitar straps for players who need their gear to hold up under lights, sweat, volume, and real touring conditions.
A Red Monkey strap is not a disposable accessory. It is part of the player’s uniform. Built from premium leather, cut with purpose, and made to look better the harder it works.
Why This American Idol Moment Matters
This performance was a rare crossover moment. Carrie Underwood brought the country audience. Mötley Crüe brought the rock legacy. John 5 brought the guitar firepower.
For Red Monkey, it was another reminder that our straps do not live in catalogs. They live on stages, in studios, on television, and in the hands of players who care about how their gear feels, performs, and looks.
What Guitar Strap Does John 5 Use?
John 5 has been seen using Red Monkey guitar straps throughout his career. Known for bold stage presence and serious technical ability, John’s gear choices reflect the same thing Red Monkey has always stood for:
- Premium leather construction
- Stage-ready durability
- Comfort under real playing conditions
- A strong visual identity
- Gear that looks like it belongs on a rock stage
During the American Idol performance with Carrie Underwood and Mötley Crüe, John 5 was seen wearing his signature Red Monkey “Ghost” guitar strap alongside his Signature Fender Ghost Telecaster.
The white Ghost strap paired perfectly with John 5’s Signature Fender Ghost Telecaster, creating one of the most visually striking guitar rigs of the performance.
John 5’s Signature Ghost Guitar Strap
The Red Monkey Ghost strap features smooth white top-grain leather with bold red lining and matching red edges — creating a clean but aggressive stage look that perfectly matches John 5’s unmistakable visual style.
Like all Red Monkey guitar straps, the Ghost strap is hand-built in Los Angeles using premium leather, real hardware, and construction methods designed for professional stage use.
Built for comfort, balance, and long-term durability, the Ghost has become one of the most recognizable Red Monkey straps associated with John 5’s live performances.
Explore Red Monkey’s full collection of leather guitar straps, or visit the Red Monkey Artists page to see more players who have worn Red Monkey on stage.
Red Monkey Guitar Straps: Hand-Built in Los Angeles
For over 30 years, Red Monkey has built leather guitar straps, belts, cuffs, and stage accessories for musicians who want something stronger than mass-produced gear.
Every strap is built with purpose: the leather, the width, the hardware, the feel, and the finish all matter. Whether it is a custom stage piece or a classic Red Monkey design, the goal is the same — make gear that lasts and looks like it has a story.
Shop the Look
Looking for a strap with the same stage-ready attitude? Start here:
Frequently Asked Questions
What guitar strap does John 5 use?
John 5 has been seen wearing Red Monkey guitar straps on stage, including his signature Red Monkey “Ghost” guitar strap.
Did John 5 wear a Red Monkey strap on American Idol?
Yes. During Mötley Crüe’s American Idol performance with Carrie Underwood, John 5 appeared on stage wearing his signature Red Monkey Ghost guitar strap.
What is John 5’s Ghost guitar strap?
John 5’s Red Monkey Ghost guitar strap is a white leather guitar strap featuring red lining, red edges, and a clean stage-ready look designed to pair with his Signature Fender Ghost Telecaster.
Are Red Monkey guitar straps handmade?
Red Monkey guitar straps are hand-built in Los Angeles using premium leather, real hardware, and construction methods designed for comfort, durability, and stage use.
Where can I buy a Red Monkey guitar strap?
You can shop Red Monkey guitar straps directly at RedMonkeyDesigns.com.