When it comes to hard rock and heavy metal, the Grammys have been a point of contention for fans since erroneously giving the “Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance” award to Jethro Tull over Metallica back in 1993. They have also curiously given awards for cover songs, and almost every year, key rock and/or metal musicians are omitted from the “In Memoriam” segment.
For the 2025 edition of the show, six notable figures from the rock and metal world weren’t recognized: original Iron Maiden singer Paul Di’Anno, Great White singer Jack Russell, former Whitesnake/Thin Lizzy guitarist John Sykes, Staind drummer Jon Wysocki, Amen singer Casey Chaos and Firehouse singer CJ Snare. SiriusXM DJ and rock ambassador Eddie Trunk has long ripped that Grammys for their cluelessness when it comes to the rock and metal worlds, and this year was no different.
“No John Sykes on #Grammys2025 in memoriam ?????” Trunk wrote. “Are you f*cking kidding me???????? They are a DISGRACE for rock music on EVERY level always! Sickening !!!!!”
He later added: “Remember when #GRAMMYs were actually an awards show that represented all kinds of music? You know , rock, classical , country , jazz , etc ? They would actually award & televise performances from all genres?! Not just the pop of the day? What a concept! More on radio tomorrow …”
Last year The Grammys left out late Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison, Cinderella guitarist Jeff LaBar and Megaforce Records founders Jon and Marsha Zazula.
As far as the rock/metal awards went: Gojira won The Grammy for “Best Metal Performance,” The Beatles took the award for “Best Rock Performance,” St. Vincent won for “Best Rock Song,” and The Rolling Stones won “Best Rock Album.”
