This year’s big NAMM events included the surprise performance of the newly reunited Extreme (a show I really wanted to see upon first hearing the news by the way) and the WimBash put together by Living Colour bassist Doug Wimbish in conjunction with The Rock House Method. Being that I’m not God and can’t be in two places at once I opted for the scene that I felt would best reflect the interests of our readers. Having a one hit wonder (and a ballad at that) just didn’t seem very Metal to me and I ended up heading to the WimBash where apparently I had made the right choice. Upon arrival at the door I bumped into Michael Amott and Sharlee D’Angelo of Arch Enemy fame and thought that this was definitely a good sign. Other Metal celebs were found just inside as well including Herman Li and Sam Totman of Dragonforce, Gus G of Firewind and many more. Although Living Colour were billed as the headliners for the evening there was a hoard of Metal talent throughout the night.

Kicking things off was the twin guitar attack of George Lynch (Ex-Dokken/Lynch Mob) and Alexi Laiho (Children Of Bodom) playing guitar wars and covering a couple of classic Dokken tunes including Lynch’s trademark “Mr. Scary”. It was very cool seeing the generation gap bridged between the former and the latter. Truly the Metal fire still burns strong. One of the sponsors of the WimBash was The Rock House Method a DVD/Online teaching program (designed by partners John McCarthy and Joe Palombo) where a prospective student can be taught by any number of professionals from within the industry. The company brought out some of their youngest students for an all out jam and showcased their truly remarkable talents.

One of the coolest surprises of the night was the all star jam band featuring frontman Tim “Ripper” Owens (Ex-Judas Priest/Iced Earth/current Beyond Fear vocalist), former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson, Marc Rizzo (Soulfly) and Rob Arnold (Chimaira) on guitar and drummer Jason Bittner (Shadows Fall). The guys played selections that included covers from Priest (“Breakin The Law”) Megadeth (“Holy Wars/Peace Sells”) and Sabbath (“Paranoid”). It was awesome to hear ripper cover these classics; the man is definitely one of the most underrated vocalists in existence today.

By the time Living Colour took the stage the small little lounge called the Pulse located inside the Anaheim Hilton was absolutely packed. Throughout the night the security kept pushing the crowd back from the stage so that scantily clad strippers known as the Bad Apple Dancers could cause a ruckus with their steamy floor show. Now being that I’m a guy this would have been a stellar addition to the night’s festivities but being that I’m also married and my wife was standing next to me this didn’t go over very well. In addition there were kids present for this event one of them being Dog’s daughter. I have to say that the majority of the people in attendance were there primarily to see a rock show, not a peep show to the organizers of the event maybe you should have a separate stage for the dancers so as to not take away from the band’s performances.

Living Colour were exceptional in their musical deliveries, showcasing songs from throughout their illustrious career. What a truly unique sound they bring to the table. I couldn’t believe that Wimbish actually had 22 different pedals for his bass rig. I think he only used about seven though. The creative juices were flowing and the guys put on one hell of a show. Vocalist Corey Glover hot off his role in Jesus Christ Superstar was focused and nailed every note. Guitarist Vernon Reid was an absolute monster with his trademark and overtly recognizable style. A big kudo goes to drummer Will Calhoun who held all together as well. Songs selections included the bands classic “Cult of Personality”, “Glamour Boys” and a raging rendition of “Time’s Up”. Another added bonus was when King’s X bassist/vocalist Doug Pinnick (who was for lack of a better word wasted) joined the band on stage for this number. Even in his severely intoxicated state he still sounded great.

Throughout the night there were many cool giveaway from a number of the sponsors including a Peavey guitar signed by Living Colour and Black Stone Cherry, an ESP guitar autographed by George Lynch and Alexi Laiho, and a Spector bass signed by Doug Wimbish. Additional sponsor giveaways came from Mapex, Emg Pick-ups, Coffin Cases and The Rock House Method. Black Stone Cherry was set to go on following Living Colour and the Coffin Case Fashion show but after walking around NAMM all day and it going on midnight I was beat and decided to call it a night. All in all the NAMM WimBash made for a truly great night and well worth the extra standing time at the front of the stage braving the crowd.

-Priest