Full Breakdown
GRAMMYs Criticized for Omitting Brent Hinds in In Memoriam Segment
2/3/2026, 3:31:16 AM
Overview of the Controversy
The 2026 GRAMMY Awards faced backlash for not including Brent Hinds, the late guitarist and vocalist of the metal band Mastodon, in their In Memoriam segment. Hinds passed away on August 20, 2025, at the age of 51 due to a motorcycle accident, which has left many in the metal community feeling that his contributions were overlooked during the ceremony held on February 1, 2026.
Key Figures Involved
Alice In Chains bassist Mike Inez was one of the most vocal critics of the GRAMMYs' decision to omit Hinds from the tribute. He expressed his disappointment on Instagram, stating, “BIG party foul Grammys for forgetting the MIGHTY Brent Hinds in the In Memoriam. #mastodon.” Hinds' former bandmate, Brann Dailor, also reacted to Inez's post with four fire emojis, while Exodus/Slayer guitarist Gary Holt described the omission as "LAME." Additionally, Pearl Aday, daughter of the late rock legend Meatloaf, highlighted a similar oversight regarding her father during a previous ceremony.
The In Memoriam Segment
During the In Memoriam segment, the GRAMMYs honored several notable figures, including Ozzy Osbourne, who received a star-studded tribute featuring artists like Post Malone and Slash. However, the absence of Hinds, who was a significant figure in the metal genre and part of a band that received six GRAMMY nominations, including a win for Best Metal Performance in 2022, was particularly striking. While Hinds is listed in The Recording Academy's online memorial database, the profile image used has drawn criticism for being inappropriate.
Criticism of the GRAMMYs
The omission of Hinds is not an isolated incident; it adds to a long history of snubs experienced by metal and hard rock artists during the GRAMMYs' In Memoriam segments. Past omissions have included notable figures such as Vinnie Paul (Pantera), Jeff Hanneman (Slayer), and Joey Jordison (ex-Slipknot). Critics argue that the focus on living performers during the tribute detracts from honoring those who have passed away.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While some reports suggest that Hinds may have been acknowledged during the broadcast, possibly during camera cuts to performers, it remains unclear if he was officially recognized in any capacity. The lack of a visual tribute during the segment has left many fans and fellow musicians feeling that the GRAMMYs failed to honor a pivotal figure in the metal community adequately.
Verbatim Quotes
- “BIG party foul Grammys for forgetting the MIGHTY Brent Hinds in the In Memoriam. #mastodon” — Mike Inez, Bassist, Alice In Chains
- “LAME.” — Gary Holt, Guitarist, Exodus/Slayer
- “They also failed to acknowledge my father the year he passed.” — Pearl Aday, Daughter of Meatloaf
The controversy surrounding Brent Hinds' omission from the GRAMMYs In Memoriam segment highlights ongoing tensions between the metal community and mainstream music recognition, raising questions about how the industry honors its legends.
