Heavy Music Awards 2023 to take place at London’s OVO Arena Wembley
Today, The Heavy Group announces the return of the Heavy Music Awards and the arrival of its spectacular new home for 2023, the OVO Arena Wembley on Friday 26 May.
Since its inception in 2017, the HMAs has recognised the most influential and groundbreaking creatives in the heavy music landscape and certified itself as a staple of the heavy music calendar, with a move to OVO Arena Wembley now cementing the event as the largest rock music awards ceremony ever.
M. Shawn Crahan of Slipknot shares: “The HMAs has demonstrated their commitment to our culture representing the best in our community with a continued focus on spotlighting emerging artists.”
Historically championing creative efforts across the entire heavy music landscape, the HMAs expansion to OVO Arena Wembley showcases a culture-wide shift, with heavy music being embraced by the mainstream. Over the years, HMA alumni have gone on to incredible critical and commercial success, including the likes of Nova Twins who progressed from the HMA line-up in 2019 to a Times Square billboard in 2021. As well as six time HMA recipients, Architects, achieving a coveted UK Number 1 album spot last year. The illustrious list of past winners and performers, speaks to the Heavy Music Awards’ position as a pioneer of underground talent and key tastemakers in the scene.
Co-organised by Dave Bradley and Andy Pritchard, Heavy Group shares: “We are immensely proud to be taking the Heavy Music Awards to OVO Arena Wembley, unquestionably one of the most prestigious music venues on earth. We have worked tirelessly over the last six years to build the HMAs into a platform befitting a scene bursting with talent and creativity.
“By moving to Wembley, we’re realising our ambition to create an event that will recognise both emerging and established talent in the biggest possible way. We cannot wait to welcome artists, industry and fans to this spectacular arena in May for what we promise will be an unforgettable evening, and a great way to kick off another epic summer of music.”
John Drury, OVO Arena Wembley’s VP & General Manager, said: “We couldn’t be more delighted to be welcoming the Heavy Music Awards to their new home at the OVO Arena Wembley.
“Heavy Group have created a vital and fan-focussed event that has gone from strength to strength in a short space of time and we’re honoured to be part of their next chapter.
“As an arena we welcome established bands and artists back to Wembley all the time, but we also host many first time headliners every year. No doubt some of the emerging talent championed by the Heavy Music Awards will return to the OVO Arena Wembley for their own headline shows soon!'
From humble beginnings, cutting their teeth at the 850 capacity House Of Vans debut in 2017, the HMAs has steadily elevated and grown a zealous fanbase, allowing it to build to this landmark year at the OVO Arena Wembley. The awards are known for championing the best in the genre and recognising the most exciting talent in the scene, alongside celebrating the successes of established industry icons. Previous years have supported the breakthrough careers of Nova Twins, Wargasm, Spiritbox, Cassyette and Hot Milk whilst simultaneously recognising the colossal success of Slipknot, Metallica, Bring Me The Horizon and Enter Shikari in the UK market and beyond.
In the space of a few short years, the Heavy Music Awards and its community has grown exponentially as it continues to celebrate the successes of those who operate within the heavy music world. It has evolved since the beginning, but it will always focus on charity, education, supporting emerging artists, and offering a platform that wholly stands against negativity. Impartiality is also a key component, the awards boast a panel of over a thousand industry insiders and experts nominating the finalists, but the public has the ultimate say on the award winners. This gives the fans a direct hand in shaping the future of their own beloved scene.
Press Enquiries
For all HMA23 press enquiries, please contact LD Communications:
Kat Ferris - kat.ferris@ldcommspr.uk
Matt Charbonneau - matt@ldcommspr.uk
Ali Grice - ali.grice@ldcommspr.uk