After many years of deserving heavy metal bands and artists getting snubbed by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame located in Cleveland, Ohio, USA, the hard rock/heavy metal industry will have its own rock and roll hall of fame as the first ever Hall of Heavy Metal History awards gala and induction ceremony will take place at the Anaheim Expo Center in Anaheim, California, USA on January 18, 2017.
PRESS RELEASE
Metal Blade Records (Celebrating their 35th Anniversary), Scorpions, and the Rainbow Bar and Grill have just joined the list of Metal Royalty who have been nominated for induction into the 2017 Hall of Heavy Metal History. The All-Star Induction Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, January 18, 2017, at the Anaheim Expo Center, Anaheim CA. Television and Radio Legend Eddie Trunk will host the event.
Performing at the ceremony will be Dio Disciples featuring Craig Goldy, Simon Wright, Scott Warren, Bjorn Englen, Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens, and Joe Retta. Ross “The Boss” (band), will also be performing, which features iconic guitarist Ross ‘The Boss’ Friedman, Rhino (Formerly of Manowar), vocalist Marc Lopes, and Mike LePond (Symphony X and Mike LePond’s Silent Assassins). Surprise artists will also take part in the event. Supporting bands include Budderside, and LA rockers Diamond Lane.
Proceeds from the event are being donated to the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund.
Sponsors include: Pepsi, TD Bank, Promark Drumsticks, D.A.D. Drum and Disability, Riola Design, Evans, and Modern Drummer Magazine.
The 2017 Hall of Heavy Metal History Inductees Include:
Ronnie James Dio, (Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio – with Wendy Dio accepting the induction)
Metal Blade Records (with Brian Slagel accepting the induction)
Scorpions (with Drummer Mikkey Dee accepting the induction)
Rainbow Bar and Grill (with Rainbow Bar and Grill owner Mikael Maglieri accepting the induction)
Lemmy Kilmister, (MotorHead – with Manager Todd Singerman accepting the induction)
Ross “The Boss” Friedman, (ex-Manowar)
Rudy Sarzo, (ex-Ozzy Osbourne and Whitesnake)
Frankie Banali, (Quiet Riot – along with a special 33rd Anniversary Induction of Quiet Riot, as the
first band to achieve the #1 Heavy Metal Album status).
Vinny Appice, (ex-Black Sabbath and Dio)
Don Airey (Deep Purple)
Andy Zildjian, (President/CEO of Sabian Cymbals)
Randy Rhoads, (Ozzy Osbourne – with the Rhoads family members accepting the Induction)
“The induction of Ronnie into the Annual Hall of Heavy Metal History is indeed an honor and I know Ronnie would have been very proud,” says Wendy Dio. “On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Ronnie James Dio Stand up and Shout Cancer Fund, we thank you for your support and donation. Every penny will go to cancer research and education, to hopefully one day find a cure for this horrible disease that takes the lives of so many of our loved ones.”
“We are totally honored to be inducted into such a great organization,” says Metal Blade Records founder Brian Slagel. “I am awestruck at the names that stand beside us, and so thankful for everyone who has helped us along the way. Huge thanks to all at the Hall of Heavy Metal History for this great honor.”
“Our family is so deeply honored to have Randy inducted into The Hall of Heavy Metal History,” says Kathy and Kelle Rhoads.“To think that after all these years since he has passed, he is STILL remembered and respected is totally awesome. His passion for music continues to inspire so many. It was always about the “Music” for him. He would be speechless about this award, and so would our Mom!!”
A press conference and General Admission entrance will commence at 6:30 PM. The Induction Ceremony will take place from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM. A VIP Meet and Greet with the celebrity Inductees will take place after the Induction Ceremony. Ross The Boss Band, Budderside, Diamond Lane, and surprise guests will perform throughout the night.
Music fans can be a part of the most important night in Heavy Metal!! Tickets are $25.00 for General Admission and $100.00 for combined General Admission and “VIP Meet And Greet” with the Celebrity Inductees. VIP ticket includes special VIP seating, pictures, and autographs with the Celebrity Inductees, gift bag with an official VIP Pass, an official Event poster, an official Event T-Shirt, an official Event Program, and additional sponsor items.
For tickets, please go to www.thehallofheavymetalhist ory.org/store
The Hall of Heavy Metal History was developed by a team of Iconic music industry executives to enshrines forever, those Legendary musicians, music industry executives, Radio DJ’s, journalists, and producers who are responsible for making Heavy Metal music what it is today.
Their contribution to the genre is invaluable, and they keep inspiring Heavy Metal fans throughout the world, from generation to generation. Some of the top executives in the music industry oversee the Hall of Heavy Metal History nominating process. Inductees must meet strict criteria and guidelines, which include the artist or band having at least 2.5 Million retail units/downloads sold worldwide. The other contributing factors are the inductee’s Integrity, Character, and their Contribution to the Heavy Metal community.
The Hall of Heavy Metal History is a Division of the non-profit organization D.A.D. (Drums and Disabilities). With over 45 Million + major media impressions, top Celebrities, Sports Stars, Law Enforcement Agencies, Major Corporations, Child Protective Agencies, United States Congressmen and Senators, Doctors, Teachers, the United States Department of State, along with Doctors, Parents, and School Systems, join D.A.D. to help bring therapy services and programs for special needs children and their families.
For more information, please contact publicity@thehallofhea vymetalhistory.org or 973-725- 5150.
