The 2025 Grateful Dead were honored at the annual MusiCares Persons of the Year Charity Gala, held at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The event took place on Friday night amidst an ongoing disaster in Southern California, where a massive fire had recently ravaged the region.
Drummer Mickey Hart expressed his humility and gratitude as he accepted the honor, citing past struggles that included being banned from Disneyland due to their long hair. The Grateful Dead’s 60th anniversary served as a fitting tribute, with President and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. noting that L.A.’s music community was particularly affected by the fires.
Band members Bobby Weir and Mickey Hart were in attendance, alongside several other notable musicians, including Jerry Garcia’s daughter Trixie and Woody Harrelson wearing a tie-dye tie. The event featured an impressive lineup of performances, including Norah Jones on piano, Zac Brown and Marcus King on guitar, and a surprise appearance by country singer Lainey Wilson.
The evening’s emotional highlight came when Wynonna Judd paid tribute to Robert Weir, describing him as “my family of choice” after he had supported her during her mother’s passing. Other notable performances included Noah Kahan, Béla Fleck, Vampire Weekend, and Billy Strings.
John Mayer closed out the night with an epic rendition of “Terrapin Station,” joining Dead & Company for a rousing performance of “Touch of Grey.” In his acceptance speech, Weir vowed that Southern California would rise again, stronger and shinier, after years of rebuilding.
Source: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-live-reviews/grateful-dead-musicares-2025-1235249407