Grateful Dead Honored as MusiCares Persons of the Year, Raising Millions for Charity

At the annual MusiCares gala on Friday night, the Grateful Dead were recognized as Persons of the Year for their philanthropic efforts, generating $9 million for the organization's overall work and an additional $5 million for victims of the L.A. wildfires.

Absent Members Remembered

Bob Weir, one of the band's founding members, acknowledged the absence of some of his bandmates. Phil Lesh passed away shortly before the announcement, while Jerry Garcia and Bill Kreutzmann were absent due to health reasons.

Philanthropy and Joy

Despite their own mortality, Weir emphasized that "Lighting folks up and spreading joy through the music was all we really had in mind, and we got plenty of that done." He also highlighted the importance of providing material assistance to those in need.

All-Star Performances

The gala featured a star-studded lineup performing Grateful Dead classics, including Noah Kahan, Billy Strings, Vampire Weekend, the War on Drugs, and Maren Morris. The night ended with a performance by Dead & Company, featuring John Mayer alongside Weir.

Loose Atmosphere and Deadhead Demeanor

Despite the formal setting, the atmosphere was relaxed, with attendees unable to resist dancing and moving closer to the stage as the music started.

Harrelson's Drug Antics

Presenter Woody Harrelson shared a memorable anecdote about sharing psychedelic experiences with Jerry Garcia and having an awkward encounter with roadies while sitting on an active MIDI keyboard.

Mayer's Humorous Take

John Mayer joked that the Grateful Dead's catalog lacked "horny" songs, unless one considered gambling or drinking.

Mayer's Epic Terrapin Station

Mayer's nearly 12-minute rendition of "Terrapin Station" was the highlight of the evening, demonstrating his virtuosity and earning praise as the perfect replacement for Garcia.

Varied Musical Contributions

The setlist reflected the influence of the Grateful Dead on modern musicians. Rock bands like Vampire Weekend and the War on Drugs took to the main stage, while country artists like Zac Brown and Maren Morris showcased the Dead's impact on Americana.

Dead & Company's Finale

Dead & Company's climax with "Touch of Grey" resonated with attendees, reminding them of the band's enduring legacy and their own aging process.

Bob Weir and Mickey Hart's Speeches

Weir and Hart both gave eloquent speeches, acknowledging the challenges faced by the music industry and emphasizing the power of community and support. Hart emphasized the importance of music as a force for healing and strength.

Setlist

The complete setlist for the MusiCares tribute to the Grateful Dead on January 31, 2025:

* "Samson and Delilah" - The War and Treaty with Mick Fleetwood and Stewart Copeland
* "One More Saturday Night" - My Morning Jacket and Maggie Rose
* "Ripple" - Norah Jones
* "Bertha" - Zac Brown and Marcus King
* "Ramble On Rose" - Wynonna Judd
* "Friend of the Devil" - Noah Kahan and Bela Fleck
* "Scarlet Begonias" - Vampire Weekend
* "Truckin'" - Dwight Yoakam
* "They Love Each Other" - Maren Morris
* "It Must Have Been the Roses" - Sierra Farrell and Lukas Nelson
* "Wharf Rat" - Billy Strings
* "Loose Lucy" - Sammy Hagar
* "Standing on the Moon" - Bruce Hornsby
* "Box of Rain" - The War on Drugs
* "Terrapin Station" - John Mayer
* "Althea," "Sugar Magnolia," "Touch of Grey" - Dead & Company