NAMM 2017 saw many new and exciting unveils…but one that really got my blood pumping was Orianthi and Richie Sambora, who were set to perform the first night in the courtyard that connected the two hotels and the Anaheim Convention Center.  The wind was beginning to pick up, but that didn’t stop people from coming out for the first big concert of NAMM.  Their sound check was a few Bon Jovi tunes, and many weren’t sure what to expect, but it was sounding great!

The billing of their joint performance was an indication of their future together as musicians, RSO: Richie Sambora and Orianthi wasn’t just a publicity stunt…they have been working on material and debuted one of their new songs on stage for all of us in attendance.  “Making History , the new song by RSO, is a soulful rocker written by the pair, and will be on their new 22 song album, out in a few short months.  The sound system bellowed and pumped out screaming guitars as the pair battled out solos on their instruments throughout the entire show.  It was a sight to see for the thousands of people cramming the venue.

The pair harmonized on a few Bon Jovi tunes while also belting out a few of their own solo project songs before finishing on a shredding version of “Wanted Dead or Alive.”  Richie kicked the song off with a little riff from the Allman Bros’ “Midnight Rider” before powering into the first verse.  It’s hard to tell who the better guitarist is, since the pair are known for their incessant battling on stage, but Richie insists they focused on the vocals more than the guitar.  I guess that’s to avoid arguments, I can understand that.  We all know who the better guitarist is.

Big Jon / BackStage360