Loudwire Music Awards @ The Novo, Los Angeles, CA 10-24-17

The 2017 Loudwire Music Awards honored the best in hard rock and metal with recognitions of classic and current artists, impassioned performances, and inspiring tributes to those who were lost over the past year. With Halestrom’s Lzzy Hale’s emotional plea that using social media in a positive way can save lives, Ice T’s powerful championing of the Black Lives Matter movement, and Sammy Hagar sharing how he was inspired to create the Hagar Family Foundation, this was an event that transcended the usual award show clichés and proved that the hard rock and metal music community can celebrate itself while bringing awareness to social issues.

All the performers rocked the house, with several notable collaborations: In This Moment with Rob Halford; and Ice T and Body Count with Dave Mustaine.  Not to be outdone by the men, Lzzy Hale was joined by Lita Ford and Butcher Babies for a raucously playful version of the Runaways’ 1976 hit “Cherry Bomb.” Starset, Nothing More, and Power Trip each played with passion and intensity, with great stage visuals to match.  Anthrax did an impressive version of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Carry On Wayward Son,” followed by Avenged Sevenfold, who did not disappoint as they closed out the night. The evening’s host and master of ceremonies, Chris Jericho, did a great job. He seemed genuinely happy and honored to be part of the event, and it showed in his rapport with the presenters and the audience. One last item of note: congratulations are in order for Guns N’ Roses drummer Steven Adler, who proudly announced that after 17 years, he finally got his drivers license!