Jimmy Kay from Canada's The Metal Voice recently spoke to CEO/Founder of 'The Hall of Heavy Metal History' Pat Gesualdo. This Annual Celebrity Ceremony and Benefit Concert will be held at the Anaheim Expo Center on Wednesday, January 18, 2017, in Anaheim CA. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the "Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund." Event will be hosted by Eddie Trunk, which include performances by the Dio Disciples (Tim Ripper Owens) and many more
When asked on how the idea for a Hall of Heavy Metal history came about
"It is something I developed because I saw the way that certain musicians were not being treated well from some of the major award shows. So I thought I need to do something about this and so I started the Hall for Heavy Metal History. I came up with the this idea to help honour those musicians are often over looked and ignored but are the pioneers of heavy metal."
When asked how artists are inducted
"There is a whole team of people who vote. What we are going to start next year, is that we are going to open everything up to the general public, around the world, it has to be about the fans and I want their input 100%. Cause this is all about the fans and its all about the musicians"
What are the criteria in being inducted
"Album sales are important, what the artists have done in the industry and what have they been able to do as musicians. You will see that common thread between everybody inducted.
When asked why Rudy Sarzo was inducted
"Well Rudy is one of those musicians who has kept that torch burning bright, he is out there working his butt off and he has been such an iconic figure, through Ozzy, Quiet Riot, Whitesnake and all the other projects he has been involved with, so that's definitely the criteria to look for in nominating somebody and he has sold 2.5 million albums. Also he has given back to society. Rudy Sarzo with his involvement in animals is phenomenal
When Asked why Don Airey was inducted
Don has played on over 300 albums isn't that amazing and I guess all I really have to say is Mr Crowely. It's so nice to see Don Airey being able to fill the roll in Deep Purple. Don Airy is another one playing sometime like 250 live dates a year, that's just insane
The 2017 Hall Of Heavy Metal History inductees Include:
* Ronnie James Dio (Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio) (with Wendy Dio accepting the induction) * Rudy Sarzo (formerly of Ozzy Osbourne and Whitesnake) * Frankie Banali (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 (Motörhead) (with special guest accepting the nomination) * Ross "The Boss" Friedman (ex-Manowar) * Vinny Appice (formerly of Black Sabbath and Dio) * Don Airey (Deep Purple) * Andy Zildjian (President/CEO of Sabian Cymbals) * Randy Rhoads (Ozzy Osbourne) (with the Rhoads family members accepting the induction)
-Scorpions
-Rainbow Bar and Grill
The Hall of Heavy Metal History is a Division of the non-profit organization D.A.D. (Drums and Disabilities). With over 45 Million + major media impressions, top Celebrities, Sports Stars, Law Enforcement Agencies, Major Corporations, Child Protective Agencies, United States Congressmen and Senators, Doctors, Teachers, the United States Department of State, along with Doctors, Parents, and School Systems, join D.A.D. to help bring therapy services and programs for special needs children and their families.
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