It has become a tradition to talk about the Grammy Awards. But not the reason they’d hope. Another year brings another list of award winners that leave music fans across the industry and the world scratching their heads. But it seems as though we will now see that a leading cause of premature baldness maybe that very award. What I’m referring to, is the Recording Academy appears to be completely detached from not only what is going on in the music industry but every single genre that doesn’t fall within their select few that seems to take home all the gold statues. In the last several decades, and arguably beyond, “The Academy” has proven they have no idea what or who is actually succeeding, thriving, and defining genres such as Rock and its subgenres of Metal, Alternative, and others. This year is no different. In fact, it’s a shining example of what is wrong in the music industry as a whole.
As mentioned, Rock has become used to the near-complete ignorance of what’s actually happening in the charts, sales records, tour and box office sales, and just about every other measurement that a rational person would use to calculate anything that could symbolize what’s going on in a genre. You would think these litmus tests would factor into what would result in recognition of achievements in the form of what has become seen, by many, as the industry’s highest honors in Grammy Awards. That title next to an artist’s list of accolades and title tends to associate instant credibility. But the sad truth is, none of those carry any weight in who is nominated, nor selected as the winner. We’ve seen this in countless decisions. Some of these most famous absurd decisions include: Metallica losing to Jethro Tull in 1989 and 2020’s Tool’s “Fear Inoculum”, while nominated, lost to Arianne Grande and Billie Eilish even though Tool remained not only Billboard’s top charts but others as well and outsold both artists. This isn’t anything new to fans of the genre. We’re used to it. However, the salt on the wound is not that Rock and Metal in the Grammy’s is a long-running joke, seeing a few nom’s go to many who rightfully belong in the consideration, only to be applauded on camera as Pop and Hip Hop stars are recognized for simply releasing an album that year. But, instead of that they also refuse to honor legends that completely revolutionalized not only the genre but the industry in general.
We’ve seen this, year after year. Even when they do allow these artists to be recognized, as the previously mentioned Metallica performing one of the most critically acclaimed performances in the Award shows history only to be snubbed for a flute playing “Metal Madman?”. But a few years ago in 2014, they booked one of the most coveted slots on the show’s live performance schedule to feature a team-up of Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor, Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl, Queen’s of the Stone Age, and Fleetwood Mac’s Lindsey Buckingham to be the show’s final performance. This slot is usually looked like the headliner. However when this team-up of some of rock’s most influential artists was set to play, and even introduced by LL Cool Jay as “This is how we rock”, the Grammys and CBS cut, almost immediately to credits and didn’t air even half of the performance. Leaving most to see it as an exclamation point to the belief that the Recording Academy just doesn’t care about rock. And in fact, it’s more of a style that Hip Hop and Rap stars wear as an accessory and title rather than acknowledge what rock and roll actually is. Trent echoed this that year in a curse word response after he learned his performance was mostly not even aired when he tweeted later that night: “Music’s biggest night… to be disrespected. A heartfelt F– YOU guys,”.
With all these examples which are only a few drops in the bucket, the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards which aired March 14th, 2021 was no different. But this time, they continued their total disregard for Rock and Heavy Metal by snubbing one of music’s BIGGEST influences and identifiable legends, Eddie Van Halen. We’re used to them not giving our artists their fair recognition. When Micheal Jackson died, it was a huge thing. When Prince died, again, it was acknowledged. But when Chester Bennington or Chris Cornell passed. They give them awards posthumously. It’s their kids or bandmates that accept the award and pay tribute in addition to them in the acceptance speech. This year, was different. Van Halen hadn’t put out an album in years. Eddie didn’t get a lifetime award, a trailblazer award, or any mention beyond a few seconds of a spotlight on a prop EVH themed guitar. His son, Wolfgang, was asked to play. He declined out of respect for his father. And that slot was instead filled with the short acknowledgment.
Wolfgang Van Halen took to social media afterwards to share his feelings after seeing their “tribute”
Wolf Van Halen:
“The GRAMMYS asked me to play Eruption for the ‘In Memoriam’ section and I declined. I don’t think anyone could have lived up to what my father did for music but himself.It was my understanding that there would be an ‘In Memoriam’ section where bits of songs were performed for legendary artists that had passed. I didn’t realize that they would only show Pop for 15 seconds in the middle of 4 full performances for others we had lost. What hurt the most was that he wasn’t even mentioned when they talked about artists we lost in the beginning of the show. I know rock isn’t the most popular genre right now, (and the academy does seem a bit out of touch) but I think it’s impossible to ignore the legacy my father left on the instrument, the world of rock, and music in general. There will never be another innovator like him. I’m not looking to start some kind of hate parade here, I just wanted to explain my side. I know Pop would probably just laugh it off and say “Ehh who gives a shit?” He was only about the music anyway. The rest didn’t matter. I’d love to get the opportunity to speak with The Recording Academy not only about the legacy of my father, but the legacy of the Rock genre moving forward. Thank you.”
But we’re used to this right? But, the question begs to be asked. Why? Why is the Academy so out of touch with the music industry in which they are held to as the highest achievement in music? Are the popstars, rappers, and pop-rock stars actually surpassing Rock and Metal artists that much in sales and event attendance? What factors do they “judge” these musician’s success? Why is it that some stars that dominated a year or two held on a higher pedestal than those that have dozens of platinum albums and listed by almost every musician as their sources of inspiration?
The answer is, they are nominated by committees. And have been since 1989. Remember that example of Jethro Tull beating out Metallica for Metal Album of the year? That’s the year committees were introduced. is committees. There are Craft Committees that send nominations to the Nomination review committees which go to rank and file voting which can also do replacements of up to two of the listed candidates. This is the gist of it for the “Big Four” awards. That’s right, there is not a standard, across the board, measure of success, nor qualifications. Our beloved music industry who has unofficially deemed a specific type of award as its highest honor is based on nothing more than a few key industry people as its jury of success with no set guidelines for qualifying for the title of “Grammy Award Winning …..”.
Like many, I’m a “Lamon”. I’m a fan with a keyboard and I tend to wear the mantle of warrior rank. This wasn’t bestowed upon me by a bunch of industry people that I’ve never met, never read anything I’ve typed, or listened to anything I’ve listened to. I’m a Keyboard Warrior by trade and reputation. The sad part is, I’m just as likely to get a Grammy as many of these artists who embody Rock and Roll and devote their entire lives to making music, playing to crowds, crafting records, and inspiring future generations. Only to see their work and immeasurable influence overshadowed by this year’s most addictive earworm that was crafted by autotune, computer-generated beats, and publicist agencies that have the academy on speed dial.
Sound off in the comments, are you ready for Rock And Roll to unite as its own industry and begin holding its own awards to rival the CMT, MTV, and other awards? Or is Rock destined to be the ever-evolving genre of rebellious misfits that kick the doors of any establishment that attempts to conform or contain them?
