The Grateful Dead has been named the 2025 Persons of the Year by MusiCares, the charitable arm of the Recording Academy, marking a significant milestone for the iconic band. The tribute will take place on January 31, 2025, just two days before the Grammys, during the annual MusiCares gala concert and dinner at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
This honor coincides with what may become a year-long celebration of the Grateful Dead’s 60th anniversary. It is only the third time in MusiCares history that a band, rather than an individual, has received the prestigious award, following Fleetwood Mac in 2018 and Aerosmith in 2020. Notably, this event will also commemorate the band’s late frontman, Jerry Garcia, alongside the four original surviving members — Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh, and Bobby Weir.
Since Garcia’s passing in 1995, these remaining members have continued the Grateful Dead’s legacy, most recently through their spinoff group Dead & Company. After retiring from touring in 2023, Dead & Company played a successful residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas from May through August of 2024, fueling fan hopes for more live performances in 2025 to mark the band’s 60th anniversary.
The MusiCares tribute will feature all-star performances of the Dead’s iconic catalog, with Don Was, renowned for his role in the recent Robbie Robertson tribute, set to serve as musical director. Lewis & Clark, the live event producers behind past MusiCares galas, will also return for this special night.
In a statement, Laura Segura, MusiCares executive director, highlighted the band’s influence: “The Dead’s legacy transcends music, having built a community of fans and collaborators that embody the spirit of connection and support… The band’s passion for the arts and philanthropy, along with their enduring commitment to social causes, has made a lasting impact that goes beyond the stage.”
The original band members expressed their gratitude in a joint statement, acknowledging the award as “a testament to the legacy of the music” and emphasizing their commitment to supporting those who work behind the scenes. They added, “We’re grateful to stand with MusiCares and hope everyone continues to support this vital mission to ensure music thrives in perpetuity.”
The Dead’s selection as MusiCares Persons of the Year is also a recognition of their charitable efforts, which include Garcia’s involvement with the Rex Foundation, Hart’s work in music therapy, Weir’s climate change advocacy, Kreutzmann’s ocean conservation efforts, and Lesh’s Unbroken Chain Foundation.
The 2025 gala will follow a tradition of honoring legendary musicians who have significantly contributed to both music and philanthropy. Previous MusiCares honorees include luminaries such as Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Dolly Parton, Bruce Springsteen, and Jon Bon Jovi, the 2024 recipient.
MusiCares continues its mission of providing preventive, emergency, and recovery support for musicians in need, and the Grateful Dead’s legacy of giving back perfectly aligns with this cause.
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