2015 NAMM Best & Worst of Show Awards

Best Intimate Musical Gathering

To say that MMR president/publisher Terry Lowe enjoyed Wednesday night’s D’Addario-hosted Jackson Browne performance at L.A.’s Swing House Studios might be an understatement: “Simply fantastic. To see an artist of his caliber in such an intimate setting… It was an amazing show and evening.” Browne was joined that night by accomplished veterans Sean Watkins and Blake Mills for what all agreed was a very special event.

Worst Shakedown

It’s bad enough that Starbucks is charging $3.94 for a small, black iced coffee, but $3 for a bottle – and a tiny one, at that – of water? I expected more of you, Anaheim Convention Center… (Or did I?)

Cap: MMR’s Christian Wissmuller with legendary producer Don Was.

Best ‘Unexpectedly Cool Dude’ Encounter

While studying Music Production & Engineering at Berklee College of Music way back when, my professors and fellow students frequently held up Don Was as someone who could essentially do no wrong. For my part, however, other than not particularly liking “Walk the Dinosaur” by his band, Was (Not Was), when I was in high school and feeling like Was-produced, modern-day Stones albums were fairly lackluster (in truth, not his or the production’s fault), I didn’t have much of an opinion about the guy. A brief encounter with Don Was at the TEC Awards showed him to be very friendly, quick-thinking, and articulate. I guess everyone else was right!

Best ‘Sure… Why not?’ Display

In truth, I was in a hurry as I wandered by this life-size astronaut wearing a Fender Tele at the FMIC suite and perhaps there was some reasoning behind it (some Telecaster-related anniversary the coincides with the moon landing?), but whatever the case it certainly caught the eye – and also made me nostalgic for the early days of MTV, when they actually played music videos!

Cap: NAMM’s Mary Luehrsen and Bernie Williams

Worst ‘Villain’

You’re not supposed to be a Red Sox fan and simultaneously like someone like Bernie Williams. Even despite Boston’s recent embarrassment of riches when it comes to World Series titles in the past decade, the guy will forever be THE ENEMY! But Bernie Williams is such a passionate advocate for music education (and such a genuinely sweet guy), I have to give him a pass and hope my hometown friends won’t be too disappointed.

Best Unexpected ‘Super Group’ Sighting

MMR’s Terry Lowe was pleasantly surprised when he stumbled upon Carmine Appice, Bruce Jordahl, and Dave Widow knocking out some Cajun funk during the show at the Calzone Case booth. “That was really something,” enthused Terry at the time. “A definite ‘Best’ for the ‘Best & Worst’ report!”

Cap: Dare I say, better even than the food trucks!

Cap: Nirvana in a bun.

Best cheap, quick eats

I’m an East Coast boy and I’ve got serious Boston pride, but SoCal has the upper hand when it comes to fast-food, no question. From the near-to-the-Convention Center Alerto’s Mexican Food (soooo good) to my happiest of “happy places,” In-n-Out, quick and easy snack options in the O.C. are almost too good to be true.

Best Suprising Band Lineup

One might reasonably expect the last song of a Lynyrd Skynyrd set to be “Freebird.” When it's, instead, "Ain't Talkin Bout Love" with guest musician Michael Anthony absolutely killing it on vocals and the whole band acing out every bit as good as classic-era Van Halen? That’s something special. Thanks, Peavey 50^th Anniversary bash!

Who had the bigger wardrobe budget?

Best Gwar & Worst ‘Gwar’

While points for creativity and effort go to the fake-blood splattered Show attendee (he’s the one in white), MMR’s advertising director Matt King felt that, when presented in contrast to Gwar guitarist Pustulus Maximus’ battle-gear, it was clear who truly has their game down.

Cap: Stewart Copeland puts some new Paiste cymbals through their paces.

Cap: Dave Lombardo introduces his new signature Paiste cymbals.

Best One-Two, Big-Name Punch

Suppliers bringing endorsing artists to NAMM is, of course, nothing new and there have been many high profile celebrities who’ve dropped by to perform, sign autographs, or just plain hang out over the years. 2015’s Paiste Press Conference was amongst the most low-key, quietly intimate settings for the appearance of two of the most iconic drummers in contemporary popular music, though. Nibbling at finger-foods and sipping wine while hobnobbing with Dave Lombardo (Slayer) and Stewart Copeland in a modest hotel suite was pretty surreal. Oh, and even with only cymbals at hand (no drum kit), wow – those two can play!

Worst Homecoming

Those of us who comprise “The Boston team” contingent of MMR’s staff made it home just under the wire before Logan Airport (and most major roadways, public transportation, et cetera) were shut down for the first of what, at this point, have been three significant blizzards (with more on the way…). In the a mere 17 days I, associate editor Paige Tutt, and advertising director Matt King have been attempting to dig out (and re-dig out) of what, as we go to press, is officially measured as 74.9 inches of snow on the ground. Oh, to be back in sunny Anaheim…