The legendary Grateful Dead will be celebrated as the 2025 MusiCares Persons of the Year during a star-studded gala on January 31 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The event, held as part of Grammy Week, promises a night of unforgettable performances honoring the band’s enduring legacy, philanthropic spirit, and trailblazing influence on music and culture.
A Lineup for the Ages
The tribute lineup includes an eclectic mix of artists:
Dead & Company featuring Grateful Dead co-founders Bob Weir and Mickey Hart
John Mayer
Mick Fleetwood with Stewart Copeland
Norah Jones
Maren Morris
Noah Kahan
Vampire Weekend
Sierra Farrell
Lukas Nelson
Dwight Yoakam
Billy Strings
My Morning Jacket
Sammy Hagar
The War and Treaty
The War on Drugs
Grateful Dead collaborator Bruce Hornsby
The evening will be hosted by Andy Cohen, adding a lively flair to the celebration.
Honoring a Legacy
The event recognizes original Grateful Dead members Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, and Bob Weir for their unparalleled contributions to music and community building. Two of the band’s founding members, Jerry Garcia and Phil Lesh, will also be honored posthumously, with Lesh’s passing in October making the tribute particularly poignant.
The Grateful Dead is only the third band to receive this prestigious accolade, following Fleetwood Mac in 2018 and Aerosmith in 2020. The MusiCares Person of the Year list is a veritable Hall of Fame, with past honorees including Joni Mitchell, Jon Bon Jovi, Aretha Franklin, and Paul McCartney.
Continuing Amid Challenges
Despite devastating wildfires that have swept through the Los Angeles area, MusiCares has confirmed that the event will proceed. In a statement, the organization emphasized the dual purpose of the gala:
“Your attendance at Persons of the Year and your ongoing generosity will support these continued vital efforts, helping those in urgent need and signaling to the world that this vibrant city is on its feet.”
A special appeal for donations will be made during the event to bolster MusiCares’ wildfire relief efforts.
About MusiCares and Its Impact
Since its inception in 1991, the MusiCares Person of the Year gala has raised critical funds for programs supporting music professionals. Services include mental and physical health care, addiction recovery, preventive clinics, and disaster relief. The upcoming event underscores the organization’s commitment to uplifting the music community during times of need.
With its inspiring lineup and a cause that resonates deeply, the 2025 MusiCares gala promises to be an evening to remember—both a celebration of the past and a hopeful step forward.
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