Alice In Chains’ Mike Inez Calls Out Grammys Over Brent Hinds Tribute Omission
Alice In Chains bassist Mike Inez has criticised the Grammy Awards broadcast after noticing that late Mastodon guitarist Brent Hinds appeared to be left out of the televised “In Memoriam” segment during Sunday night’s ceremony, reigniting frustration among metal fans about how the show recognises heavy music.
During the tribute portion of the show, Consequence reported that while names such as Ace Frehley, Clem Burke, and Mick Ralphs were shown on the big screen, Hinds was not visible in the broadcast’s rotating memorial images.
Inez posted on Instagram that it was a “BIG party foul” for the Grammys to forget “the MIGHTY Brent Hinds” in the “In Memoriam.” Mastodon drummer Brann Dailor replied in the comments with fire emojis, while Exodus and Slayer guitarist Gary Holt added, “LAME,” echoing the backlash from the metal community.
Although Hinds was listed in the Grammys’ online “In Memoriam” section, the televised omission stood out given his history with the band, including multiple nominations and Mastodon’s 2018 win for Best Metal Performance for “Sultan’s Curse.” The guitarist had been a key member of Mastodon for roughly 25 years before the group split with him months prior to his death.
Hinds died in August at the age of 51 following a motorcycle collision with an SUV in Atlanta. The renewed attention on his absence from the broadcast underscores ongoing complaints that hard rock and metal artists can still be marginalised on music’s biggest TV stage, even when their influence and awards pedigree are well documented.
