The Metal Hall of Fame has announced its 2026 induction class, which will be celebrated with a special event on January 21 in Los Angeles, featuring a Sunset Strip celebration.
Established with its inaugural ceremony in 2017, the Metal Hall of Fame has recognized numerous influential artists from the hard rock and metal genres. This year’s induction will honor five new members who significantly contributed to the rock and metal scenes of the 1980s.
2026 Induction Class Announced
This year’s honorees include Chris Holmes, the former guitarist for W.A.S.P. Notably, Carlos Cavazo, a previous inductee, will perform the induction ceremony for Holmes.
Additionally, Tracii Guns, founder and frontman of L.A. Guns, will also be inducted, alongside longtime Ratt guitarist Warren DeMartini and Poison drummer Rikki Rockett. The final inductee is Riki Rachtman, who is known for hosting MTV’s Headbangers Ball and for owning the iconic Sunset Strip venue, The Cathouse.
The evening will feature not only the induction ceremonies but also an all-star jam session as part of the celebrations.
“We invite all the fans to join us in celebrating the ’80s,” stated Pat Gesualdo, founder and CEO of the Metal Hall of Fame. “Get ready to unleash your inner metal spirit, and dress in leather, studs, big hair, and all the metal you can handle. Two iconic venues, one legendary night.”
Event Location
The Metal Hall of Fame ceremony will commence with a celebrity red carpet at the renowned Rainbow Bar and Grill on the Sunset Strip, followed by the main event at the Roxy Theater next door, which will include the induction ceremony and all-star jam.
Hosts for the event will include SiriusXM’s Eddie Trunk and entertainment personality Cathy Rankin.
Tickets for the ceremony are available for purchase through the Metal Hall of Fame’s official website.
Previous Inductees
Over its nearly ten years of honoring metal music, the Metal Hall of Fame has inducted legendary figures such as Judas Priest, Lemmy Kilmister, Ronnie James Dio, Anthrax, and Twisted Sister. It has also recognized renowned musicians including Randy Rhoads, Steve Vai, Mike Portnoy, Tom Morello, Joe Satriani, Billy Sheehan, Mick Mars, Marty Friedman, Bill Ward, Jordan Rudess, and David Ellefson.
In addition to these icons, the Hall has acknowledged bands such as Exodus, Anvil, Testament, Helloween, Metal Church, Armored Saint, Biohazard, Saxon, and Stryper, as well as celebrated vocalists like Geoff Tate, Stephen Pearcy, Don Dokken, Lita Ford, and Sebastian Bach.
While the executive board oversees the induction process, fans are encouraged to participate by voting for artists they believe should be inducted via the Metal Hall of Fame’s website.
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Gallery Credit: Chad Childers, Loudwire
