The Grateful Dead were honored as MusiCares Persons of the Year during a lively Grammy weekend celebration in Los Angeles. The event featured tie-dye-clad fans, all-star performances, and heartfelt tributes from icons like Woody Harrelson, John Mayer, and Bruce Hornsby. Bob Weir and Mickey Hart accepted the award, recognizing the band’s lasting impact on music and culture. The gala raised over $9.3 million for musicians in need, with a focus on Southern California wildfire relief.
Grateful Dead Honored at MusiCares Grammy Tribute: Quick Looks
- Grateful Dead Honored – The legendary band receives MusiCares Persons of the Year award.
- Star-Studded Tribute – Performances by John Mayer, My Morning Jacket, Norah Jones, and more.
- Bob Weir & Mickey Hart Speak – Pay tribute to fans and late bandmates Jerry Garcia and Phil Lesh.
- Woody Harrelson’s Wild Stories – Actor shares past adventures with the band.
- Fundraiser Success – $9.3 million raised for musicians in need, with an emphasis on wildfire relief.
- Dancing Bears & Tie-Dye – The event reflected the Dead’s iconic style and free-spirited culture.
Grateful Dead Honored as MusiCares Persons of the Year at Grammys
Grateful Dead Honored as MusiCares Persons of the Year: Deep Look
A Grammy Weekend Kickoff Like No Other
The Grateful Dead were honored as MusiCares Persons of the Year on Friday night, kicking off Grammy weekend with a vibrant and heartfelt celebration of the band’s six decades of music and philanthropy. The event, held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, blended black-tie elegance with tie-dye, dancing bears, and legendary rock nostalgia—a fitting tribute to the iconic jam band.
The night featured performances by a star-studded lineup, heartfelt speeches, and a deep appreciation for the Deadheads who have kept the band’s music alive for generations.
The Dead’s Legacy & Musical Impact
Despite having won only two Grammy Awards—one for Lifetime Achievement (2007) and another for Best Music Film (2018)—the Grateful Dead’s influence transcends trophies. Their groundbreaking fusion of rock, blues, jazz, folk, and psychedelia made them one of America’s most beloved and enduring bands.
“Longevity was never a major concern of ours,” joked 77-year-old Bob Weir, the band’s guitarist. “Spreading joy through the music was all we ever really had in mind, and we got plenty of that done.”
Woody Harrelson & Other Guests Share Stories
Woody Harrelson entertained the audience with his personal stories, recalling his “drugless trip to Thailand” with Weir—an adventure he admitted wasn’t easy for either of them. Andy Cohen, the night’s host, reminisced about his teenage years, driving from St. Louis to Wisconsin for his first Grateful Dead show.
“I venture to say they are the great American band,” Cohen said. “What a wonder they are.”
Musical Tributes: A Night of Iconic Performances
The event featured powerful performances from some of music’s biggest names, including:
Bob Weir & Orchestra – Kicked off the night with a guitar-backed orchestral performance.
The War and Treaty, Stewart Copeland & Mick Fleetwood – Brought energy to Samson and Delilah.
My Morning Jacket & John Mayer – Overcame technical difficulties for a jam-heavy rendition of Terrapin Station.
Norah Jones – Delivered a hauntingly beautiful version of Ripple.
Bruce Hornsby – Performed Standing on the Moon in an intimate in-the-round setting.
Wynonna Judd – Sang Ramble On Rose and expressed love for Weir: “You are my family of choice.”
Sierra Ferrell & Lukas Nelson – Collaborated on It Must Have Been the Roses.
Dwight Yoakam – Had the crowd dancing to Truckin’.
Noah Kahan – Performed Friend of the Devil with a rich, folk-inspired arrangement.
The finale featured Dead & Company performing Sugar Magnolia and Touch of Grey, a rousing conclusion that had the audience on its feet.
Honoring the Band’s Legacy & Fallen Members
Weir and drummer Mickey Hart were joined onstage by the children of their late bandmates:
- Grahame Lesh (son of Phil Lesh)
- Trixie Garcia (daughter of Jerry Garcia)
- Justin Kreutzmann (son of Bill Kreutzmann)
Phil Lesh, the band’s bassist, passed away in October 2024 at the age of 84. Garcia, the band’s legendary frontman, died in 1995 at age 53. Kreutzmann, now 78, did not attend but sent a heartfelt video message.
“I can feel his spirit in the house,” Hart said of Kreutzmann. “He’s in the music, he’s in the rhythm, the heartbeat of everything we built together all these years.”
A Night of Giving: $9.3 Million Raised for MusiCares
The MusiCares gala, now in its 35th year, raised a staggering $9.3 million, with another $5.2 million in pledges. This year’s fundraising efforts focused on providing aid to musicians affected by the recent Los Angeles wildfires.
“What we have here in Southern California these days is a rebuild that’s going to take some time and effort and an immense amount of teamwork,” Weir said. “My guess is it’s going to take a few years, but SoCal will be back stronger and shinier.”
MusiCares Executive Director Laura Segura called it an unprecedented success, saying, “It’s unheard of for this gala.”
A Celebration of Music, Community & Legacy
The night was not just about awards—it was a celebration of a band that built a culture, a community, and a musical movement that has endured for 60 years. As the event wrapped up, Weir’s wife, Natascha, and their daughters Shala and Chloe danced near the stage, embodying the spirit of the Grateful Dead: joy, music, and togetherness.
With dancing bears, tie-dye suits, and timeless music, this Grammy weekend kickoff was https://www.newslooks.com/
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