EXODUS and SLAYER guitarist Gary Holt has blasted the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as "fucking lame," arguing that the institution consistently ignores heavy metal's greatest acts while inducting artists with questionable cultural merit.
Speaking on The Mistress Carrie Podcast, Holt was asked whether IRON MAIDEN's induction would give heavy metal the respect it deserves. His response was unequivocal: "I personally couldn't give a shit, 'cause the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame is fucking lame."
The veteran thrash guitarist rattled off a litany of snubs that have long frustrated the metal community: "IRON MAIDEN's still selling out stadiums, and isn't in. THIN LIZZY had hits, they pioneered twin guitar rock harmonies, and they had just legendary albums. They probably will never get in." He also singled out MOTÖRHEAD, arguing the Lemmy-fronted legends deserve a place in the hall.
Holt was particularly baffled by the institution's priorities: "JUDAS PRIEST got in through a back door. KISS had to be grudgingly let in, and they should have been first-ballot."
His SLAYER bandmate Kerry King had previously weighed in, noting SLAYER hasn't even appeared on the nomination list despite decades of influence.
The Rock Hall debate has long been a point of frustration for the metal community, with the institution frequently prioritizing mainstream pop and rap over acts that built enduring legacies through heavy music. Holt summarized it best: "It's a popularity contest. I have no desire to go. It's fucking stupid."