Summer NAMM Canceled

NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) was originally scheduled for July 9-11 in Nashville. The show was just canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the past, NAMM was always good for some videos of our favorite musicians. Famous folks, especially guitarists, would show up to perform at trade show booths. This is a financial blow to the merchants who use this trade show to market and make money.

An Important Update on Summer NAMM: Please read the letter from Chris Martin, NAMM Chair and Joe Lamond, NAMM President here: https://t.co/4cfoIQUXQb pic.twitter.com/ZjrgYjtnII

— NAMMShow (@NAMMShow) April 7, 2020

Summer NAMM Show Canceled Due To COVID-19 Pandemic https://t.co/yWFB26JPj5 pic.twitter.com/R5hFnwsAEh

— BLABBERMOUTH.NET (@BLABBERMOUTHNET) April 8, 2020

Richie Sambora Promises New Music

Guitarist Richie Sambora took to Twitter in the early morning hours today to promise new music and to offer good wishes to fans during the pandemic. He does not tweet often, so this was good to see.

Richie Sambora - Stranger In This Town (Expanded Edition)

I wanna wish all of us in the world to stay safe..I miss you all...I got a new record comin atcha very soon.. I’m very proud of it...now it’s time to help each other and get the healin done..big love and god bless....RS

— RICHIE SAMBORA (@TheRealSambora) April 7, 2020

Paul Stanley Isolation Videos

Paul Stanley is making some good use of his isolation time. Here's some solos for you to enjoy!

Watch KISS's PAUL STANLEY Play 'Makin' Love', 'Hotter Than Hell' And 'Got To Choose' While In Quarantine https://t.co/K68P0uhC59 pic.twitter.com/w1L1nqkOhX

— BLABBERMOUTH.NET (@BLABBERMOUTHNET) April 6, 2020

Deep Purple Postpone 'Whoosh!' Release

Another victim of the COVID-19 pandemic. From my inbox:

New York, NY (April 3, 2020)-- In light of recent events, Deep Purple have postponed the release of their new album Whoosh! (earMUSIC) from June 12 to August 7.

Lead singer Ian Gillan released the following statement today:

“For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction...well, not exactly in this case; more cause and effect, where the latter is often greater than the former. Distribution lines (the physical sales of CDs, vinyl, cassettes (?) etc) and retail outlets are closed until The Dreaded Lurgy gets indigestion. Therefore, as there are still so many of us who love to hold a new record in our hands, and following advice from our magnificent label, we have decided to delay the release of Whoosh! until August.”

“During my quarantine I’m listening to a lot of music and guessing that it’s the same for many of us during this scary disruption to our lives,” Gillan continues. “We know, don’t we, that music will play a big part in our celebrations as we step back into the light. But, health comes first, so I must stuff my excitement about sharing Whoosh with you back into a box for a little while. Stay well and follow the light…”

Face Mask Tutorial

Today's music conversation is suspended. I wanted to share this easy tutorial for making a face mask. You do not need a sewing machine, thread, or anything fancy. This uses a napkin and hair ties. I tried to just to see if the "mask" would fit tight across the face and it does. In light of new guidance urging everyone to wear a mask while in public, I thought I would share. This is obviously not medical grade but can provide a measure of precaution for you - and perhaps even lessen the viral load if you are infected with COVID-19.

#DYK? CDC’s recommendation on wearing a cloth face covering may help protect the most vulnerable from #COVID19. Watch @Surgeon_General Jerome Adams make a face covering in a few easy steps. https://t.co/bihJ3xEM15 pic.twitter.com/mE7Tf6y3MK

— CDC (@CDCgov) April 4, 2020

Farewell Bill Withers

This sucks. The great songwriter and performer Bill Withers has died from heart complications at 81. This news feels extra heavy today.

Three-time Grammy Award winner Bill Withers died Monday in Los Angeles. His death comes as the public has drawn inspiration from his music during the coronavirus pandemic https://t.co/6SyzpB3iCr

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) April 3, 2020

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts Record New Video For Us

Imagine going through this lockdown period without the technology we have today. At least we can see each other safely through Zoom or FaceTime. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts recorded a video for "Light of Day" while in individual quarantine.

Later today, we'll cross 1 million cases of COVID-19 worldwide. Pretty grim. I keep looking ahead to summer but at this point, I do not think the big Motley Crue/Def Leppard/Poison/Joan Jett tour will happen. Sorry to be the Debbie Downer but I just don't see it happening now. I hope I'm wrong.

Purchase Joan Jett - 'I Love Rock 'N' Roll' Here and support BBG!