Let’s remember the Grammys from 1989 when Jethro Tull unexpectedly won the award for the album ”Crest of a Knave” against Metallica.

During a chat with VRP Rocks, JT’s Martin Barre opened up about the Grammy Awards from 1989, saying:

“The record company didn’t think we’d get it, and they said we stood no chance, and they said, ‘Don’t go.’ I really wanted to go. Even as a loser, I wanted to be there. So, I have to say it was their mistake and their lack of confidence in the band.”

The Grammy Awards of 1989 introduced a new category, Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Recording, to align with contemporary music trends. Since Jethro Tull competed against the likes of Metallica, Iggy Pop, and Jane’s Addiction during that year’s event, the band’s win caused backlash in the media.

About the Grammys ceremony, Barre went on to say:

“It was unfortunately misplaced in a very awkward section of music they’d come up with. They’re certainly two different categories of music, and they unfortunately threw them together for that one year. It laid it open to misinterpretation.

”Metallica fitted the bill for that genre and were expected to win, which is why we didn’t go to the ceremony.”