NAMM does not end when the convention doors close. The after parties and shows are endless. Some people go to NAMM just for the shows after all "official" business has been done for the day. From Thursday to Sunday, live events are everywhere in and around Anaheim. We happened to stop by Mirror Image Studios for a Hollywood Rob Sherriff Production.
Mirror Image is just a few minutes from the Anaheim Convention Center and is a wonderful small to mid sized venue for both fans and bands. It has a great elevated stage and all around, a good viewing spot to see the bands from almost everywhere. The lighting was good and the venue also has closed circuit tv, so while the bands played you could also see them on the tv's.
The bands that played the show included: On Descent (San Diego), Fools Paradise (Ventura), Octane Mob (O.C.), White Lie (Hollywood), DC4 (Hollywood) and an All Star Jam with Phil and Gonzo Sandoval from Armored Saint, Ira Black from Lizzy Borden and Metal Church, and more. This is what you get when you go to Hollywood Rob Sherriff Production show.
First to hit the stage was On Descent, an Oceanside/San Diego-based metal band. They tore the stage up with aggression and power. Members include:Derek Schweitzer: Vocals, Rogelio Estrada: Drums, Louie Borja: Guitar/Vocals,Sky Jay: Guitar/Vocals, Joe Hemphill: Bass/Vocals. It was my first time seeing the band and I would recommend them to anyone who likes old school true metal.
Fools Paradise took the stage next. Intense, Progressive and hard rock are just a few ways to describe this band. The guys include: Nick Neilson guitar and vocals, David Kurdelak drums and back up vocals, Bruce Curry bass and vocals, and a keyboardist whose name I have unfortunately been able to track down. Although stylistically different from On Descent, they kept the crowd pumped and ready for more.
Octane Mob came out hard the way true metal bands do. Eddie - vocals, Brett - guitar, Steve -bass, and Alex - drums, are the Metal Men that are Octane Mob. Playing shows all over the West Coast with Nationals at such legendary places as the Key Club and the House of Blues, Octane Mob is setting fire to the Metal world. If you want metal done right, check them out.
White Lie: this band is for all those that love hair band, good ol' rock music. Straight off the Sunset Strip and onto the stage, this band will get you rocking. Tom - Vocals, Jeff - Bass, Kevin - Guitar, and Drumsllut on drums are white Lie. I have seen them 3 times in 4 weeks and have loved every show. I recommend them to everybody, especially those looking for a good time Rock 'n Roll experience.
DC4 is a brotherly Musical Super Group that includes brothers Jeff Duncan on vocals and guitar, Matt Duncan on bass, Shawn Duncan on drums, and their brother from another mother Rowan Robertson on lead guitar. Comprised of members from such bands as Dio and Armored Saint, this band has its own music, identity, style, and brand of hard rock 'n roll. If you want hard and heavy rock and roll set, this is your band.
The night closed out with the All Star Jam. Guys from Armored Saint, Metal Church and Lizzy Borden, Iron Maiden, and other great bands came together on one stage to do a jam. Priceless for any music lover, this was a great way to end the first night of NAMM.
Thanks again to Hollywood Rob Sherriff for putting on another legendary show, and as always, support local music and local venues!
Written by: Melissa Anderson, http://www.ROCKwellUnScene.com
Photo's by Rockwell Anderson Media (Wes & Melissa Anderson)
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