Alice In Chains’ Mike Inez Slams GRAMMYS For Omitting Mastodon’s Brent Hinds During 2026 In Memoriam Tribute

The 2026 GRAMMY Awards continued a troubling pattern of metal and hard rock artists being overlooked during the annual in memoriam segment. While the late Ozzy Osbourne received a star-studded tribute featuring Post Malone, Slash, Duff McKagan, Chad Smith, and Andrew Watt, other corners of the metal world were largely ignored.

Departed rock legends like ex-KISS guitarist Ace Frehley were acknowledged on screen, but Mastodon fans were quick to notice the absence of the band’s late vocalist/guitarist Brent Hinds, who tragically died last August in a motorcycle accident at the age of 51.

Alice In Chains bassist Mike Inez publicly criticized the GRAMMYS on Instagram:

“BIG party foul Grammys for forgetting the MIGHTY Brent Hinds in the In Memoriam. #mastodon”

Hinds’ former Mastodon bandmate Brann Dailor responded to Inez’s post with four fire emojis, while Exodus/Slayer guitarist Gary Holt commented, “LAME.” Pearl Aday, daughter of the late Meat Loaf, also shared her frustration:

“They also failed to acknowledge my father the year he passed.”

Although brief camera cuts during the segment may have briefly included Hinds, nothing appeared on the televised broadcast. The omission is particularly notable given Mastodon’s six GRAMMY nominations over the years, including their 2022 win for Best Metal Performance with “Pushing The Tides.” Hinds’ name does appear in The Recording Academy’s in memoriam database, though with a questionable profile image.

Sadly, this is not the first time metal and hard rock musicians have been snubbed. Past omissions include:

• Vinnie Paul (Pantera/HELLYEAH)
• Jeff Hanneman (Slayer)
• Joey Jordison (VIMIC, ex-Slipknot)
• Wayne Static (Static-X)
• Nick Menza (Megadeth)
• Oli Herbert (All That Remains)
• Oderus Urungus (aka Dave Brockie, GWAR)

The absence of Hinds during the 2026 tribute has sparked outrage among fans, underscoring the ongoing debate about how the GRAMMYS honor heavy music artists who shaped the genre.

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