Yesterday, the metal community was rocked to its core to learn that Trevor Strnad, vocalist of Michigan death metallers The Black Dahlia Murder and good-natured champion of all things metal, had died. He was only 41 years old. Now, a petition has been launched to make sure that Trevor is included in the ‘In Memoriam’ reel of this year’s Grammy Awards.
In case this is new to you, the Grammy Awards have a long tradition of leaving metal’s fallen stars out of their ‘In Memoriam’ reel, which honors musicians we’ve lost this year. In the past, the Recording Academy has left off some of the most important artists in heavy music, among them Slayer’s Jeff Hanneman, Pantera’s Vinnie Paul, The Prodigy’s Keith Flint, and, this year, Slipknot’s Joey Jordison. The Grammys has always apologized in the past, but the recurring theme is, Hey, can’t please everyone!
The Change.org petition, launched by journalist and Brand of Sacrifice ultrastan Bradley Zorgdrager, includes the following mission statement:
“The metal community just lost a hugely influential and universally loved member, Trevor Strnad, best known as vocalist of The Black Dahlia Murder, as well as for his encyclopedic knowledge of metal and fun-loving, kind spirit…
“The outpouring of love seen from the metal community is unparalleled, as Trevor and his band introduced countless people to death metal, thereby altering thousands if not millions of life trajectories. Their music has saved lives directly and indirectly through inspiring others. And at the end of the day (or the end of a show), he was always there with a huge smile to welcome anyone into the community.
“I’m sure Trevor likely wouldn’t mind either way, but we as a community beg you to please honour our brother.”
You can sign the petition at Change.org.