Anaheim, CA (The Hollywood Times) 2/5/25 – Covering the Metal Hall of Fame Awards for The Hollywood Times was already a thrill, but little did I know the night would kick off with an unexpected reunion and a front-row seat to history in the making.
The evening began with an exclusive pre-party at the House of Blues in Anaheim, where the energy was electric, and the room buzzed with rock legends and industry insiders. As I soaked it all in, my eyes locked onto a stunning Metal Hall of Fame jacket worn by someone nearby. The intricate design, the bold presence—it was a statement piece, to say the least.
Then he turned around.
To my absolute delight, it was none other than Skip Pas, the renowned American fashion designer behind West Coast Leather!
Check out the presentation of the new Metal Hall of Fame Jacket:
A Full-Circle Fashion Moment
Skip and I first crossed paths years ago in San Francisco while I was window shopping (a term I use loosely—I rarely leave a fashion hotspot empty-handed). Drawn in by his exquisite leather jackets and apparel, I stepped into the store and was instantly captivated. Skip himself welcomed me in, guiding me through his luxurious collection. But one piece stole my heart—a West Coast Leather jacket dripping in Swarovski crystals. That jacket became one of my most cherished fashion finds, a piece I still treasure to this day. So much so that when the Los Angeles wildfires forced us to grab only our most valuable possessions, it made the cut.
So here we were, years later, reunited over another masterpiece of his design. Naturally, I had to ask:
Peggy: Did you design this jacket, Skip?
Skip: I sure did. This all started about a year ago. We worked closely with Pat Gesualdo—he had a vision, and this is the result. This is the official Metal Hall of Fame Awards jacket. Inside, it’s lined in deep purple satin and embroidered with the names of all past inductees from 2017 to 2024 in bronze and gold thread—a tribute to the legends of hard rock and heavy metal.
He went on to reveal that limited-edition version of the jacket—featuring Gold and Bronze Liquid Skulls—were available. And in a moment of pure rock-and-roll exclusivity, Skip added:
“I’m presenting one custom-designed for Pat Gesualdo himself.”
A Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Moment—Captured on Camera
For those unfamiliar, Pat Gesualdo is more than just a celebrated drum virtuoso. He made medical, educational, and drumming history with his groundbreaking “Healing Art of Drum Therapy” techniques and founded the non-profit D.A.D. (Drums and Disabilities). He’s also the mastermind behind the Metal Hall of Fame, which, now in its ninth year, honors the iconic musicians, artists, and industry executives who shaped Hard Rock and Heavy Metal into the powerhouse genre it is today.
Naturally, I had to know:
Peggy: That’s incredible! The Hollywood Times just interviewed Pat. When are you presenting him with the jacket?
Skip: How about now?
And just like that, I found myself in the perfect place at the perfect time, the only journalist lucky enough to capture this legendary moment on video.
Check it out!
From Leather Legends to Heavy Metal Icons
With that unforgettable moment in the bag, we jumped into cars and headed straight for the red carpet at the Grand Theater, where the night’s biggest rock icons were arriving for the Metal Hall of Fame Awards.
More on that epic event coming soon. Stay tuned!
@westcoastleather
@Skip Pas – Fashion designer
@myranda_edwins – Model, Singer, & Podcaster
@metalhalloffame – Pat Gesualdo
@CultureRockMedia and Sammy Radio – Frankie James
@jamieleekendal – Model
@tgt_anaheim – The Grand Theater
@hobanaheim – The House of Blues Anaheim
@dialmproductions – Peggy Phillips
