Former name | Metal Hall of History (2017-2019) |
|---|---|
| Established | 2017 |
| Type | Honorary |
| Director | Pat Gesualdo [1] |
| Website | Official Website |
The Metal Hall of Fame was established in 2017, to honor and preserve the legacy of iconic musicians and industry figures who have shaped hard rock and heavy metal music. It also serves as a non-profit organization with proceeds from the event supporting free music programs for children with special needs. [2]
Since its inception in 2017 the honorary induction gala has been held during the month of January in Anaheim, California.
The event was founded by Pat Gesualdo (who is a studio/touring drummer) in 2017 and was originally named the Metal Hall of History before it was renamed to the Metal Hall of Fame in 2019. Gesualdo claimed he started the event out of love for Hard Rock and Heavy Metal music. [3] The committee consists of music executives, artists, and innovators. In 2025 Wendy Dio and David Ellefson joined the committee. [4]
In a 2024 interview Gesualdo commented on the selection process stating “The process of being Inducted into the Metal Hall of Fame starts directly with the fans. It's all about them. “Fans from all over the world vote on their favorite artists at the Metal Hall of Fame website, who can vote all year long.” “The votes are then compiled by the Metal Hall of Fame Nominating Committee, and nominees are then voted on by the board, and then Inducted.” [3]
It is not a Hall of Fame in the traditional sense as there is no building dedicated to the honoraries, it serves more as a mixture of Hall of Fame and an award show. However in 2024 Gesualdo claimed that the committee were working on making the Hall of Fame a physical location. [3]
The inaugural Metal Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place on January 18, 2017, in Anaheim, California and was hosted by Television/Radio personality Eddie Trunk. [5] [6]
Individual inductees
Band inductees
Special inductees
Individual inductees [7]
Band inductees
The 2019 Gala took place on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at the Marriott Delta Garden Grove, in Anaheim, and was once again hosted by Eddie Trunk. [8]
Individual inductees
Band inductees
The 4th annual Metal Hall of Fame ceremony and gala took place on January 15th, 2020 in Anaheim, California. Steve Vai inducted the event. [9] [10]
Individual inductees
Band inductees
The 5th annual ceremony was held virtually due to the Covid 19 pandemic. [11]
Individual inductees
Band inductees
Individual inductees [12]
Band inductees
The 7th Annual Metal Hall of Fame gala took place on January, 26 2023 at the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, Calif. Eddie Trunk co-hosted the ceremony with alongside Cathy Rankin. [13] [14]
Individual inductees
Band inductees
The 8th annual Metal Hall of Fame ceremony took place on January 24, 2024 at Garden Grove, Anaheim, CA. Guest performers included Joel Hoekstra, Whitesnake and Night Ranger. [15] [16]
Individual inductees
Band inductees
Special inductees
The 9th annual Metal Hall of Fame gala took place on January 22, 2025, at the Grand Theater in Anaheim, California, it featured performances from Kill Devil Hill and Jeff Young who was also an inductee, it was once again hosted by Eddie Trunk. [17] [18] [19]
Individual inductees
Band inductees