The electric atmosphere thrummed with tie-dye, dancing bear cutouts, and an undeniable sense of joy as the music community gathered to celebrate the Grateful Dead. These legendary musicians were not only honored as MusiCares Persons of the Year at the annual charity gala in Los Angeles on friday night, but they also celebrated thier 60th anniversary as a band.
“It’s an incredible honour and I’m humbled to stand here tonight,” remarked drummer Mickey Hart, addressing the audience from the los Angeles Convention Center stage. “Because not too long ago, they wouldn’t let us into Disneyland. Our hair was too long. And the cops, they were chasing us around the country. Fortunately, they gave up, and we’re here tonight,” he added, evoking laughter and applause from the crowd.
The MusiCares gala, known for its celebrity-studded guest list and generous donations to music industry charities, took place amid a challenging time for Southern California. The event successfully proceeded despite the ongoing Eaton and Palisades fires, becoming a beacon of hope and unity in the wake of the disaster.
“This is the first time that we’re celebrating our Person of the Year gala while in the middle of an ongoing disaster,” admitted MusiCares’ chair Steve Boom. The event served as a powerful reminder of the music community’s resilience and its ability to come together in times of need.
President and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. highlighted the profound importance of honoring the Grateful Dead. “Honoring them carries extra special meaning,” he said, “L.A.is home to an incredible music community, and the fires obviously hit us very hard. Ther’s no better honoree than the Grateful Dead. Their music has uplifted millions,and their philanthropy is legendary.”
The Grateful Dead were recently honored by MusiCares, marking a important milestone in their enduring musical legacy. This prestigious recognition follows their celebrated tribute at the Kennedy Center in December, solidifying their status as icons of the music world.
The event, however, had a bittersweet poignancy as not all members could be present. While Bobby Weir and Mickey Hart graced the stage, accepting the honor on behalf of the band, a touching video message from drummer Bill Kreutzmann expressed his regret at missing the ceremony due to unforeseen circumstances. Kreutzmann’s son, Justin, stepped in to represent his father, joined by Phil Lesh’s son Grahame, who also contributed to the evening’s musical performances, and Trixie Garcia, daughter of the late Jerry Garcia.
Weir, in his characteristically thoughtful manner, reflected on the band’s journey during his acceptance speech. “The road is a rough existence, as plainly evidenced by the simple fact that there aren’t all that many of my old bandmates here tonight to receive this recognition,” he shared with the audience. This sentiment resonated deeply, underscoring the toll the relentless touring schedule frequently enough takes on musicians over the years. Yet, Weir emphasized the band’s core motivation: “And longevity was never a major concern of ours; lighting folks up and spreading joy through the music was all we realy had in mind.”
The event truly captured the essence of the Grateful Dead’s enduring appeal: a profound sense of community, a festivity of music’s transformative power, and a dedication to sharing joy and connection.
The energy crackled as the crowd, initially seated at elegant tables, shed their inhibitions and moved together, swept up by the power of the music. They stood as one, united in their love of the legendary band that brought them together. “They are eternal reminders that a sense of community and humanity can still be achieved through music,” observed host Andy Cohen, known for his adoration of the Grateful Dead. “That’s why we’re all here tonight, because we all agree that their music is the pulse that keeps a sometimes chaotic world true.”
Cohen fondly recalled his first Dead concert, a milestone experience that occurred when he was 18. With the enthusiasm of youth, he pleaded with his parents to let him drive his 1972 yellow Buick Skylark convertible from st. Louis to Alpine Valley, Wisconsin. “‘where would you sleep?’ they asked. ‘In the car in the parking lot,’ I said. ‘What would you eat?’ They wondered. ‘There are grilled cheese sandwiches sold in the lot,’ I assured them. ‘Where will you find your mushrooms?’ they didn’t ask that, but to my total surprise, they said yes… I felt like I belonged, and I felt free. I got on that bus, and I never got off.”
The night unfolded with a dazzling performance by Bob Weir, who opened with an instrumental rendition of “The Other One,” accompanied by a symphony of shimmering instruments. The War & Treaty than took the stage,delivering a powerful interpretation of “Samson and Delilah,” featuring an unexpected guest appearance by legendary drummers Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood mac and Stewart Copeland of The Police. The two maestros captivated the audience with their own electrifying “Drums/space,” a psychedelic journey through sound.