The Metal Hall of Fame

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Metal Hall of Fame
Former name
Metal Hall of History (2017-2019)
Established2017
TypeHonorary
DirectorPat Gesualdo[1]
WebsiteOfficial 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 January in Anaheim, California.

Background

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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]

In 2023, the Hall of Fame began the "Metal Across America" Tour, featuring pop up exhibits featuring memorabilia from bands like Iron Maiden and KISS.[5]

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]

2010s inductees

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2017

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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.[6][7]

Individual inductees

Band inductees

Special inductees

2018

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Individual inductees[8]

Band inductees

2019

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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.[9]

Individual inductees

Band inductees

2020s inductees

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2020

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The 4th annual Metal Hall of Fame ceremony and gala took place on January 15, 2020, in Anaheim, California. Steve Vai inducted the event.[10][11]

Individual inductees

Band inductees

2021

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The 5th annual ceremony was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[12]

Individual inductees

Band inductees

2022

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Individual inductees[13]

Band inductees

2023

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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.[14][15]

Individual inductees

Band inductees

2024

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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.[16][17]

Individual inductees

Band inductees

Special inductees

2025

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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.[18][19][20]

Individual inductees

Band inductees

References

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  1. ^ https://metalhalloffame.org/wendy-dio-david-ellefson-metal-hall-of-fame/
  2. ^ "Metal Hall of Fame – Pat Gesualdo". patgesualdo.net. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  3. ^ a b c "NEED406 Interview With Pat Gesualdo of The Metal Hall Of Fame". need406.com. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  4. ^ "Wendy Dio and David Ellefson Join Metal Hall of Fame Board | The Metal Hall of Fame". Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  5. ^ "METAL HALL OF FAME Launches "Metal Across America" Tour, Feat. Exhibits from Iron Maiden, Dio, Kiss + Others". Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ). 2023-09-11. Retrieved 2025-11-03.
  6. ^ hmhadmin (2017-02-08). "2017 HALL OF HEAVY METAL HISTORY AWARDS CEREMONY OVERVIEW". Heavy Metal Hill. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  7. ^ "Dio, Lemmy, Randy Rhoads Among 2017 Hall of Metal Inductees". Loudwire. 2016-12-06. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  8. ^ Gordon, Lucas (2018-02-05). "Hall of Heavy Metal History Awards 2018 | Rock Angels Web & Radio". The Rock Angels Radio Show - Hard Rock & Metal Radio (in Spanish). Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  9. ^ Drummer, Modern (2018-11-30). "2019 Hall of Heavy Metal History Inductees Announced". Modern Drummer Magazine. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  10. ^ Bolding, Hunter (2020-01-13). "Metal Hall of Fame 2020 Inductees". That Hashtag Show. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  11. ^ "Former Megadeth Guitarist Chris Poland will be inducted to the Metal Hall of Fame". Guitar.com | All Things Guitar. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  12. ^ Bolding, Hunter (2021-04-28). "Metal Hall Of Fame Inducting Paul Di'Anno, Blaze Bayley, And Derek Riggs". That Hashtag Show. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  13. ^ "Celebrate the 2024 Metal Hall of Fame Inductees: Honor Icons". metalhalloffame.org. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  14. ^ "Metal Hall of Fame Unveils All 2023 Inductees - Sebastian Bach + More". Loudwire. 2022-12-12. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  15. ^ WillG (2023-01-29). "Full Coverage of the 2023 Metal Hall Of Fame!". WillToRock. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  16. ^ Zukowski, Zenae (2023-12-22). "2024 Metal Hall of Fame Inductees Announced | Metal Insider". Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  17. ^ by, Written (2024-02-02). "CALIFORNIA ROCK NEWS7th Annual Metal Hall of Fame Gala 2024". CALIFORNIA ROCK NEWS. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  18. ^ "Metal Hall of Fame 2025 Gala: Celebrate Legendary Inductees". Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  19. ^ "CANNIBAL CORPSE and LIFE OF AGONY to join list of 2025 inductees for The Metal Hall Of Fame". lambgoat.com. Retrieved 2025-10-14.
  20. ^ Loomis, Chris (2025-01-28). "Photos/Review: Metal Hall of Fame 2025 ROCKS Anaheim". Retrieved 2025-10-14.