Marty Friedman

1/24/2025 - The Observatory - Santa Ana, California.

📸 by @deadeye.charlie

Marty Friedman Returns From The Land of the Rising Sun

Yes, you read that right! Marty Friedman, “Platinum selling recording artist, iconic guitarist & Official Ambassador of Japan Heritage,” has made his way back to the USA! Announced last month a few days before Christmas, Friedman shared the “Live Drama 2025” tour dates to coincide with his 2024 release of Drama. Even though Santa Ana wasn't originally there, it was soon added in celebration of Anaheim’s annual NAMM event! If you aren't familiar with NAMM, think of it as a San Diego Comic-Con for the music industry. Everysingle & anything music related is there!

Since Friedman was already in the area for the convention, the evening of January 24th entailed a magnificent performance at The Observatory Santa Ana. The space was absolutely packed by the time he went on. As the guitar aficionado took the stage, the small venue got really loud! He walked straight to the mic to give us a word but it wasn't a good one in a way. He first thanked all of us for attending to follow up with the rest of the band not being able to partake in the evening. Friedman told us that even though his bandmates had all of the proper documentation to enter the US, they were still not permitted to do so. The space went wild with boo’s, F this, F that & F you know who…

Although unfortunate news, Friedman still gave a show with backing tracks. So maybe it felt like a guitar clinic in a way? But who cares, it's Marty Friedman!

So he gave the cue & the tape went off. Friedman opened with Amagi Goe, to Whiteworm, to then finish the intro with Tearful Confession. My favorite of this segment being Tearful with the lick at the start, the chugging & very interesting inclusion of the keys around the minute mark. Friedman soon continued with Illumination, Devil Take Tomorrow, Undertow & For a Friend as the finish.

Each piece is just so dramatic, compelling, moving, energetic & heartfelt. I could only imagine the impact it would have left if the rest of the gang was there. Friedman said himself that it's not just about him, his bandmates are part of the experience as well. Either way, hearing & seeing him interact like that with the guitar was absolutely phenomenal. I would have never imagined the opportunity to witness his work in person since he now resides in Japan, but I am truly honored & grateful to have done so! Thank Mayzan for the opportunity & looking forward to more Marty Friedman in the future!