LOS ANGELES — The vibrant atmosphere at the Grammy weekend kickoff featured lively dancing bears and a unique blend of tie-dye attire with formal clothing, highlighting the presence of the iconic Grateful Dead. The legendary jam band was celebrated for its remarkable contributions to both music and philanthropy as the MusiCares Persons of the Year during an event held on Friday night, just two days ahead of the Grammy Awards.
The band’s famous skull logo was prominently displayed on stage, accompanied by dynamic visuals, while their beloved dancing bears engaged with guests for photos. Andy Cohen, a passionate fan of the group, took on the role of host for the 2 1/2-hour event at the Los Angeles Convention Center. He fondly recalled persuading his parents to allow him to drive from St. Louis to Wisconsin as a teenager to attend his very first Grateful Dead concert.
Cohen praised the band, stating, “I venture to say they are the great American band. What a wonder they are.” While the Grateful Dead only boasts two Grammys—a lifetime achievement award in 2007 and best music film in 2018—their influence in the music scene is undeniable, characterized by a distinctive improvisational style that blends rock, blues, jazz, folk, and psychedelia.
Bob Weir, the band’s 77-year-old guitarist, humorously remarked that they never prioritized longevity, emphasizing, “Spreading joy through the music was all we ever really had in mind and we got plenty of that done.” Mickey Hart, the drummer, highlighted the vital role of the band’s dedicated fans, stating, “The Deadheads have kept the dream alive for 60 years now and continue to take this music into the next century.” He expressed gratitude for their unwavering support, noting that without it, the Grateful Dead might never have existed.
Actor Woody Harrelson entertained the audience with amusing stories from his experiences with the band, including a challenge of going “drugless to Thailand with Bobby,” which he joked was no easy feat for either of them. To accept the award alongside Weir and Hart were the descendants of three band members: Grahame Lesh, Trixie Garcia, and Justin Kreutzmann. Lesh’s father, Phil, passed away at 84 in October, while Garcia’s father, Jerry, died at 53 in 1995. Bill Kreutzmann, the fourth founding member, did not attend but expressed his appreciation through a video message.
Hart acknowledged Bill’s spirit, saying, “I can feel his spirit in the house. He’s in the music, he’s in the rhythm, the heartbeat of everything we built together all these years.” Throughout the night, Grahame Lesh contributed musically, playing guitar as part of the band led by musical director Don Was and even collaborated with The War on Drugs on “Box of Rain,” a song written by his father.
Weir opened the evening’s performance on guitar, supported by an orchestra, which later transitioned to The War and Treaty performing “Samson and Delilah,” featuring drum solos by Stewart Copeland and Mick Fleetwood. My Morning Jacket and John Mayer experienced technical difficulties, but the latter managed to recover with an extended jam session of “Terrapin Station” alongside Was and Jeff Chimenti. Hart was seen looking offstage while drumming during Dead & Company’s closing numbers, “Sugar Magnolia” and “Touch of Grey,” before a technician came to provide him with in-ear monitors.
In a lighter moment, Hart was energized during Sammy Hagar’s rendition of “Loose Lucy.” Hagar expressed his affection for the band with, “Bobby, Mick, love you brothers.” Some quieter segments included Norah Jones performing “Ripple” and Bruce Hornsby singing “Standing on the Moon.” Wynonna Judd delivered a heartfelt rendition of “Ramble On Rose” and expressed her affection for Weir, declaring, “You showed up when my momma died.”
With a crown of red roses adorning her head, Grammy nominee Sierra Ferrell joined Lukas Nelson for “It Must Have Been the Roses,” while Dwight Yoakam got the crowd moving with “Truckin’.” Grammy nominee Noah Kahan’s performance of “Friend of the Devil” showcased a rich sound featuring three guitars, banjo, and bass. Weir’s family, including his wife Natascha and daughters Shala and Chloe, often rose from their seats to dance at a table positioned near the stage.
Now in its 35th iteration, the dinner and auction raised funds for programs that support musicians in need, placing particular emphasis this year on aiding those affected by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles. Weir remarked on the recovery efforts in Southern California, stating, “My guess is it’s going to take a few years, but SoCal will be back stronger and shinier.” MusiCares Executive Director Laura Segura reported that the event raised an impressive $9.3 million, with an additional $5.2 million pledged during the evening, making it an unprecedented success for the gala.
