Grateful Dead Honored as MusiCares Persons of the Year
Table of Contents
- 1. Grateful Dead Honored as MusiCares Persons of the Year
- 2. As Grahame Lesh sees the legacy of The Grateful Dead live on through people like The War on Drugs, what advice would he give to up-and-coming musicians about staying true to their artistry while also connecting with fans?
- 3. A Night of Music, Memories, and Giving: Interview with Grahame Lesh
- 4. Grahame, what made this musicares gala particularly special for you?
- 5. Your father’s music continues to resonate deeply with fans. What do you think makes it so enduring?
- 6. You played alongside The war on Drugs tonight, performing “Box of rain”. What was it like sharing that stage?
- 7. Looking ahead, what message do you hope people take away from this evening, especially in the wake of recent events in Southern California?
The legendary jam band, known for its iconic skull logo, dancing bears, and genre-bending sound, was celebrated at the MusiCares Persons of the Year gala on Friday night.The event, which took place just two days before the 2025 Grammy Awards, honored the Grateful Dead’s musical legacy and philanthropic impact.
Andy Cohen, a self-proclaimed Deadhead, hosted the star-studded event at the Los Angeles Convention Center. He shared a heartwarming anecdote about convincing his parents to let him drive from St. Louis to Wisconsin for his first Grateful Dead concert as a teenager, stating, “I venture to say they are the great American band. What a wonder they are.”
While their Grammy wins may be limited to two lifetime achievement awards, the Grateful Dead’s influence on music is undeniable. Their unique style, featuring long improvisational jams blending rock, blues, jazz, folk, and psychedelia, has captivated audiences for decades.
“Longevity was never a major concern of ours,” said 77-year-old guitarist Bob Weir, drawing laughter from the crowd. “Spreading joy through the music was all we ever really had in mind and we got plenty of that done.”
Drummer Mickey Hart paid tribute to the band’s dedicated fans, the Deadheads, who have kept their musical spirit alive for over 60 years. “The Deadheads have kept the dream alive for 60 years now and continue to take this music into the next century,” he said. “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.”
Actor Woody Harrelson entertained the crowd with entertaining anecdotes about his experiences with the band, including a humorous story about going “drugless to thailand with Bobby, which is not easy for either of us.”
Accepting the award onstage alongside Hart were Weir, and three of their bandmates’ children: Grahame Lesh, Trixie Garcia, and Justin Kreutzmann. The event also served as a poignant reminder of the band members who have passed away, including Phil Lesh, Jerry Garcia, and Bill Kreutzmann.
Grahame Lesh, following in his father’s footsteps, showcased his musical talents by playing guitar throughout the evening as part of the backing band led by musical director don Was. He even joined The War on Drugs for a performance of “Box of Rain,” a song written by his father.
The night was filled with memorable musical moments, featuring performances by The War and Treaty with Stewart Copeland and Mick Fleetwood on drums, as well as John Mayer, who extended the jam on “Terrapin Station” with Was and Jeff Chimenti after briefly overcoming some technical difficulties.
The energy pulsed through the room, fueled by the undeniable magic of music and a shared spirit of generosity. The MusiCares gala, in its 35th year, captivated guests with unforgettable performances and a profound commitment to supporting musicians in need. This year, the focus shone brightly on aiding those impacted by the devastating wildfires that ravaged Southern California.
The night unfolded as a tapestry of musical tributes and heartfelt moments. From the electrifying rendition of ”Loose Lucy” by Sammy Hagar, that had everyone on their feet, to the poignant performances of “Ripple” by Norah Jones and “Standing on the Moon” by Bruce Hornsby, the stage resonated with both powerful energy and quiet introspection.
Wynonna Judd, her voice laced with emotion, dedicated “Ramble On Rose” to Robert Weir, calling him “family of choice” and a source of support during her mother’s passing, a testament to the enduring bonds formed within the music community.
A crown of red roses adorned Sierra ferrell as she joined Lukas Nelson for a captivating performance of “It Must Have Been the Roses,” while Dwight Yoakam got the crowd moving with his infectious energy during “Truckin’.” The night culminated in an remarkable display of musicality with Noah Kahan’s “Friend of the Devil,” a masterful blend of guitars, banjo, and bass.
Robert Weir’s family,wife Natascha and daughters Shala and Chloe,embodied the spirit of the evening,reveling in the music and the cause with unbridled joy.
Executive Director Laura Segura of MusiCares echoed the immense success of the event, announcing that a staggering $9.3 million was raised during the dinner, with an additional $5.2 million pledged, a record-breaking achievement for the organization.
Weir himself offered a message of hope and resilience, reflecting on the challenges faced by Southern California, “What we have here in Southern California these days is a rebuild that’s going to take some time and effort and an immense amount of teamwork,” he said.”My guess is it’s going to take a few years, but SoCal will be back stronger and shinier.”
As Grahame Lesh sees the legacy of The Grateful Dead live on through people like The War on Drugs, what advice would he give to up-and-coming musicians about staying true to their artistry while also connecting with fans?
A Night of Music, Memories, and Giving: Interview with Grahame Lesh
The MusiCares Persons of the Year gala, honoring The Grateful Dead, was a dazzling celebration of music, legacy, and philanthropy. Grahame Lesh, son of legendary bassist Phil Lesh, joined us backstage to share his thoughts on the evening.
Grahame, what made this musicares gala particularly special for you?
“Being here, surrounded by such unbelievable musicians paying tribute to the Grateful Dead, is truly humbling. Seeing friends, fellow musicians, and Deadheads come together to celebrate our music and honor Dad, alongside Mickey, Bob, and everyone involved, it’s deeply moving. MusiCares’ commitment to supporting musicians in need adds another layer of significance to the evening.”
Your father’s music continues to resonate deeply with fans. What do you think makes it so enduring?
“Dad’s music, and The Grateful Dead’s music as a whole, speaks to something global. it’s about connection, community, and the joy of shared experiences. The improvisational nature allows each performance to be unique, a journey that fans can embark on together. Plus, Dad’s bass playing, man, it’s just magic! It’s the heartbeat of the music.”
You played alongside The war on Drugs tonight, performing “Box of rain”. What was it like sharing that stage?
“Performing ‘Box of Rain’ was incredibly special. It’s a song with such deep emotional resonance, especially for me. Sharing it with The war on drugs, their energy and musical talent, brought a whole new dimension to it. It felt like a lovely tribute to Dad’s legacy.”
Looking ahead, what message do you hope people take away from this evening, especially in the wake of recent events in Southern California?
“I hope tonight reminds everyone of the power of music, community, and resilience.Despite the challenges we face, whether it’s wildfires or personal struggles, music has the ability to bring people together, to heal, to inspire hope. Dad always said, ‘Spread joy through the music,’ and tonight, MusiCares certainly achieved that.”
Do you have a favorite Grateful dead song or memory? Share it in the comments below!
