

Wendy Dio, David Ellefson, and other music industry icons are all joining forces on a new Metal Hall of Fame (MHOF), Board of Directors. This marks a powerful new chapter in the nonprofit’s mission to honor and preserve the legacy of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal music, and to expand its global recognition even further.
Launched in 2016 by studio/touring drummer Pat Gesualdo the MHOF has become the ultimate institution celebrating the musicians, industry leaders, and cultural pioneers of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal, whose contributions have defined generations of fans worldwide. Now, with the expanded Board of Directors, the Hall is poised to elevate its presence with larger events, expanded outreach, and more opportunities for global fan engagement.
The Hall’s expanded team unites an extraordinary lineup of music executives, artists, and innovators, Including:
- Pat Gesualdo – Founder-CEO Metal Hall of Fame/Studio/Touring Drummer
- Michael Sarna – Inmotion Entertainment Inc.
- George Johnsen – MammothVision Studio
- Brian Perera – Cleopatra Records
- Wendy Dio – Niji Management
- David Ellefson – Megadeth / Kings of Thrash
- Jimmy Kay – The Metal Voice
- Munsey Ricci – Skateboard Marketing
Current and near future projects will continue as part of the MHOF. This includes the Metal Across America Tour, featuring one-of-a-kind exhibits from Iron Maiden, Ronnie James Dio, Ozzy Osbourne, KISS, Deep Purple, original Album Cover Artwork, the Metal Hall of Fame Tour Bus and much more. It is held at various festivals, concerts, and community events, throughout the U.S.
The tour also includes an outreach partnership with Monster Energy Supercross, which draws an average of 50,000 fans with major television coverage per race at major sports stadiums throughout the U.S. The exhibit appears at select stadiums during racing season.
Near future projects include the Metal Hall of Fame All Star Band, with fan favorite musicians, and the MHOF Podcast. The 10th Annual Metal Hall of Fame Gala will be Hosted by Eddie Trunk and entertainment personality Cathy Rankin and will take place January 2026 in Anaheim California.
As always, fans can visit http://www.metalhalloffame.org and vote to have their favorite bands Inducted into the MHOF.
“I am excited to have so many music industry legends and friends join me in this great mission,” said MHOF Founder/CEO Pat Gesualdo. “We all look forward to doing some expanded events that the fans will love.”
“Hard Rock and Heavy Metal are more than just genres—they’re cultural movements that have shaped the lives of millions,” added Michael Sarna of Inmotion Entertainment. “The MHOF is the place where that legacy lives forever, and this Board is committed to growing that impact on a global scale.”
Carrying the Torch
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Metal Hall of Fame relies on sponsorships and donations to grow its programs and events, while providing tax-deductible opportunities for supporters. In the near future the Hall will:
- Expand its annual induction ceremonies into must-see global events.
- Enhance fan engagement through digital media, outreach, and community partnerships.
- Guide the selection of future inductees, ensuring that the architects of Metal receive the recognition they deserve.
The MHOF remains dedicated to one core mission: to honor those who define the soundtrack of our lives, and to ensure the legacy of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal endures for generations to come.
About The Metal Hall of Fame:
The Metal Hall of Fame (MHOF) is a non profit organization dedicated to forever enshrining those iconic musicians and industry executives who are responsible for making hard rock and heavy metal music what it is today.
The Annual Metal Hall of Fame Celebrity Gala has included many historical moments in Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. From having Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne join with us to have former Ozzy drummer Lee Kerslake achieve his dying wish of receiving his Platinum Record Awards for the “Blizzard of Ozz,” and “Diary of A Madman” albums. Having Metallica Induct Megaforce Records founders Jon and Marsha Zazula. Inducting Judas Priest and Ross The Boss at Wacken Open Air. Inducting Steve Vai, Triumph, Geoff Tate, and members of KISS and Iron Maiden. Having Kerry King of Slayer Induct Brian Slagel for the 35TH Anniversary of Metal Blade Records. Having Don Airey’s surprise Induction for Black Sabbath co-founding drummer Bill Ward. Inducting Anthrax at Heavy Montreal in Canada. Having Kathy and Kelle Rhoads Induct their brother Randy Rhoads. Having Wendy Dio Induct Ronnie James Dio. Having Paul Stanley Induct KISS manager Doc McGhee. Having Brian May of Queen Induct Joe Satriani. These are just some of the memories that the Metal Hall of Fame has shared with Hard Rock and Heavy Metal fans throughout the world.
For more information, please email info@themetalhalloffame.org, or visit: http://www.metalhalloffame.org.








