I was excited to attend the return of the full NAMM show to the Los Angeles area. LA has been lacking in the Rock n Roll department as of late (except for the shows at the Whiskey a Go Go and Rainbow Bar and Grill parking lot). Venues for music in the LA area are far and few between, (The Redwood, Maui Sugar Mill, Knuckleheads, Universal Bar & Grill) and laptop computers have replaced guitars when it comes to making rock n roll music these days, in my opinion. So, I was jazzed to attend the NAMM show to reconnect with my rock n roll brothers as the show provides a place where rockers and musicians can meet up and check out all the new gear and their sponsors and supporters and catch up. I was pleasantly surprised to see the NAMM show return to its full glory, especially since the economy is struggling, with a well-attended show of rock n rollers and fellow musicians from all music styles.
The latest and greatest music making gear is the focus of this show as well as a chance for musicians to support and promote the companies that support them through the year. All the heavy hitters were there including members of Exodus, Black Sabbath, Alice Cooper, Glenn Hughes, Pantera, Earth, Wind & Fire, The Cult, The Dead Boys, M. Manson, KISS, etc., as well as some local favorites Foxy Roxx, London, Rebel Rebel, Steelwitch, The SoLows, The Militants, etc. Musicians from all types of music were represented as well as boutique gear companies such as Rock n Roll Relic Guitars (Billy Rowe from Jetboy/Buckcherry guitar company) and Third Man Hardware (Jack White’s gear company), which had a live demo in using their kit to make your own fuzz/distortion pedal. Casio had my favorite piece of gear on display, which was a wah wah effect that attaches to your guitar strap and is activated by pulling the guitar up and down away from the strap to create the effect (very Ron Ashton/The Stooges).
All the big-name guitar, bass, amp, and drum companies were represented as well as many boutique companies that displayed their new designs and upgrades. Again, everywhere you look are noted and famous musicians demoing the gear and putting on performances and doing signings and meet and greets. A good mix of glam, punk, pop, heavy metal and country artists were represented throughout the NAMM show and the many Halls and Rooms of the convention center. I especially enjoyed attending many panels and lectures featuring music gear industry professionals providing their knowledge and expertise.
One of the benefits of the return of the full NAMM show is the concerts, jams and showcases that happen all around the Orange County, So Cal and Los Angeles areas. These performances stimulate the live music scene in the area and provide an opportunity to see artists that don’t always visit the area, especially since the pandemic has crippled the ability of a lot of artists to return to the road due to the increase in touring expenses and the weak economy. Numerous shows and jams that were put on in association with the NAMM show brought out all caliber of musicians into town to attend and participate. I was able to meet up with many musicians that I had lost contact with over the pandemic years and discovered new venues and companies to engage with.
The NAMM show is more than a music gear show, it’s a catalyst to getting the entire music making industry together to experience all the new gear, make new contacts and reconnect with old friends and business partners. I recommend all music making individuals attend the show in the coming years.
Veglam 
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