Mon Feb 03 04:40:00 UTC 2025: **Grateful Dead Honored at MusiCares Person of the Year Gala**
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Grateful Dead, iconic jam band, received the MusiCares Person of the Year award on Friday, January 31st, 2025, two days before the Grammy Awards. The award recognized their significant musical contributions and philanthropic efforts. The star-studded event, held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, featured performances by a diverse range of artists including John Mayer, Sammy Hagar, Norah Jones, Wynonna Judd, Sierra Ferrell and Lukas Nelson, Dwight Yoakam, and Noah Kahan, among others. The show, hosted by Andy Cohen, a self-proclaimed Deadhead, celebrated the band’s unique blend of rock, blues, jazz, folk, and psychedelia.
Bobby Weir and Mickey Hart, representing the band, accepted the award alongside the children of their late bandmates Jerry Garcia, Phil Lesh, and Bill Kreutzmann. Hart paid tribute to the Grateful Dead’s loyal fanbase, the Deadheads, crediting their unwavering support for the band’s longevity and success. Weir reflected on the band’s focus on spreading joy through music. The evening included heartfelt stories from actor Woody Harrelson about his experiences with the band.
The concert featured both solo performances and collaborations, with some technical difficulties briefly impacting a couple of performances. However, the show ultimately culminated in a powerful finale by Dead & Company. The event also served as a fundraiser for MusiCares, raising a record-breaking $9.3 million, with additional pledges totaling $5.2 million, to support musicians in need, particularly those affected by recent wildfires in Los Angeles. The gala, now in its 35th year, highlighted the enduring legacy of the Grateful Dead and their impact on music and beyond.
First Piper 