Machine Gun Kelly made a striking appearance at one of music's most anticipated events, stepping onto the red carpet with fresh ink and his signature edgy style. The musician arrived at Clive Davis' 2026 Grammy Awards pre-party in Los Angeles on January 31, immediately drawing attention for new ear tattoos that complemented his already extensive collection of body art.
Grammy Weekend Spotlight on Evolving Style
The sighting occurred at Clive Davis' annual pre-Grammy Awards gathering, a high-profile event that consistently sets the tone for the entire Grammy weekend. Coverage from E! News highlighted the moment, noting that Machine Gun Kelly arrived solo on the red carpet. The artist, whose real name is Colson Baker, wore a sophisticated yet bold ensemble consisting of a black button-up shirt and matching black trousers.
He completed the look with distinctive accessories including a chrome-studded belt, a harness, and an eye-catching iced-out razor blade chain necklace. However, the most discussed element of his appearance was undoubtedly the ink. MGK proudly displayed multiple new ear tattoos, adding to his existing blacked-out sleeve designs that have become part of his recognizable aesthetic.
Performance and Personal Revelations
Inside the party, the artist revealed more of his tattoos during a live performance that featured a tribute to rock legend Ozzy Osbourne with the song "I Don't Wanna Stop." This appearance marked his first major red carpet event since his split from former fiancée Megan Fox in December 2024. The couple had welcomed their daughter Saga Blade Fox-Baker in March, making her approximately 10 months old at the time of the Grammy party.
Since the separation, the "Forget Me Too" singer has been increasingly vocal about his experiences with fatherhood. He has been balancing his touring commitments with parenting responsibilities for his two daughters. MGK also shares a 16-year-old daughter, Casie Baker, with his ex-partner Emma Cannon.
Embracing Fatherhood Philosophy
During a recap video from his Last Americana tour, MGK included a heartwarming clip showing Casie helping her younger sister crawl onto a bed for tummy time. "I'm sad to go home," the artist reflected in the video's voiceover, "but am I though, because here's my youngins. Let's go!"
The Grammy-nominated artist has also shared insights about the parenting philosophy that guides his approach. During an appearance on The Pete Davidson Show on January 30, he referenced principles from The Conscious Parent book. "Let go of control and just be your child's biggest cheerleader," he quoted, explaining how this idea deeply resonated with him.
"They're on a sailboat. They're the captain of their own ship," MGK elaborated. "I can try and play God with the ship's course, but the waves and the wind are gonna take the ship where it's gonna take the ship, no matter what."
Multifaceted Career and Cultural Impact
Born Colson Baker in Houston, Texas, the tall and heavily tattooed artist has cultivated a career that seamlessly crosses multiple creative boundaries. Machine Gun Kelly has successfully blended rap, rock, and pop-punk through acclaimed releases such as 'Lace Up' and 'Tickets to My Downfall', while simultaneously establishing himself as an actor with roles in films like 'The Dirt' and 'Bird Box'.
His influence extends beyond music and film into the fashion world, including a notable runway appearance for Dolce & Gabbana and recognition as a style icon. This multidimensional approach underscores how his evolving image has become an integral part of his artistic narrative, transcending mere musical performance to encompass broader cultural expression.
The artist's appearance at the Grammy pre-party not only showcased his latest body art but also highlighted his ongoing personal and professional evolution during one of the music industry's most significant annual celebrations.
