The 67th Grammy Awards, scheduled for February 2 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, will go ahead as planned despite the ongoing wildfires ravaging LA County. The Recording Academy has confirmed that the event will proceed while also serving as a platform to raise funds for wildfire relief efforts. In a joint letter, Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy and MusiCares, and Tammy Hurt, Chair of the board of trustees, expressed solidarity with those affected by the disaster and emphasized the unifying power of music during challenging times. The music industry has rallied behind this cause, with several major companies and foundations pledging substantial donations and organizing benefit events.
The decision to proceed with the Grammy Awards comes after careful coordination with local authorities to ensure public safety. Harvey Mason Jr. and Tammy Hurt acknowledged the devastating impact of the wildfires on the city, stating that music can provide healing and unity. The event will not only celebrate musical achievements but also highlight the resilience of Los Angeles. The Recording Academy and MusiCares have already distributed over $2 million in emergency aid to those affected, thanks to additional contributions from various sources.
The music industry has shown remarkable support in response to the crisis. Warner Music Group and the Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund have committed $1 million to assist first responders and the broader community. Beyoncé's BeyGOOD Foundation has pledged $2.5 million to help families who lost their homes, with part of the funds going to churches and community centers. Universal Music Group (UMG) revealed that at least 50 employees have lost their homes or been displaced, prompting immediate support measures from UMG Chairman and CEO Sir Lucian Grainge.
In addition to financial aid, the industry is organizing events to further bolster relief efforts. Live Nation has announced a benefit concert called FireAid, set for January 30 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Los Angeles. AEG Presents and the Azoff Family are collaborating on the show, which will feature artists yet to be announced. Guitar Center is also stepping in to assist musicians who lost instruments and equipment in the fires.
Despite the ongoing challenges, the Grammy Awards will serve as a beacon of hope and resilience. By combining celebration and philanthropy, the event aims to honor both the achievements of the music community and the bravery of those impacted by the wildfires. The music industry's collective response underscores its commitment to supporting the communities it serves, particularly in times of crisis.