Each January, NAMM takes over the Anaheim Convention Center and the surrounding area. The show is an industry only event for the National Association of Music Merchants. There are educational sessions, demonstrations, exhibits, concerts and more rock legends than you’ll find anywhere else. This year there were 100,000 people in attendance.
I enjoyed learning about advances in music education, new products and up and coming artists, but my favorite part of the show is seeing rock idols walking around the show, demoing products and at brand sponsored meet and greets. Everyone was united in their appreciation and respect for music.
Here are some of the rock stars I had the pleasure of meeting – Nikki Sixx from Motley Crue and Sixx AM, Robert Mason and Joey Allen from Warrant, Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein from The Misfits, Gilby Clarke from Guns ‘n Roses, Jeff Pilson from Foreigner and Dokken, Billy Sheehan from Mr. Big, Brad Whitford from Aerosmith, Billy Duffy from The Cult, Piggy D and John 5 from Rob Zombie, Steve Vai, Yngvie Malmsteen, Billy Corgan from Smashing Pumpkins, Bill Hudson from Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Zakk Wylde, Richie Ramone from The Ramones, Shavo Odadjian from System of A Down, and Dr. John.
NAMM 2016
Anaheim Convention Center
800 W. Katella Avenue
Anaheim, California 92802