The 2026 NAMM Show to Feature World-Renowned Lineup of Award-Winning Artists at Signature Events

I am very much looking forward to the 2026 NAMM Show arriving in Anaheim later this month. I hope to see many of you there! Check out the latest news as it relates to the music-focused event courtesy of the media release that arrived in my inbox today...Robert Kinsler

The 2026 NAMM Show to Feature World-Renowned Lineup of Award-Winning Artists at Signature Events 

 
Show Appearances Include The Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan, Green Day’s Mike Dirnt, Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith, Primus’ Les Claypool, Molly Tuttle and Many More 

 

CARLSBAD, CALIF., January 12, 2026 – NAMM (The National Association of Music Merchants), the largest global not-for-profit music trade organization, will celebrate 125 years by spotlighting an extraordinary roster of globally recognized artists to appear and perform throughout the NAMM campus at The 2026 NAMM Show, held January 20-24, 2026, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif. 

 

Molly Tuttle will perform at Global Media
Day (Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026).
Photo courtesy of the artist

It will kick off Wednesday, Jan. 21 with Global Media Day, an exclusive media/creator-only event showcasing the industry’s latest in innovative product from brands around the world. The event will open with a full-throttle rock performance by The Runarounds, a five-piece alt-rock band that’s the center of the Prime Video series, The Runarounds. Global Media Day will also feature critically acclaimed artist Margaret Glaspy and two-time GRAMMY® winner and Best New Artist nominee Molly Tuttle. 

 

On Thursday, Jan. 22, Billy Corgan, founding member and frontman of GRAMMY® Award-winning band The Smashing Pumpkins, will be honored with the 2025 TEC Innovation Award at the 41st Annual NAMM TEC Awards. Renowned for his visionary approach to guitar-driven sound, experimental production and expansive creative output as a solo artist, producer, author, entrepreneur and advocate, Corgan has influenced generations of musicians and audio professionals. The TEC Awards will be hosted by globally recognized drummer Queen Cora Coleman. 

 

The biggest night of bass returns with the 2026 Bass Magazine Awards at The Observatory in Santa Ana, California on January 22nd, 2026. This year’s award recipients are packed full of legends who will be performing including Mike Dirnt of Green Day, Les Claypool of Primus, Marcus Miller (Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock), Laura Lee of Khraungbin, and Blu DeTiger. Presenters include Robert Trujillo of Metallica, Justin Chancellor of Tool, Mark Hoppus of Blink-182, Derrick Hodge, Victor Wooten, and more to be revealed. Additional performances will include Stu Hamm, Vincen Garcia, Scott Mulvahill, and Pops Magellan. 

 

Bass Magazine is excited to announce the first surprise performance reveal in welcoming Primus to the stage for an action-packed set in our intimate venue. Stay tuned in the next week for the rest of the performance reveals that you won’t want to miss. Get your tickets now while they’re still available. www.bassmagazineawards.com  

 

On Friday, Jan. 23, the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage will once again light up with the Yamaha All-Star Concert on the Grand — a genre-spanning celebration of rising stars and critically acclaimed performers that has amazed and delighted the crowd for years. 

 

The current lineup for Friday features a dynamic mix of performers, with additional acts to be announced soon. It includes: 

 

• The War and Treaty, a critically acclaimed husband and wife duo and Grammy nominees known for their powerhouse vocals and genre-defying sound. 
• Alana Springsteen, a GOLD-certified, chart-topping artist-songwriter and one of Nashville’s breakout stars. 
• Sheléa, a vocal powerhouse, musician and songwriter and Quincy Jones protégé, celebrated for her soulful interpretations and global performances. 
• Ethan Bortnick, a piano prodigy turned viral alternative sensation who blends classical skill with Gen Z appeal. 

 

Also on Friday, the She Rocks Awards will present its annual awards event honoring Carnie Wilson. Wilson, an actress, talk show host, reality show personality and member of iconic pop trio Wilson Phillips, continues to impact popular music through her lifelong creative work, live performances, recording projects and advocacy. Singer-songwriter Margaret Glaspy will also be honored. The event supports the Women’s International Music Network’s mission to connect, amplify and celebrate women across all facets of the music industry. 

 

On Saturday, Jan. 24, NAMM kicks off its final day with a blowout celebration at the annual Grand Rally for Music Education. This NAMM U Breakfast Session event unites educators, students, advocates and industry leaders for the organization’s flagship celebration of the power and importance of music education. Joining NAMM President and CEO John Mlynczak will be Chad Smith, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame drummer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and longtime advocate for music education, and Victor Wooten, the five-time GRAMMY® Award-winning bassist, educator and author, whose work has inspired generations of players and students. The Grand Rally reaffirms NAMM’s and The NAMM Foundation’s commitment to expanding access to music education and supporting the next generation of creators. 

 

For more information about The 2026 NAMM Show, event schedules and registration, please visit www.namm.org. 

Top artists rally support for Ukraine with “Zelensky: The Man With the Iron Balls”

An important media release with news on a number of artists who have joined forces to support the Ukraine...Robert Kinsler

Top Artists Rally Support For Ukraine With
“Zelensky: The Man With the Iron Balls”
 
Written by Les Claypool of Primus and Eugene Hütz of Gogol Bordello, the track also features Stewart Copeland, Sean Lennon, Billy Strings, and Sergey Ryabtsev
 
Listen to “Zelensky: The Man With the Iron Balls” via Rolling Stone
 
Stream the track on all platforms HERE

On the night of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Les Claypool of Primus and Eugene Hütz of Gogol Bordello began collaborating on a joint release to rally support for the Ukrainian people. Released today via Rolling Stone and irreverently titled “Zelensky: The Man With the Iron Balls,” the track also features Stewart Copeland, Sean Lennon, Billy Strings, and Sergey Ryabtsev. Proceeds from the sale of the single will be donated to Nova Ukraine, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine.   “As soon as Russian aggression broke out, Les and I connected to address the catastrophe ASAP,” recalls Hütz, a Ukrainian native. “We jumped on creating affirmative music that calls for unity and pays respect to the real doers in Ukrainian defense - such as President Zelensky, who demonstrated previously unheard-of stamina and heroism.”   “The night of the invasion, I was dining with close friends of mine from Poland who were hosting their family visiting the US from their town, which is 50 kilometers from the Ukraine border,” Claypool adds. “Needless to say, they were stressed and concerned about what was happening in their homeland. After a few vodka shots of solidarity, I started texting with my buddy Eugene from Gogol Bordello to get his perspective and insight. In that vodka-laced dialogue, we started mutually praising Zelensky for his surprisingly epic display of courage. ‘Zelensky has balls of steel!’ we agreed. It was then that we decided that some freaky, ‘East meets West’ art needed to be thrown that way.”   “After a couple weeks of file trading with Sean Lennon, Stewart Copeland, Eugene Hütz, and Sergey Ryabtsev, a visit to my studio by my buddy Billy Strings, as well as some enthusiastic rhythmic claps from local supporters of Ukraine, we now have a recording to help rally support for a bullied country and a David vs. Goliath-type man who stood up for their liberty, freedom and homeland.”   Hütz points out: “The reoccurring chant in the song, ‘Revolution of Dignity,’ honors the 2014 Maidan Revolution, which resulted in the removal of Ukraine’s pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych and lead to Russia’s military intervention against the people of Ukraine, the annexation of Crimea and the start of the Donbas War - part of the broader Russo-Ukrainian War. It is our way to show that heavyweights like Les, Stewart, Billy and Sean stand with people of Ukraine and the country’s sovereignty from the very start of Russian-led terror.”   “This is not intended to be a song of condemnation,” Claypool says. “This is a song of unity and anti-bully mentality, giving praise to a man who stepped up for his people beyond anything I've seen in my tenure on this planet. This unlikely fellow has grabbed the reins of leadership and held fast in such a way that the world is now galvanized in support. His legendary quote ‘We need ammunition, not a ride’ – Patrick Henry couldn't have said it better himself. Zelensky is truly ‘The Man With the Iron Balls.’”

“Zelensky: The Man With the Iron Balls”

To further raise donations for Nova Ukraine, the team behind “Zelensky: The Man With The Iron Balls” has partnered with Fandiem, a digital fundraising platform that inspires the music community to give back. Starting this Friday, 4/22, fans who donate at www.fandiem.com/ironballs will be automatically entered to win an all-expense-paid trip to attend the South Park 25th Anniversary Concert at the iconic Red Rock Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO on August 10, featuring Primus and Ween. One winner and guest will receive travel and hotel, two VIP tickets to the show, upgraded seats, and a special prize from the artists.   The creative team is also inviting listeners to show their support for the people of Ukraine by submitting clips of themselves, their friends, colleagues, children, pets, or anyone else they deem appropriate clapping along to the song. Video clips can be sent to ironballs@primusville.com and additional details can be found in the video notes here.   “Zelensky: The Man With the Iron Balls” Les Claypool - bass and vocals Stewart Copeland - percussion Eugene Hütz - vocals Sean Lennon - guitar and vocals Sergey Ryabtsev - violin Billy Strings - guitar