The Grateful Dead were honored as MusiCares Persons of the Year at a charity gala in downtown Los Angeles, bringing “joy and positivity” to the event despite recent devastating wildfires. The tribute concert featured standout performances from Wynonna Judd, John Mayer, and Noah Kahan.
Host Andy Cohen set the tone with his enthusiasm for the legendary rock band, saying he had lost count of how many Dead shows he’d seen. Drummer Mickey Hart expressed the band’s impact on humanity, stating that music has always been its greatest healer.
The event raised money for music people affected by the fires and included a mix of performances from various artists. Judd received a standing ovation after singing “Ramble on Rose,” while Mayer joked about the band’s more risqué songs.
Grammy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. praised the Grateful Dead’s legacy, saying their music has uplifted millions and supported the city’s renewal efforts. The evening ended with a tribute to the late Phil Lesh’s son, Grahame, who was in attendance.
The event was a celebration of community and humanity through music, as envisioned by the Grateful Dead themselves. As Weir said, “Longevity was never a major concern of ours… Lighting folks up and spreading joy through music was all we really had in mind.”
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/the-grateful-dead-honored-at-grammys-gala-as-joy-and-positivity-shine-bright-after-la-fires-170928580.html