Tie-dye and dancing bears: Grammy weekend begins with Grateful Dead honored as Persons of the Year
The Grateful Dead once again made an unforgettable impact as they celebrated Grammy weekend by being honored as MusiCares Persons of the Year. The vibrant event, filled with tie-dye and black-tie attire, took place on a Friday night at the Los Angeles Convention Center, just two days prior to the Grammy Awards. The band's iconic skull logo and dancing bears created a lively backdrop as fans gathered to commemorate the band's musical achievements and philanthropic efforts.
Host Andy Cohen shared his personal connection to the band, recalling his teenage pilgrimage from St. Louis to Wisconsin for his first Grateful Dead concert. Hailing them as "the great American band," Cohen applauded their unique blend of genres and their ability to create joy through music, a sentiment echoed by the band's members. Guitarist Bob Weir, now 77, humorously noted that their focus has always been on spreading joy rather than on longevity, while drummer Mickey Hart expressed gratitude for the loyal Deadhead community that has kept the band’s spirit alive for over six decades.
As they accepted their award on stage, Weir and Hart were joined by the children of their late bandmates, paying tribute to their fathers and the music that has transcended generations. Grahame Lesh, son of bassist Phil Lesh, had the opportunity to perform alongside his father's legacy during the evening. Various artists joined the lineup to celebrate the occasion through music, including Norah Jones and Wynonna Judd, who delivered heartfelt performances alongside the band classics.
Throughout the program, technical glitches caused some interruptions, but artists like John Mayer quickly adapted, continuing the show’s momentum. The night also featured a range of performances that left attendees dancing, with notable highlights being Sammy Hagar’s lively rendition of "Loose Lucy," and Dwight Yoakam energizing the crowd with "Truckin’." The excitement was palpable, particularly as Weir's family joined in the festivities, adding a personal touch to the night's celebrations.
The event not only celebrated the band but also aimed to raise funds for MusiCares, which supports musicians in need, especially those impacted by recent wildfires in Southern California. With over $9.3 million raised and an additional $5.2 million in pledges, the evening demonstrated the community's commitment to rebuilding and supporting artists in distress. In reflecting on the need for teamwork in recovery efforts, Weir remarked on the resilience of Southern California, emphasizing that although the rebuilding process may take time, the region will emerge stronger.