The Metal Hall of Fame has announced the lineup for its 2026 inductees, who will be honored during a special Sunset Strip event in Los Angeles on Jan. 21.
Since its first ceremony in 2017, the Hall has focused on recognizing influential figures in hard rock and heavy metal. The 2026 class features five new honorees, all of whom helped shape the rock and metal landscape of the 1980s.
This year’s inductees include former W.A.S.P. guitarist Chris Holmes, who will be formally inducted by previous Metal Hall of Fame member Carlos Cavazo. Also being honored are Tracii Guns, founder and frontman of L.A. Guns, longtime Ratt guitarist Warren DeMartini, and Poison drummer Rikki Rockett. Completing the class is Riki Rachtman, known for hosting MTV’s Headbangers Ball and for owning the famed ’80s Sunset Strip club The Cathouse.
The evening will feature not only the induction presentations but also an all-star jam performance as part of the celebration.
Metal Hall of Fame founder and CEO Pat Gesualdo has encouraged fans to treat the night as a full-on ’80s metal party, urging them to show up in their best era-appropriate gear — think leather, studs, big hair, and plenty of metal attitude — while pointing out that the event will unite two legendary venues into one memorable experience.
Festivities kick off with a celebrity red carpet at the iconic Rainbow Bar and Grill on the Sunset Strip, then move next door to the Roxy Theater for the main ceremony and all-star jam. Eddie Trunk of SiriusXM and entertainment personality Cathy Rankin are set to co-host the event. Tickets are available here.
Over nearly a decade, the Metal Hall of Fame has enshrined major names such as Judas Priest, Lemmy Kilmister, Ronnie James Dio, Anthrax, and Twisted Sister, along with standout 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.
The organization has also honored bands like Exodus, Anvil, Testament, Helloween, Metal Church, Armored Saint, Biohazard, Saxon, and Stryper, as well as notable vocalists such as Geoff Tate, Stephen Pearcy, Don Dokken, Lita Ford, and Sebastian Bach.
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