[1][2] Pritchard has stated that they set up the awards with the intention of "[treating] heavy music as a legitimate art form",[3] with the hopes that the event would offer increased recognition and exposure for those involved in the scene/genre.

[9] Due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, it was instead livestreamed on the Amazon Music UK Twitch channel on 3 September 2020, with its ceremony and live performers being filmed in differing locations.

[14] The livestream was shut down by Twitch after Milkie Way of Wargasm suffered a wardrobe malfunction that exposed her nipples whilst performing onstage with Trash Boat, leading the Heavy Music Awards channel to be striked for nudity and suspended for three days.

[17] Way refused to apologize for the incident, whilst Trash Boat vocalist Tobi Duncan accused Twitch of using a double standard, as both musicians were wearing outfits that exposed their nipples during the performance.

[1][4] They are invited to list their top three albums for any given category, given it has been released in the previous year (between 1 January and 31 December) and fits specific criteria.

According to MMH News, the family "are revered on the live circuit for selflessly offering accommodation to bands touring the north east [of England] for many years.

[15] The H Award was given to Heavy Metal Truants, a charity cycle challenge established in 2013 by ex-Metal Hammer editor-in-chief Alexander Milas and Iron Maiden manager Rod Smallwood.

[50] The H Award was given to the Teddy Rocks Festival, founded by The Bottom Line guitarist Tom Newton to raise money for Teddy20, a children's cancer charity.