DISNEY-NAMM 09' NAMM 09' January 15th-18th held in Anaheim California was an exceptional senses overload experience. Many good things collaborating under one roof, from exceptional gear to the incendiary artists who play it.
I arrived on Thursday from SFO, it was registration time to get the badge and map out the grounds. I immediately ran into DAVE ELLEFSON (Megadeth, F5) also getting his pass. I met some fascinating people, some by recognizing them and other's by recognizing me. Props to social networking resources such as Myspace and Facebook for helping connect people and put the pieces of the puzzle together. I crossed paths with people from all around the world, including a pleasant surprise seeing a few musicians I've played with in Copenhagen, DK. The Hilton, the Marriott, and other music venues were bustling after parties with several live performances and flowing cocktails. It lasted until the early hours of the next day.
Friday, I was hustling around meeting with current and potential sponsors such as Dunlop, Rocktron GHS Strings, Schecter Guitars, etc... The BANGLES did a great performance at the Daisy Rock guitar booth. While gazing at KERRY KING & TOM ARAYA (Slayer) I met guys from FORBIDDEN. Thanks to MARK HERNANDEZ and Hohner for the “hook up”! Next, I chatted with MIKE INEZ (Alice in Chains, Heart) at Ampeg, then ran into my firecracker friend, REV JONES (MSG/Fuel/Racer X)) at the Dean booth along with MICHAEL SCHENKER, VINNIE MORE (UFO), MICHEL ANGELO BATIO, METAL SENAZ, GEN (Genitorturers),
I saw JD DESERVIO (Black Label Society) at Samson along with JOHN 5 (Rob Zombie) and FRANK BELLO (Anthrax).
Passing by Schecter guitars, I ran into a friend of mine with LUKAS ROSSI as I was on my way to BC Rich guitars. There, I met DARELL ROBERTS (Five Finger Death Punch). The first After Party required a pass for the Pulse Nightclub featuring WimBash hosted by Doug Wimbish, the killer line up had too many to list. I watched my buddy BRUCE MONICAL (producer) win a Peavey guitar signed by all their artists. Many other great gigs where going on that night, too much to do, too little time. Throughout the eve I ran into many of the above and ULI ROTH (guitar God) he was a pleasure to meet as he's one Kool Kat. My Bay Area buddies Ace & Huge of Reality Check TV snapped a pic for me with Uli.
Saturday, The convention was packed!
I caught a quickie jam session with CHAD & FLEA (Red Hot Chilli Peppers). Then I had an all around DJ experience at the Dean booth with NIKKI BLAKK (107.7 The Bone), METAL DJ WILL (KNAC.com), GREEN MAN (Solid Rock Radio), & VJ METAL SANAZ. Many worlds coming together in one place, Good Times! I caught up with some Bay Area Musicians at Spectraflexx DAVE RUDE (Tesla) MARCO GUZMAN (DRB). I had a ladies room chat with LACEY (Rock of Love) on the way to meeting people at the Dean booth. There's always something fun or sexy going down there such as DAVE NAVARRO, REV JONES, DAVE MUSTAINE (Megadeth), CHRIS CAFFERY etc..
In front of Ampeg, I was pleased to meet ALLISON ROBERTS & MAYA FORD (the Donnas). On the way to Bogner Amps I met and spoke with STEVE MORSE (Deep Purple/Dixie Dregs).
Planning to go to the House of Blues gig to support some friends playing, I was given a pass to the Schecter party for the Papa Roach gig at the Grove. I rode over in a Limo bus with some superior friends and had a great time, we hung out in the VIP lounge after the gig and made it to the Hilton to catch an After, After party at the Reality Check TV Suite. Security cleared out the room, as we were “too loud”. : ) This resulted in a late night photo shoot with many (Rome, Green Man, Dave Romero, Uriah Duffy) to name a few.
Sunday, It was goodbye to the convention, welcome to a long delayed trip from Orange County to San Francisco a 1 hr flight turned into a 7 hour tour.....Ouch!
All in All I saw & conquered, It was a fun filled Kick Ass time with a highly entertaining business experience!
Until next year!
You know what to do.........ROCK ON HIGH VOLTAGE & PLAY HARD!
CHEERS!
RACHELLE
