Ronnie James Dio, Lemmy Kilmister, Randy Rhoads Among 2017 Hall of Heavy Metal History Inductees
Over the years, metal fans have loudly voiced their opinions with disgust that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame routinely fails to recognize the accomplishments and significance of heavy metal. Filling this void is the Hall of Heavy Metal History, a non-profit organization aiming to honor metal's most revered figures from the stage to the office and more and the 2017 inductees have been revealed.
Thus far, nine figures will be enshrined in the Hall of Heavy Metal History. The inductees are as follows: Ronnie James Dio (Wendy Dio accepted the induction), Rudy Sarzo (bass, Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake), Frankie Benali (drums, Quiet Riot), Lemmy Kilmister (bass / vocals, Motorhead, special guest accepting induction), Ross 'The Boss' Friedman (guitars, Manowar), Vinny Appice (drums, Black Sabbath, Dio), Don Airey (keyboards, Deep Purple), Andy Zildjian (President/CEO of Sabian Cymbals) and Randy Rhoads (guitar, Ozzy Osbourne, Rhoads family accepting induction).
There will also be a 33rd anniversary induction of Quiet Riot's Metal Health album, the first metal record to ascend to No. 1 on the Billboard 200. More artists and music industry executives are expected to be announced.
The enshrinement will take place on Jan. 18 at the Anaheim Expo Center in Anaheim, Calif. and legendary DJ Eddie Trunk will host the event. A press conference will be held between 8-9PM and the ceremony will unfold over the following hour with bands playing throughout the night. Following the ceremony, fans can take part in a VIP meet and greet with inductees.
"The Hall of Heavy Metal History is dedicated to preserving the legacy of those legendary metal musicians who are often forgotten," commented Hall of Heavy Metal History President / CEO Pat Gesualdo. "This event is something the fans have been wanting for a long, long, time. As a non-profit organization, we are also dedicated to working with Wendy Dio and the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund."
Tickets can be purchased from the Hall of Heavy Metal History website with three options to choose from and proceeds will be donated to the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund.
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