Sony Music Cancels Events Amid Wildfires
Sony Music is canceling all of its events during Grammy Week and redirecting its efforts and funds to fight the wildfires in Los Angeles.
Major becomes the latest to confirm that his Grammy events will not go ahead this year amid devastating wildfires that continue to burn in Los Angeles County.
Support for Wildfire Relief Efforts
The Recording Academy confirmed on Monday (Jan. 13) that the 2025 show will “go on as planned” on Feb. 2 at the Crypto.com Arena.
However, a growing number of music companies, including Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and Sony Music, are abandoning Grammy-related events and redirecting resources to local relief efforts.
Earlier today (January 14), Sony Music’s parent company, Sony Group Corporation, announced a $5 million donation to support emergency relief and long-term recovery efforts in response to the wildfires currently ravaging Southern California.
The contribution will go to organizations providing critical support to first responders, assisting affected communities in their recovery efforts, and offering essential assistance to employees affected by the disaster.
Harvey Mason Jr. and Tammy Hurt, the CEO of the Recording Academy and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, stated in a joint letter: “In close collaboration with local authorities to ensure public safety and responsible use of area resources, the 67th Grammy Awards telecast on CBS on February 2 will proceed as planned.
“However, this year’s exhibition will have a new goal: Raising additional funds to support wildfire relief efforts and honoring the bravery and dedication of first responders who risk their lives to protect ours.
“In difficult times, music has the power to heal, comfort, and unite like nothing else. The Grammy Awards will not only celebrate the artistry and achievements of our music community but will also serve as a platform to reinforce the spirit of sustainability that defines the great city of Los Angeles.”
Universal Music Group also confirmed Monday that its traditional Grammy-related activities will not take place this year. It canceled its annual after-Grammy party and its annual “Artist’s Showcase”, typically led by UMG’s head Sir Lucian Grange.
Universal stated they were canceling these events during Grammy Week this year to “redirect resources that could have been used during these events to help those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires.”
More than 50 Universal Music Group employees have lost or been forced from their homes due to wildfires.
This figure was revealed in a recent letter from Sir Lucian Grange to staff, confirming the cancellation of his upcoming business meetings in Europe to remain in Los Angeles and coordinate relief efforts.
Warner Music Group also has canceled its pre-Grammy party.
The Warner Music Group/Blavatnik Family Foundation, Social Justice Foundation announced an initial 1 million dollars donation for Los Angeles fire relief. The foundation stated it will donate to key organizations supporting the Los Angeles community, local first responders, and members of the music industry.
Alongside UMG, Warner, and Sony, other music companies are also rallying in response to the bushfires.
Live Nation has announced a charity concert called Fire Assistance, which will take place on January 30th at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Los Angeles. AEG Presents and Azoff Family are also involved in the production of the show, with the artists yet to be announced.
Meanwhile, the Recording Academy, which is hosting the Grammys, has joined forces with MusiCares to pledge 1 million dollars.
Beyoncé and her BeyGOOD Foundation have promised to donate $2.5 million to assist families who have lost their homes. A portion of the funds will also go to churches and community centers. Beyoncé’s mother Tina Knowles is among those who have lost their homes in the bushfires.
Additionally, Guitar Center is also intervening to assist musicians who lost their instruments and equipment in the Los Angeles wildfires.
Elsewhere, Backline, a mental health nonprofit, offers its services to musicians in Los Angeles through social media. “You can contact us through our application form, and an account manager will reach out to provide the long-term support you need,” Backline stated on its website. Instagram.
Another non-profit organization, Sweet Relief Musicians Foundation, has established a disaster relief fund to support musicians and music industry workers in Los Angeles County and surrounding areas. The fund will help replace lost music equipment, cover medical expenses from the fires, and support basic living expenses.
Good Boy Records, founded by producer Eli Rizq, is offering Studio City recording space for musicians who lost their studios in the Los Angeles fires.
Furthermore, the NAMM Foundation has dedicated US$50,000 and is accepting additional donations through its website. The fund will provide assistance as necessary to NAMM members, employees of NAMM member companies, music education programs, and music professionals affected by the fires.
Outside the music industry, numerous corporations have also supported disaster relief and recovery efforts. Among them, the parent company NBCUniversal, Comcast, Netflix, and Amazon have all pledged to donate 10 million dollars. Warner Bros. Discovery has also committed to donate $15 million for recovery and response.
Other scheduled 2025 Grammy Week events canceled due to wildfires include Milk and Honey, a popular annual gathering titled “Awards Season”.
BMG has also canceled its pre-Grammy party. In a statement released Tuesday afternoon, BMG expressed: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce BMG will no longer host the pre-Grammy party on Tuesday, January 28th.
“Our thoughts are with all those affected, and we extend our deepest gratitude to the firefighters and first responders in Los Angeles County who are tirelessly working to control the fires.”
Three wildfires are still burning in the Los Angeles area; the largest of which, the Palisades Fire, is only 14% contained.
NBC reports that 88,000 people are still under evacuation orders, with 84,800 more under warnings throughout Los Angeles. Thousands of properties have been damaged or destroyed.
