LOS ANGELES—The Grateful Dead brought their vibrant spirit to the Grammy weekend with a lively event filled with dancing bears and a mix of tie-dye and formal attire. On Friday night, the iconic band was celebrated as MusiCares Persons of the Year, recognizing their musical contributions and charitable work.
The famous skull logo of the Grateful Dead lit up the stage alongside playful graphics. Attendees enjoyed the delightful sight of dancing bears mingling among them.
Andy Cohen, a devoted fan known as a Deadhead, hosted the 2.5-hour celebration at the Los Angeles Convention Center. He shared a story about convincing his parents to let him drive from St. Louis to Wisconsin for his first Dead concert as a teenager—an experience he clearly cherished.
“They are truly the great American band,” Cohen remarked, expressing admiration for their legacy.
Even though the Grateful Dead has only won two Grammys—one for lifetime achievement in 2007 and the other for best music film in 2018—they’ve made a considerable impact with their unique fusion of rock, blues, jazz, folk, and psychedelia.
Guitarist Bob Weir, at 77, humorously addressed the crowd, saying, “We never focused on longevity. Our goal was to spread joy through music, and we achieved that.”
Drummer Mickey Hart acknowledged the band’s dedicated fans. “Deadheads have kept our dream alive for 60 years. Our community has always supported us. Without them, there would be no Grateful Dead,” he stated.
Actor Woody Harrelson entertained the crowd with anecdotes about his time with the band, including a memorable drug-free trip to Thailand with Weir. On stage, Weir and Hart were joined by the children of their late bandmates, expressing their gratitude and love for the legacy their fathers left behind.
Grahame Lesh, son of Phil Lesh, was active throughout the night, performing guitar as part of the backing band and singing “Box of Rain,” a song written by his father. The atmosphere was electric with performances from various artists, including Norah Jones and Bruce Hornsby, who delivered heartfelt renditions of “Ripple” and “Standing on the Moon.”
In a standout moment, Wynonna Judd performed “Ramble On Rose,” sharing a touching message for Weir. “You showed up when my mom passed,” she said, highlighting the personal connections formed within this musical family.
Dwight Yoakam had the crowd dancing with “Truckin’,” while Noah Kahan’s rendition of “Friend of the Devil” featured a beautiful blend of instruments, creating a rich sound.
The event not only celebrated music but also aimed to give back. In its 35th year, the dinner and auction raised funds to support musicians in need, particularly those affected by recent wildfires in Los Angeles. Bob Weir emphasized the importance of rebuilding in Southern California, describing it as a long but necessary journey.
MusiCares Executive Director Laura Segura announced that the gala raised an impressive $9.3 million, along with an additional $5.2 million in pledges, making it a record-setting night for the event.
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