Los Angeles is no stranger to resilience, especially when it faces adversity. This was on full display at the MusiCares Persons of the Year Gala, held on January 31, 2025, honoring the legendary Grateful Dead. Against the backdrop of devastating wildfires ravaging the area, this event not only recognized the enduring legacy of the band but also rallied the community to raise funds for much-needed wildfire relief.
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. aptly set the tone for the evening, noting, "Their fans are legendary, and their values — community, resilience, generosity — all align with the MusiCares mission. They remind us music is a force for good... So, as we begin the 2025 Grammy weekend, there’s no greater honoree than the Grateful Dead." Following the catastrophic fires, many Grammy Week events were canceled. Still, the gala went on, serving as both celebration and charity.
Bob Weir kicked off the evening's fundraising efforts by spontaneously raising his auction paddle and donating $100,000. By the night’s end, MusiCares Executive Director Laura Segura announced the gala had generated $9.3 million, with another $5.2 million pledged during the dinner. An exuberant atmosphere filled the Los Angeles Convention Center's South Hall, with fans sporting tie-dye attire joyously dancing to the music.
Attendees included prominent figures from the music industry, all of whom shared heartfelt memories of their appreciation for the Grateful Dead. Gala host Andy Cohen, reminiscing about his own experiences, said, "Man, I wish I could bottle the feeling I had standing at the top of [the] hill... I felt connected to life and to the people around me, and I felt free. I was on the bus and I never got off." This sense of belonging and connection to the band and its music permeated the gathering.
The night showcased the vast influence of the Grateful Dead’s music, featuring performances from artists like Zac Brown, Dwight Yoakam, and John Mayer, among others. Highlights included Wynonna Judd’s emotional tribute to Weir, where she expressed gratitude for his support during difficult times, stating, "You showed up for me when my mama died... I wish you were up here with me right now." Such emotional connections underscored the deep bonds formed through music.
The collective celebration didn’t stop there; the performance lineup was diverse and vibrant. From the harmonies of the War and Treaty to indie rockers Vampire Weekend, the evening featured remarkable renditions of iconic Dead songs. The War and Treaty’s soulful interpretation of “Samson and Delilah,” My Morning Jacket’s energizing “One More Saturday Night,” and Mayer’s extended jamming of “Terrapin Station” kept the crowd captivated.
Mickey Hart, reflecting on the spirit of the night, noted, "For me, music's always been more than just sound. It's a force, a healer." He added the importance of community, emphasizing, "Music doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Music needs a community to play to, and in turn, a community needs its music. We know the power of community because we've lived it.”
Bob Weir echoed Hart's sentiments when he addressed the night’s central theme: recovery efforts following the fires. "Teamwork is what it’s going to take to rebuild this town,” he asserted. “What we have here in Southern California these days is a rebuild that's going to take some time, effort, and teamwork.” His words rallied the audience around the collective responsibility of rehabilitation and resilience, fitting the evening’s message perfectly.
The historic gala culminated with Dead & Company performing beloved classics like “Althea,” “Sugar Magnolia,” and “Touch of Grey.” The latter’s refrain, “we will get by,” poignantly reflected the shared sentiment of hope and determination among those present.
Overall, the 2025 MusiCares Persons of the Year Gala was not just another event. It underscored the unbreakable bond between the Grateful Dead, their devoted community, and the music industry. Acknowledging both past and future, the night cemented the truth: music will always be humanity’s greatest healer, especially when we come together to face life's challenges.