The 5th Annual Revolver Golden Gods Awards sponsored by Epiphone was held last night at Club Nokia in Los Angeles to a sold out crowd that had scooped up tickets within hours to see Metallica, Anthrax, Zakk Wylde, and Slipknot.  Though the show has become one of the most talked-about music events in Los Angeles (which isn't easy), the mood of the star-studded metal throwdown was tempered by the passing of Slayer's Jeff Hanneman, who died early Thursday morning. 

John 5 of Rob Zombie, who won the Best Guitarist Award, announced: "This one's for you Jeff.  We love you," during his acceptance speech and Zakk Wylde and Slayer's Kerry King offered a toast to Hanneman before presenting the Best Live Band award to Slipknot. 

Former Pantera members Philip Anselmo and Rex Brown jointed Anthrax for a version of "This Love" and there were killer performances as well by Metallica, Five Finger Death Punch, and an emotional presentation of the Riff Lord Award to longtime Epiphone friend, Tony Iommi. 

Stay tuned for more updates and a trip down the Black Carpet, all coming up here on Epiphone.com.  And in case you missed the hilarious not-to-be-played-at-work-commercial, this will amp up your excitement to see the whole show.  The photo is courtesy of Kevin Estrada.