The Metal Hall of Fame has announced a star-studded class of 2026 inductees, revealing plans to transform the legendary Sunset Strip into a celebration of 80s hard rock heritage. On January 21, 2026, the non-profit organization will honor some of the era’s most influential figures with a two-part event split between two historic venues.
Leading the 2026 class are guitar virtuosos Warren DeMartini of Ratt and Tracii Guns of L.A. Guns, alongside former W.A.S.P. guitarist Chris Holmes. Holmes will be inducted by fellow musician Carlos Cavazo. The ceremony will also recognize the rhythm section of glam metal titans Poison with the induction of drummer Rikki Rockett, as well as the face of 90s metal television, Riki Rachtman, host of MTV’s “Headbangers Ball.”
The evening will be hosted by radio personality Eddie Trunk and entertainment figure Cathy Rankin.
Pat Gesualdo, the founder and CEO of the Metal Hall of Fame, issued the following statement regarding the event’s theme:
“We invite all the fans to join us in celebrating the ’80s. 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.”
The night is structured to pay homage to the geography of the Hollywood metal scene:
- 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.: A Celebrity Red Carpet event will take place at the Rainbow Bar & Grill, the favored watering hole of rock stars for decades.
- 8:00 p.m.: The official induction ceremony and All-Star Jam will commence at the Roxy Theater.
The event will feature activations from sponsors including Monster Energy AMA Supercross, Ghost Tequila, Koffin Krew Apparel, and Blacktooth whiskey, the brand associated with the late “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott.
The Metal Hall of Fame operates as a non-profit organization dedicated to enshrining the legacy of hard rock and heavy metal. Its initiatives are overseen by a board of entertainment veterans including Gesualdo, Wendy Dio (founder of the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up And Shout Cancer Fund), former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson, The Metal Voice‘s Jimmy Kay, Munsey Ricci of Skateboard Marketing, George Johnsen of Mammoth Vision Studio, and Cleopatra Records founder Brian Perera.
In previous years, the gala has facilitated historic moments within the genre. Past highlights include Metallica inducting Megaforce Records founders Jon and Marsha Zazula, Paul Stanley honoring Kiss manager Doc McGhee, and Brian May of Queen inducting Joe Satriani. The organization also famously facilitated Lee Kerslake‘s dying wish to receive platinum records for his work on Ozzy Osbourne‘s Blizzard Of Ozz and Diary of A Madman albums.
Fans can currently vote for future inductees at the official Metal Hall of Fame website.
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