An Open Letter to the Grammys

 Dear Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences-
     I am an unabashed fan of hard rock and heavy metal music.  I was happy that Black Sabbath was the recipient of the Best Metal performance.  However, Led Zeppelin was nominated for best Rock Performance.  Unfortunately, the album was recorded in 2007.  How is that possible?  Oh, the Grammy's really have a loose vetting system.  This is how Black Sabbath was nominated in both Metal and Rock categories.
  Looking back over the history of the Metal category, it is so apparent that the Grammy's really have no clue.  in 1989, Jethro Tull was named winner of the first Grammy in the category over, um, METALLICA!  There some ""geniuses" that want to say that Tull really is metal.  I say no and they are delusional.  Here are some greatest hits over the years.
  In 1990, the field included Metallica, Faith No More, Queensryche and Dokken.  Which of these are not like the other?  Dokken?  Really?  In 2000, Black Sabbath was awarded the Grammy for a live version of "Iron Man".  The original version was recorded in 1970.  What?  A Grammy for a 30 year old song?  Oh, and in 2010, Judas Priest won for a live version of "Dissident Aggressor".  OK, but the song was originally recorded in 1977.  Last, but not least, Motorhead was awarded for a cover of a Metallica song.  Out of touch?  Maybe....
  I would love to see this category shown a bit more respect and thought.  It appears that the Grammy people are depending on their 18 year old kids to tell them what to nominate.  Come on people, wake up!  this genre is not a joke and it was created by YOU because of the demand.  Please do it justice by nominating the right groups in the right categories for NEW work and not just on reputation and trying right wrongs of the past.
  On another note, you "In Memoriam" spot was incredulously devoid of any mention of Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman.  As a member of Slayer, he was nominated 5 times and winning 2 awards.  Not only was he a musician but he was the principle songwriter of those winning songs.  he was noticed on the Grammy website, however, there entertainment lawyers, DJ's and critics that nobody knew of that were mentioned and pictured on the telecast.  I have lost any and all respect for this institution.  They rank right up there with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as those who are oblivious and insulated with what is relevant in Hard Rock and Heavy Metal music and it's influence on many of today's musicians.