THE DEAD ARE MUSICARES 2025 PERSONS OF THE YEAR

The Grateful Dead’s long, strange trip will take a happy turn on 1/31 when the band is honored as MusiCares Persons of the Year for 2025.

The band, which the Recording Academy honored with its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007, was chosen due to their long-standing advocacy efforts. The work of its members includes the late Jerry Garcia’s involvement with the Rex Foundation, Mickey Hart’s contributions to music therapy and brain health, Bob Weir's advocacy for addressing climate change and combating poverty, Bill Kreutzmann’s ocean-conservation efforts and Phil Lesh’s Unbroken Chain Foundation.

The event, to be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, will be produced by live-event broadcast outfit Lewis & Clark, made up of Joe Lewis and R.A. Clark. Don Was will serve as musical director, with a lineup of performers yet to be announced.

MusiCares Executive Director Laura Segura said the Dead were selected because “their legacy transcends music, having built a community of fans and collaborators that embody the spirit of connection and support, something that is deeply aligned with MusiCares’ mission," allowing, "It's a privilege to celebrate their contributions to both music and humanity.”

The surviving members of the band, which will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2025, opined as one that the honor “is truly a testament to the legacy of the music, which has always been bigger than us," continuing, "It’s not just about what we create but about making sure the people behind it, behind us every night, the ones who quietly make it all happen, get the support they need to keep going. We’re grateful to stand with MusiCares and hope everyone continues to support its vital mission to ensure that music thrives in perpetuity.”

Tables and tickets are available for purchase by clicking here.

In addition to the MusiCares honor, the Dead will be included in the 47th class of Kennedy Center Honorees. Those awards will be held 12/8 and air 12/23 on CBS.