(Update Dec. 21): Metal Blade Records, Scorpions and the Rainbow Bar and Grill in West Hollywood have been added to the list of 2017 inductees.
Musicians and music industry executives will join together to be inducted into the annual Hall of Heavy Metal History induction ceremony on Jan. 18 at the Anaheim Expo Center, in Anaheim, Calif. Eddie Trunk will host the event. Proceeds from the event are being donated to the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund.
The 2017 Hall of Heavy Metal History inductees:
Ronnie James Dio: Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio (with Wendy Dio accepting the award)
Rudy Sarzo: Ozzy Osbourne and Whitesnake
Frankie Banali: Quiet Rio (along with a special 33rd anniversary induction of Quiet Riot, as the first band to achieve the #1 heavy metal album status)
Lemmy Kilmister: Motörhead (with special guest accepting the nomination)
Ross “The Boss” Friedman: Manowar
Vinny Appice: Black Sabbath and Dio
Don Airey: Deep Purple
Andy Zildjian: President/CEO of Sabian Cymbals
Randy Rhoads: Ozzy Osbourne (with Rhoads family members accepting)
Additional artists and music industry executives to be announced.
Related: Our interview with Rudy Sarzo
The Hall of Heavy Metal History, according to a press release announcing the new inductees, “is dedicated to preserving the legacy of those legendary metal musicians who are often forgotten,” says 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 nonprofit organization, we are also dedicated to working with Wendy Dio and the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund.
A press conference and general admission entrance will commence at 6:30 p.m. from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The induction ceremony will take place from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A VIP meet and greet with the celebrity inductees will take place after the induction ceremony. Live bands will perform throughout the night.
Related: Lemmy’s December 2015 death inspired eulogies from many colleagues
Tickets are $25.00 for general admission, and $75.00 for the meet and greet with the Celebrity Inductees. Tickets are available here.
Watch Randy Rhoads with Ozzy Osbourne in 1981
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