Bakotopia

All > Rants & Raves > Seen on the Scene
I Survived NAMM 2008: A personal journey...
Topics: NAMM 2008, Bakotopia, Bakersfield, Anaheim, january, blog, music, PICS, photos, Jackie Gibson, tradeshow
Posted by writeorwrong Tue Feb 5, 2008 16:24:17 PST
Viewed 720 times
0 responses 7 comments Location: 800 W Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802

I Survived NAMM 2008
The annual musician schmooze/geek fest was back - bigger and louder than ever

By Jackie Gibson, Bakotopia.com contributor

National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) - a fantastical feast for anyone who has any ties to the musical community around the globe.

Be you musician or merchant, friend of the franchise, music student, media or just plain lucky to get in, there was nothing disappointing in what awaited your eyes and ears within the Anaheim Convention Center Jan. 18 through 20, 2008.

<CHECK OUT ALL THE EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS FROM THE SHOW!



Perhaps the most important weekend for the musical industry, the NAMM show has been around since 1902. This year’s show marked the 160th multi-seasonal event.

NAMM is an organization of music retailers and musicians. During each show, the latest products for the year are unveiled: guitars, half stack amps fit for kings and recording gear to make techies writhe with joy. Everyone from new musicians with stars in their eyes to accomplished players who just love the sights and sounds of all around them make the annual trek.

Over 1,500 exhibitors from around the world gather to hawk their wares before each sale season, enticing buyers with innovative new ideas and capturing the minds of every type of artists.

Once you enter what seems like a two-story, 30-ring circus, you are overwhelmed by the sheer joy of just being able to witness such a lavish event. Throughout the arena, highly decorated booths and attractions entwine with each other like a winding musical maze. Your favorite celebrity musicians wander together like it’s Christmas in the Magic Kingdom (Disneyland is only a block away!).

Events staged at different locations each day offered the perfect opportunity for anyone to have an “eargasm.” Among the bands and musicians who performed were Nemesis, John West, Ugly Stick, Whiskey Falls (featuring former Mento Buru drummer Jarred Pope), The Feisty Piranhas and Care Bears On Fire.

Fans also got a chance to get autographs and take photos with such metal luminaries as Kerry King from Slayer, Frank Bello of Anthrax, Vinny Appice from Heaven and Hell, Paul Stanley of KISS, Adam Dutkiewicz and Joel Stroetezl of Killswitch Engage, the original drummer for AC/DC Simon Wright, and Billy Corgan from Smashing Pumpkins (not metal, but still good).

“NAMM’s great,” said Wright. “I always enjoy coming here. You see all sorts of people when you come here, you know? People I’ve worked with, fans and friends. You always see somebody that you haven’t even seen in years and people you meet for the first time.”

Asked what he thought about the worldwide attraction to the NAMM show, Wright replied, “We have played in pretty much every place I guess in the world. Usually we go see them so they come see us.

Unfortunately, we have never played in Bakersfield,” he added with a smile.

Many Bako guys and gals were also in attendance.

Josh Burns, drummer from local band Mother Puncher was in the house, as was our very own Rocky and Preston Nash.

“We went and wanted to thank our endorsers,” explained Nash. “When we were waiting to get our badges Stevie Wonder was standing there and escorted right through. It’s pretty similar ever year we attend. A lot of the same folks signing autographs and things like that.”

Rocky and Preston were there on behalf of their band aptly named Rocky Nash.

“We’re gonna have a CD release within the next few months,” said Preston. “We’re just waiting on our label to get things together. We are going to open up for Blue Cheer at Fishlips on Feb. 20.”

For those of you in the land of Bako who were not fortunate enough to get a glimpse of the greatness that is NAMM, cheer up - there's always next year!

www.nammshow.com

Article printed in Bakotopia magazine, issue 21, 2-7-08

Send to a Friend

Report a Violation

Comment From: matt

NAMM show is always a blast!! Thanks Jackie, Roger, and Brandizzle! Comment From: tekwiz

Yes, even as a former outsider, the NAMM is truly a mind blowing expirience. Among many memories is playing a $15,000 acoustic guitar (like I can play at all) and tickled the ivories of a $100,000 piano. Where else could you get to do that. And, I'll stay silent about other activities. Great article J! Comment From: AnnieLWhite

omg its Sara the playmate of the year 07. i freakin love her.... and playboy. best mag ever Comment From: krotchdaband

AHH YEEEEAH! AND TEE SACK WAS IN DA HOUSE...AND GO CHECK OUT WWW.MYSPACE.COM/KROTCHMUSIC CHECK OUT "THE ROCK STARS TALK". .....SEE YOU ALL THUR FEB14TH...LIVE AT FISHLIPS. Comment From: btownbobby

Jackie I am so jealous, I have wanted to go to NAMM for so long. Maybe some day I can. See ya at GC soon. Comment From: RogerHornback

Had a blast, thanks Matt. Can't wait till next year. Comment From: soulajarmusic

Got a badge with the Gretsch Drum guys this year and had a blast! Wish I could have stayed longer though. Can't believe I didn't run into Matt and the gang.