Congrats are in order for Halestorm, who were the winners of the Grammy for the Best Hard Rock / Metal Performance at the 55th annual Grammy Awards Sunday night (Feb. 10).
The full band was on hand to accept the honor during the pre-telecast ceremony, with frontwoman Lzzy Hale and her drummer brother Arejay Hale delivering the bulk of their acceptance speech. Arejay opened the speech, shocked at their victory stating, “Oh Christ, did not completely expect this.” The drummer mentioned that he had written something down that was on his phone, but he mostly went off the cuff. He thanked his and Lzzy’s parents, stating, “Thanks to our parents for turning us onto great music. Most parents want their kids to be doctors and lawyers and our parents encouraged us to join the circus.”

Lzzy Hale meanwhile dedicated the award to the “Halestorm freaks,” exclaiming “Here’s to us.” She also shouted out fellow nominees Iron Maiden and Lamb of God, stating, “If it wasn’t for your inspiration … we wouldn’t have written this song and been in this category.”

In addition to Halestorm, the category included Anthrax‘s ‘I’m Alive,’ Iron Maiden’s ‘Blood Brothers,’ Lamb of God’s ‘Ghost Walking,’ Marilyn Manson‘s ‘No Reflection’ and Megadeth‘s ‘Whose Life (Is It Anyway?).’ In the Grammy press room, Lzzy added, “[This] wouldn’t have been possible without these people, specifically, Lamb of God. We were inspired by the guitar part … and we wouldn’t have gotten into hard rock if it wasn’t for Megadeth and Iron Maiden, so it’s just amazing.”

Talking about the camaraderie in the genre, Lzzy explained, “It’s an incredible genre to be a part of because rock isn’t always the most popular genre. Sometimes we’re underground, but we all work really hard on the road. We all look out for one another.”

In addition, Lzzy answered questions about the band’s newfound Grammy cred, stating, “If I sit this in the back of any meetings, you know in the political business…” to which Arejay Hale interjected, “It’s like, ‘Oh yeah? You don’t like that song? Oh, let’s ask Mr. Grammy.’”

Elsewhere during the Grammy pre-telecast ceremony, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross won for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media for ‘Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.’ Though not there in person, Reznor tweeted, “Why thanks, y’all.” Black Keys also won a pair of Grammys during the opening ceremonies, taking home Best Rock Song for ‘Lonely Boy’ and Best Rock Album for ‘El Camino.’ In addition, Black Keys frontman Dan Auerbach won the Grammy for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical.

-loudwire.com