Grateful Dead Honored as MusiCares Persons of the Year at Star-Studded Gala

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Grateful Dead, the legendary jam band that defined a generation with its eclectic sound and devoted fanbase, was honored as the MusiCares Persons of the Year on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The event, held two days before the Grammy Awards, celebrated the band’s musical legacy and philanthropic contributions, drawing a star-studded crowd of musicians, actors, and fans.

Hosted by devoted Deadhead Andy Cohen, the 2 1/2-hour gala featured performances by John Mayer, Norah Jones, Sammy Hagar, and Wynonna Judd, among others. The band’s iconic skull logo and dancing bears were prominently displayed, while attendees mixed tie-dye attire with black-tie formalwear. Cohen, who shared a story about driving to his first Grateful Dead concert as a teenager, called the band “the great American band.”

Guitarist Bob Weir, 77, and drummer Mickey Hart accepted the award on behalf of the band, joined by the children of late members Jerry Garcia, Phil Lesh, and Bill Kreutzmann. “Longevity was never a major concern of ours,” Weir joked. “Spreading joy through the music was all we ever really had in mind, and we got plenty of that done.”

Hart paid tribute to the band’s loyal fans, known as Deadheads, saying, “Before the world even knew what to make of us, our community lifted us up and kept us going. Without support, there would be no Grateful Dead.”

The evening included a mix of heartfelt tributes and lively performances. John Mayer, who has toured with the band’s offshoot Dead & Company, joined Weir for an extended jam of “Terrapin Station,” while Norah Jones delivered a poignant rendition of “Ripple.” Actor Woody Harrelson shared humorous anecdotes about his adventures with the band, including a drug-free trip to Thailand with Weir.

The gala also raised funds for MusiCares, a charity supporting musicians in need. Executive Director Laura Segura announced that $9.3 million was raised during the event, with an additional $5.2 million in pledges. The funds will aid musicians affected by recent natural disasters in Southern California.

As the night concluded with a performance of “Sugar Magnolia” and “Touch of Grey,” the Grateful Dead’s enduring influence on music and culture was palpable. “What a wonder they are,” Cohen said, summing up the sentiment of the evening.