The new Hall of Heavy Metal History has announced the first inductees into their Hall of Fame.
The organization is a non-profit “dedicated to enshrining forever, those Legendary musicians, music industry executives, DJ’s, journalists, and Producers who are often overlooked, but 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.”
The first inductees are:
Ronnie James Dio of Rainbow, Black Sabbath and Dio. Wendy Dio will accept at the induction for her late husband.
Rudy Sarzo formerly of Ozzy Osbourne’s band and Whitesnake.
Frankie Banali of Quiet Riot, along with a special 33rd Anniversary Induction of Quiet Riot, as the first band to achieve the #1 Heavy Metal Album status.
Lemmy Kilmister of Motorhead with a special guest accepting for the late guitarist.
Ross “The Boss” Friedman, formerly of Manowar.
Vinny Appice, formerly of Black Sabbath and Dio.
Don Airey of Deep Purple.
Andy Zildjian, President/CEO of Sabian Cymbals.
Randy Rhoads of Ozzy Osbourne’s band and Quiet Riot with the Rhoads family members accepting for the late guitarist.
The induction will be held on Wednesday, January 18 at the Anaheim Expo Center in Anaheim, CA. Eddie Trunk will host with proceeds from the event going to the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund.
Hall of Heavy Metal History President/CEO Pat Gesualdo said “The Hall of Heavy Metal History is dedicated to preserving the legacy of those Legendary metal musicians who are often forgotten. 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.”
