Los Angeles based, power pop, indie, alternative rockers, Ok Go, headlined at the Yamaha Grand Stage, at NAMM 2018, on Thursday, January 25th. This energetic, unconventional band of talented artists have been on the main stream music scene, since 1998. Known for their quirky and whimsical music videos, captures their audience from the word “go’! Even though it was a Thursday night, at NAMM was just starting to gear up, the Grand Stage venue, was spilling over into the concession area and the walkways between the Anaheim Hilton and the Anaheim Marriott hotels.
The quartet has toured all over America and Europe and has released four albums since 2002. Over the years they have focused on charitable and political contributions to assistance those in need and make a presence in the fundraising efforts for various political leaders, including President Barack Obama. In 2007 they released an EP entitled, “You’re Not Alone”, whose proceeds were slated to assist musicians that were displaced by Hurricane Katrina. The band has also used their popularity and notoriety to assistance some of their favorite causes, such as the American Society for the Prevention of the Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Added to their extensive list of charitable contributions and tours is an impressive series of television appearances and production of sound tracks for video games and film festivals.
Their Grammy award winning song, “Here It Goes Again”, also known as the “Treadmill Song” has been viewed over 40 million times on You Tube. This video is a quintessential example of the fun, outrageous talent and thought process of the band. While this was my first time seeing, Ok Go, live, and I didn’t know what to expect, I instantly fell in love with the performance and its members. Lead singer and front man, Damian Kulash, is in constant interaction with the audience. In between songs or change over of instruments he will casually toss out questions to the audience or tell a joke or two. The chemistry onstage is infectious and these talented gentlemen clearly love what they do, and they do it well together; and although we all caught that minor slip up of forgotten words, Damian just rolled with it and it became part of the charm of show.
OK Go’s performance was a perfect way to kick off an amazingly successful week at the Anaheim Convention Center and I wouldn’t be surprised if sales of treadmills increased over night. Please find breaking news, their tour schedule and merchandise store on their colorful and equally quirky website at: www.okgo.net . You can follow along with them on social media by searching @okgo and find their You Tube channel at “OKgo” and purchase their music at all reputable music service sites and online retailers.
Ok Go is:
Damian Kulash – Vocals and lead guitar
Tim Nordwind – Vocals and bass guitar
Danny Konopka – Drums and percussion
Andy Ross – Vocals, keyboards and guitar
OK, Go!!
Yamaha Grand Stage, Thursday, January 25th