Tributes have been pouring in non-stop as the world reels from the sudden loss of The Black Dahlia Murder vocalist Trevor Strnad, from lists to heartfelt memories of a modern metal legend. Now a tribute of a different kind has made its way onto the Internet – a petition for the GRAMMYs to recognize the impact and life of Strnad during their In Memoriam segment.
As of writing this, the petition has over 3,000 signers and you can check it out here. Historically the GRAMMYs have not been kind to metal legends, and who knows if they'll ever see this. Still, it's a nice gesture from a community that just lost a figure beloved by so many. And really, that's exactly what this is – a form of grieving and a need for recognition.
"The Grammy Awards have a longstanding blindspot for metal, recently snubbing influential metal figures Joey Jordison (Slipknot) and Jon Zazula (Megaforce Records) from their In Memoriam segment," reads the petition.
"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. Grammy producer Ken Winston apologized for leaving people out, and we as a metal community demand — nay, kindly ask as he would want us to — Trevor Strnad's inclusion in next year's ceremony.
"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."
