The Painman’s Heavy Metal Hall of Fame
Once again, the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame announced new inductees and it didn't include some of our favorites. While I'm ecstatic about The Cars getting the nod, I'm still perplexed as to how some of the greatest pioneers of metal haven't been inducted.
So, instead of complaining about an organization that could care less about my opinion, I have decided to create my own Hall of Fame - The Painman's Heavy Metal Hall of Fame.
The beauty of this is that it's reflective, 100%, of my favorite heavy metal artists.
Instead of waiting an entire year to recognize these legends, I'll update 'induct' a new class of 3 each month. So keep checking back for the latest additions.
Ronnie James Dio
December 2017Robert Cianflone/Getty ImagesRobert Cianflone/Getty Images Ronnie James Dio is a legend. There's no arguing the footprint he's left on the universe of heavy metal. Fronting such bands as Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio, and Heaven and Hell - Dio had one of the most powerful voices ever.
Regardless of what Gene Simmons says, Dio also popularized the "devil horns" hand gesture.
Rest in Peace, RJD - thanks for the amazing music!
Black Sabbath
December 2017MJ Kim/Getty ImagesMJ Kim/Getty Images What can I say about Sabbath that hasn't already been said many times over? They're the pioneers of heavy metal!
While the lineup of Black Sabbath changed over the years, they started with Ozzy, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward. To me, that's Black Sabbath.
Judas Priest
December 2017Ethan Miller/Getty ImagesEthan Miller/Getty Images Judas Priest were formed, a year later, in the same city as Black Sabbath - Birmingham, England.
While Sabbath may be the pioneers of metal, Priest is considered, by many, the architects of rock/metal.
From the leather and spikes to the operatic vocals of Rob Halford and the shredding guitars, Judas Priest epitomizes the image of metal.
When your frontman is named the Metal God, then you deserve a spot in this Heavy Metal Hall of Fame.
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