The Annual gathering of musicians at the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) show has a knack for stirring up a who’s who of rock stars unlike any other event. This year’s gathering was no exception as the likes of Def Leppard, Styx, KISS, Slipknot, Dream Theater, and Whitesnake were represented at various booths over the four-day trade show.
Ted Nugent was on scene to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of PRS Guitars with Carlos Santana (video), Jack Blades dropped by to jam with his Night Ranger bandmates, and when Tommy Shaw arrived it was only natural that a low-key Damn Yankees reunion was to take place. The trio jammed out acoustic renditions of “High Enough” and “Coming of Age” at the Taylor Guitars Booth to an enthusiastic crowd.
A full-scale tour as Damn Yankees may not be the first thing on its members’ minds, however. Nugent has planned a return to touring this year, while Night Ranger and Styx are both booking tour dates well into the summer. An tour-less album seems like more of a possibility as combined Styx/Night Ranger tours allow for collaboration between Shaw and Blades.
For all practical purposes, rumors of such a reunion have been circulating ever since the band broke up in the early ’90s. In an interview last fall, Jack Blades expressed his sincere interest in giving the group another jump start.
“It’s a shame that we don’t do Damn Yankees, because that’s a great band.” Blades said. “I think it’s a crime that Damn Yankees aren’t doing something. [Drummer] Michael and I are totally into it, and it would be nice if everybody was on the same page, but everybody is so busy all the time doing different things.”
Watch fan-filmed coverage of the reunion at this link.
Matt:
Have you received an update regarding David Coverdale’s voice.
Thanks,
Phillip
No recent updates, but from the last I’ve heard he was expected to make a full recovery. Let’s hope that’s the case!