War On Drugs, Vampire Weekend To Play MusiCares Grateful Dead Tribute Concert
War On Drugs, Mick Fleetwood and Vampire Weekend are among the acts set to play the MusiCares tribute to the Grateful Dead.
The MusiCares Persons of the Year benefit gala, one of several official pre-Grammy Awards functions scheduled to take place in Los Angeles ahead of the 2 February awards show, will go on with its tribute to the Grateful Dead on 31 January.
The Hollywood Reporter reports that the line-up includes: Dead & Company, John Mayer, Mick Fleetwood with Stewart Copeland, Norah Jones, Maren Morris, Noah Kahan, Vampire Weekend, Sierra Farrell and Lukas Nelson, Dwight Yoakam, Billy Strings, My Morning Jacket, the War and Treaty, Sammy Hagar, Zac Brown and the War on Drugs. Previous Grateful Dead collaborator Bruce Hornsby is also expected and friend of the band, and Bravo TV host, Andy Cohen — himself a longtime Deadhead who has hosted Weir on Watch What Happens — will MC the evening.
When the honour was announced last year, Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh and Bobby Weir collectively issued a statement that said in part, “We are deeply honored to be recognized as MusiCares Persons of the Year. This honor is truly a testament to the legacy of the music, which has always been bigger than us — it’s about the connection between us, the crew, and all those who’ve been on this long strange trip. 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, no matter what life throws at them. We’re grateful to stand with MusiCares and hope everyone continues to support this vital mission to ensure music thrives in perpetuity.” Since the announcement was made, Lesh has died at 84 years old.
MusiCares cited the group’s charitable efforts as one reason for their selection, noting how “Garcia’s involvement with the Rex Foundation, Hart’s work in music therapy and brain health, Weir’s advocacy for addressing climate change and combating poverty, Kreutzmann’s ocean conservation efforts, and Lesh’s Unbroken Chain Foundation underscore the band’s commitment to making a difference beyond the stage.”
Previous MusiCares Person of the Year honorees include Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Dolly Parton, Fleetwood Mac, Lionel Richie, Jon Bon Jovi, Berry Gordy, Smokey Robinson, Carole King, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney and Barbra Streisand.