Among them were giants of the scene like Doug Aldrich, who is known as a member of the supergroup The Dead Daisies and his work with Dio and Whitesnake, Alex Skolnick of Testament, Neil Turbin of DeathRiders and Anthrax, Björn Englen of Dio Disciples, Yngwie Malmsteen, Quiet Riot, Larry Mitchell - an acclaimed guitarist and Grammy awarded producer, Mattias IA Eklundh of Freak Kitchen, and many other greats.
Ibanez I Photo credits John Ivan
Besides being a guitarist and music producer, observing and writing about the music scene and music gear has always been my other passion and my second skin. Working the NAMM Show as a field reporter took me back to the days when I was writing for Music Box (Moscow) and PRO (Kiev), and for me as an artist, submerging into the show vibe and creative atmosphere gave me a true feeling of the revival of the good times attending, working, and playing at music exhibitions as a presenter throughout the post-Soviet space at such major trade shows as Music Moscow, an affiliate of NAMM and Frankfurt Musikmesse.
One of the standout moments was celebrating the 40th Anniversary of PRS Guitars. In honor of this milestone, they threw a huge concert at the House of Blues featuring legends like John Mayer, Mark Lettieri, Tim Pierce, Howard Leese (HEART, The Paul Rodgers Band, Bad Company), Orianthi, Dany Villarreal (The Warning), Herman Li, and others, and of course Paul Reed Smith himself who not only hosted the show along with Tim Pierce, but delivered a firing performance playing classic hits, such as "Yellow Moon" (Neville Brothers),"Cause We've Ended As Lovers" (Jeff Beck), "Burn" (Deep Purple), and "Call Me The Breeze" (J.J. Cale). The vibe was electric, and the performances were nothing short of mind-blowing. PRS not only celebrated their incredible history but put on a massive show that had everyone talking long after the exhibition doors closed.
NAMM 2025 Report: PRS Guitars 40th Anniversary Celebration
About PRS Guitars: https://prsguitars.com/
Interview with Paul Reed Smith
The following day, I took part in masterclasses hosted by PRS and Taylor Guitars at the NAMM Idea Center. Beverly Fowler, PRS’s Director of Artist Relations, alongside Lindsey Love-Bivens (Taylor Guitars Artist Relations & Partnerships), delivered incredibly insightful session on the inner workings of artist-brand relationships, including endorsement programs, partnership opportunities, and the broader landscape of how musicians interact with these industry giants.
These masterclasses sparked so many fresh ideas and opened up exciting possibilities for future collaborations with major brands.
NAMM 2025 Report: How to Partner With Brands for Artist Endorsements
While Ibanez and ESP are some of my all-time favorite brands, the Martin Guitar pavilion was completely out of this world — man, these guitars are straight-up works of art! Their D-3 Millionth model marks a192-year history of iconic guitar making, and Martin Guitar’s collaboration with artists Julie Heffernan and Robert Goetzl resulted in the creation of absolutely stunning and unique Art Guitars: 00L OLIVER and D-Robert Goetzl 10, each telling its own story. The craft, the inlays? Insane. And the tone? Oh, come on! Hey, I need this guitar! No, wait — I need that one too! Somebody hand me a 12-string, now! Every Martin guitar is an inspiration and holds a piece of music history and a heritage of American culture.
NAMM also served up an abundance of news and opportunities that will directly impact my musical career. I connected with reps from companies like The ESP Guitar Company, Driftwood Amplifiers, and OD Guitars, all of which have opened up potential avenues for exciting future projects.
Omer Deutsch and John Ivan I Photo credits: John Ivan
The Boutique Guitar Showcase is a truly special place, featuring some of the most unique, extravagant, and innovative instruments you’ll ever find. In recent years, OD Guitars — a custom luthier shop from Israel — has become an integral part of this showcase, displaying one-of-a-kind instruments that turn heads with their groundbreaking and original designs. I simply couldn’t miss the opportunity to check them out, especially since Suley Era previously featured OD Guitars' AI-inspired project, /imagine: prompt, last year.
During my conversation with Omer Deutsch, the founder and luthier behind OD Guitars, we explored the intricacies of guitar design and the importance of customization in enhancing a musician's performance. Omer shared insights into his creative process, emphasizing how his passion for building guitars aligns with the evolving needs of modern guitarists. This exchange highlighted the synergy between innovative instrument design and artistic expression, perfectly capturing the dynamic atmosphere of the NAMM Show.
About OD Guitars: https://www.od-guitars.com/
NAMM 2025 Report: Artists & Brands
One serendipitous encounter was with Demetrio "Dimitri" Skopelliti, the founder of Norwegian brand Inspiria Guitars. Dimitri is a talented guitarist and entrepreneur known for his virtuosity and innovative approach to instrument building. His company blends traditional methods with cutting-edge tech to create guitars for today’s musicians. During our conversation, we discussed possible collaboration between Suley Era and Inspiria Guitars.
Although the company is relatively new, it's already established itself as a promising manufacturer of high-quality instruments. After the show, we continued discussing potential projects, and I’m confident our partnership will yield fruitful results. In fact, just a few days after the show, I received an email from them extending a collaboration offer. They had checked out my new album GuitarSlinger — no business cards involved, just handing out my album at the booth! It’s humbling when professionals recognize your work in such a personal way.
For a deeper dive into Dimitri’s vision, check out his upcoming interview on Suley Era, where he’ll discuss the future of Inspiria Guitars and some aspects of his approach to building brand-artist relationships. You don’t want to miss it!
Demetrio Scopelliti (Inspiria) and John Ivan I Photo credits John Ivan
About Inspiria Guitars: https://inspiriaguitars.com/
I also swung by the Marshall booth, where they were showing off their Modified amplifier series, including updated versions of the JCM800 and 1959. It was there that I ran into drummer Sean Elg of KK’s Priest, a band fronted by Tim "Ripper" Owens — who I've had the honor of touring with as a guitarist. We caught up on their latest projects and band plans, adding a nice surprise to my already-packed schedule at the show.
The separate pavilion dedicated to studio gear, consoles, microphones, and all things sound recording technology was absolutely mind-blowing. If you’re a studio owner, be warned—you’ll end up spending every cent you have! I’m not kidding, and it’s like a paradise for gear junkies! Walking through the aisles, I was greeted by an overwhelming selection of state-of-the-art recording equipment, from vintage-style tube preamps to the latest in digital audio workstations. Every major brand in the industry showcased their newest innovations, including groundbreaking microphones designed for crystal-clear recording, ultra-responsive control surfaces, and high-end mixing consoles used by top producers worldwide. Whether you’re an amateur musician or a seasoned professional, the sheer range of gear available was enough to make your head spin.
As I mentioned earlier, I had the privilege of meeting and talking to legendary musicians who’ve left an indelible mark on the guitar world. Let me tell you about some of the standouts that I interviewed. The conversations with some of the most influential musicians of our time about their insights, plans, and their experiences working with the biggest names in the industry and performing on the world’s biggest stages were both humbling and inspiring.
NAMM 2025 Report: Artists
Doug Aldrich — an absolute beast on the guitar and one of the coolest cats in the biz. This dude has shredded stages with Dio, Whitesnake, Lion, Hurricane, Bad Moon Rising, and Burning Rain, plus he’s killing it with Revolution Saints alongside Night Ranger’s Jack Blades and Journey’s Deen Castronovo. Doug told me about his battle with throat cancer, but man, he’s fighting through it like a true rock warrior, looking and playing better than ever. Right now, he’s still rocking hard with The Dead Daisies and jumping into killer projects, keeping that fire alive. Caught up with him while he was rolling out his new BlackStar amp line—had to grab some guitar wisdom while he was breaking down those sweet amp channels. And yeah, we locked in an interview for an upcoming feature on Suley Era. Stay tuned for that one—it’s gonna be legendary!
Doug Aldrich and John Ivan I Photo credits: John Ivan
About The Dead Daisies: https://thedeaddaisies.com/
Jeff Loomis — another game-changer in the guitar world, best known for his work with Nevermore. His virtuosity and technical prowess have cemented him as one of the most influential guitarists in modern metal. In late 2023, Jeff left Arch Enemy to focus on reuniting Nevermore. Alright, check this out—right now, the band’s on the hunt for a new vocalist and bassist. When I caught up with Jeff, he told me they’d already racked up over 350 auditions, but later, that number skyrocketed past 600! Crazy, right? And here’s the kicker—their new album is damn near locked and loaded, just about ready to drop. This thing’s gonna be straight fire! Jeff was at the Seymour Duncan booth, representing the new Noumenon passive pickups, and he also performed with Metal Allegiance at the House of Blues on January 23, 2025.
About Jeff Loomis: https://linktr.ee/jeffloomis
Alex Skolnick of Testament — what a surprise! I mean, how cool is it when you’re just wrapping up your day at the show, and one of your all-time favorite guitarists suddenly steps around the corner right toward you? No hesitation — I flipped on my camera and fired off a few questions. It almost felt like I’d known him for 35 or 40 years—since the first time I ever heard the Testament — but, of course, this was our first time actually meeting. Alex shared a bit about how the new Testament album is pretty much locked in and gave some insight into upcoming tours with the Alex Skolnick Trio. And yeah, you probably already know this, but Guitar World magazine ranked him as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, and one of the fastest shredders out there. The dude’s a legend, plain and simple, and an absolutely great guy to talk to.
Alex Skolnick (Testament) and John Ivan I Photo credits John Ivan
About Alex Skolnick: https://thedeaddaisies.com/
Marco Mendoza — a bass legend who’s played with Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, and The Dead Daisies. Now, he’s collaborating with Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, continuing to push rock music forward. Marco wished us all peace and hoped to see us at his shows soon. Man, Marco’s got that electric vibe—his energy and charisma just hit different. You can feel his dedication in every damn note he plays. But it ain’t just about shred chops—the dude’s a straight-up storyteller, pouring raw emotion into his playing and making every riff cut deep. He’s all about keeping rock alive while pushing into new sonic territories, and that’s exactly why he’s one of the most exciting musicians out there right now. Yo, Marco absolutely ripped it up at Ultimate Jam Night during the NAMM event on Jan 24, 2025, at the Anaheim Convention Center Arena! But man, let’s be real—that stage was stacked! Everybody and their mother was there, shredding, wailing, and throwing down. NAMM always brings out the heavy hitters, and this year was no exception.
About Marco Mendoza: https://www.marcomendoza.com/
Ira Black — is an absolute shredder who was out there reppin’ Shark Guitars, a killer Turkish boutique brand, showing off just how much diversity and craftsmanship comes outta that scene. These axes aren’t just slick-looking and buttery to play—they’ve got some next-level tech under the hood, like the built-in Shark Electronics Module, powered by SHARK FX CARDS. Oh, and man, they had this insane fretless guitar with all kinds of wild tunings—it looked like it was beamed in from another galaxy! Always rad to see rare and unique instruments in action. Ira was also tearin’ it up nonstop at Ultimate Jam Night, jumping in on all kinds of sets. His ability to adapt to different styles and soak in cultural influences makes him a true chameleon on the guitar, a player who can hang in any scene and make it his own.
About Ira Black: https://www.marcomendoza.com/
Neil Turbin — an amazing vocalist and close friend who recorded the track "The Prison Sell" on my new album GuitarSlinger (you can check it out at bestiarecords.com). I ran into Neil right in the thick of it at the expo—dude was hustlin’, just like everyone else, bouncing between meetings and shows. We chopped it up on the fly, ‘cause, man, NAMM is non-stop. But by the end of the show, we linked up again, finally got a chance to kick back and talk a little more. You know, it’s always good catching up with a friend who gets the grind. His contribution brought a unique energy and depth to the project. Neil’s vocal range and intensity are truly remarkable, and he brings an unmistakable presence to every performance. Whether he’s belting out high-octane metal anthems or delivering soulful, melodic lines, his voice remains a defining force in the genre. Working with Neil on my album was an incredible experience, and I can’t wait for our future collaborations. We’re both looking forward to hitting the stage together soon — he lives just an hour away from me!
Neil Turbin and John Ivan I Photo credits: John Ivan
About Neil Turbin and DeathRiders: https://deathriders.com/
Ronny North — an incredibly talented American guitarist known for his solo projects and unique style. He’s also my neighbor here in LA, so it was great to catch up with my partner in guitar crime at the Viper Guitars booth. Ronny’s distinct approach to guitar playing sets him apart, blending technical precision with an unmistakable sense of melody. His enthusiasm for his craft is infectious, and he’s constantly pushing himself to innovate and evolve. Seeing him in action at the show reminded me why he remains such a respected figure in the guitar community.
About Ronny North: https://www.ronnynorth.com/
Mattias IA Eklundh — a super unique guitarist from Sweden, best known for his work with Freak Kitchen, and he's one of the most innovative players in the game. His approach to music, including using tempered guitar tunings with unusual fret curves and complex time signatures, is truly groundbreaking. If you haven’t already, go check out his albums! His commitment to pushing the boundaries of guitar playing is truly inspiring, and his innovative techniques have earned him a devoted following worldwide.
Mattias also represents his guitar boutique, Freak Guitar Lab, featuring innovative True Temperament guitar necks, originally developed by the late Anders Thidell, a guitarist and inventor from Stockholm, Sweden in partnership with veteran guitar builder/technician Paul Guy. Mattias brought an impressive collection of his custom guitars to the show.
About Mattias IA Eklundh and Freak Guitar: https://www.freakguitar.com/
Björn Englen — another Swedish talent, an accomplished bass player known for his work with bands like Dio Disciples, Yngwie Malmsteen, Quiet Riot, Uli Jon Roth (Scorpions), Tony MacAlpine, and Soul Sign. We chatted a bit about Swedish culture and his EBS amplifiers—such a positive guy! Björn’s expertise on the bass is undeniable, and his contributions to various legendary acts have cemented his place in rock history. His ability to seamlessly blend technical mastery with groove and feel makes him an essential part of any lineup he joins.
About Björn Englen: https://bjornenglen.com/
Jason Richardson — a shredding virtuoso from the US, representing the next generation of guitar phenoms with insane speed and technique. His ability to blend progressive metal, djent, and neoclassical elements into his playing is mind-blowing. Watching him perform live is like witnessing a masterclass in precision and control — his alternate picking, sweeping, and tapping techniques are executed flawlessly. Beyond technical prowess, Jason’s compositions showcase a deep understanding of melody and dynamics, proving he’s not just about speed but also musicality. If you haven’t checked out his solo work or collaborations with bands like All That Remains, Born of Osiris, and Chelsea Grin, you’re missing out!
About Jason Richardson: https://www.jasonrichardsonmusic.com/
Larry Mitchell — is an awesome guy and a phenomenal guitarist with a signature style. It was great to bump into him between booths at the expo and discuss the latest updates on his tours and music. Larry’s soulful playing and deep connection to his instrument always shine through, whether he’s performing live or working in the studio. An influential guitar player, producer, sound engineer, and mentor, Larry Mitchell’s impact on inspiring artists is invaluable. His ability to blend technical prowess with emotional expression and the way how he integrates cutting-edge effects into his sound truly sets him apart.
About Larry Mitchell: https://www.larrymitchell.com/
Suley Era exclusive interview with Larry Mitchell
Doug Doppler — a longtime friend, amazing guitarist, and total gearhead. We had a great conversation about the new Mesa Boogie Rectifier amps and shared our thoughts on the latest industry gear. Doug’s insight into tone shaping and amp dynamics is second to none, and he always has some great advice on dialing in the perfect sound. He’s also been working on some fascinating educational projects, mentoring the next generation of guitarists and passing down his extensive knowledge of gear and technique. Catching up with him is always a blast, and his passion for music tech never fails to inspire.
About Doug Doppler: https://dougdopplermusic.com/
Matteo Mancuso from Italy gave a killer solo performance at the show. We’ve scheduled a deeper interview with him soon—stay tuned! Watching Matteo play live is nothing short of mesmerizing; his fluid technique, intricate fingerstyle approach, and insane phrasing make him one of the most exciting young guitarists on the scene today. His ability to seamlessly transition between jazz, fusion, and rock influences sets him apart from the crowd. He’s definitely someone to watch, and I can’t wait to dive deeper into his creative process in our upcoming interview.
About Matteo Mancuso: https://www.matteomancuso.net/
Over the course of the event, I conducted 15-20 interviews with top-tier musicians and leading music equipment manufacturers, securing new interviews and forging tons of connections for future work. It’s impossible to sum up everything in a short review—like they say, "You can’t embrace the ungraspable." Each of these meetings at NAMM 2025 enriched my experience, and I’m eager to continue collaborating and interacting with these incredible musicians. The wealth of knowledge, inspiration, and camaraderie I gained from these conversations is something I’ll carry forward in my work, ensuring that these stories and insights reach as many people as possible.
Live performances are the signature mark of the NAMM Show, creating that special vibe that shakes the show floor all day long and extends throughout adjacent hotels’ ballrooms, lobbies, and outdoor stages and continues till late at night, bringing an unforgettable experience to the attendees.
NAMM 2025 Report: Metal Allegiance
The Metal Allegiance concert at the Anaheim House Of Blues was nothing short of legendary—stars like David Ellefson (Megadeth), Gary Holt (Slayer/Exodus), Mark Menghi, Alex Skolnick, Mike Portnoy, Chuck Billy (Testament), Andreas Kisser (Sepultura), and many more lit up the stage. The energy in the venue was absolutely electric, with each performance showcasing an unparalleled level of musicianship and passion. The setlist was packed with metal anthems, blistering solos, and powerful vocals that sent chills down the spine. Fans packed the venue, headbanging in unison as these metal legends unleashed a sonic assault that left everyone in awe. It was more than just a concert—it was a celebration of metal music’s rich legacy and enduring influence.
Ultimate Jam Night at NAMM 2025 was an electrifying spectacle at the Anaheim Convention Center Arena on January 24th, uniting some of the biggest names in rock and metal for an unforgettable night of raw, unfiltered musical energy. The star-studded lineup featured Steel Panther's Michael Starr, Living Colour’s Vernon Reid and Doug Wimbish, Jane’s Addiction’s Stephen Perkins, legendary drummer Kenny Aronoff, Gary Holt from Slayer and Exodus, dUg Pinnick, Alex Skolnick, and Marco Mendoza, among others. These powerhouse musicians delivered jaw-dropping performances, trading solos, shredding riffs, and igniting the crowd with their unmatched energy. The event embodied the true spirit of live music, bringing together legendary artists and rising stars in a once-in-a-lifetime jam session that left the audience buzzing long after the final note.
NAMM 2025 Report: Ultimate Jam Night
NAMM Show 2025 was an absolute powerhouse of inspiration, and I’m stoked about the wealth of material and stories I’ll be sharing with my colleagues and the Suley Era audience. I’m looking forward to building on the momentum and continuing to develop partnerships in the music industry. The energy, the connections, and the innovations I witnessed reaffirmed why NAMM remains one of the most important events in the music world. I can’t wait to see what the next year brings and to keep sharing these incredible experiences with fellow musicians and music enthusiasts alike!
