Universal Music Group Cancels Grammy Week Events
The Grammy Awards may take place on Sunday, February 2, but a number of Universal Music Group’s traditional Grammy Week events will not take place.
The largest music rights holder in the world announced in the last hour that it was canceling “all our Grammy related events” for 2025, including the annual after-Grammy party.
The annual UMG event has also been cancelled. “Artist’s Showcase” – traditionally led by the head of UMG Sir Lucian Grange – where music business figures are invited to watch exclusive live performances by talent associated with UMG.
Universal says it is canceling these parties 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.”
MBW understands that this step will require UMG to make monetary donations to organizations providing assistance to those in need in Los Angeles.
UMG noted social media has been collaborating with organizations including American Red Cross, California Community Foundation, California Fire Foundation, Defy: Disaster, Direct Relief, Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, MusiCares Relief Fund, and much more.
Continuing with your statement confirming the cancellation of the event, UMG added: “Our deepest gratitude goes to the first responders and emergency personnel who continue to act heroically.
“Los Angeles is home to many of us. We strive to help and support the music community, our artists, our teams and Los Angeles residents survive this terrible episode.”
Future of the Grammy Awards
The announcement from Universal is likely to spark conversations around the 2025 Grammy ceremony itself.
Earlier today (January 13), the Recording Academy said the 2025 show is expected to “go on as planned” on February 2 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
In a joint letter to members of the Recording Academy, the CEO of the Recording Academy, and MusiCares, Harvey Mason Jr. and Tammy Hurt, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, said: “In close coordination 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 it. the great city of Los Angeles.
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, in which an executive confirmed that he had canceled his upcoming business meetings in Europe to remain in Los Angeles and coordinate relief efforts.
“How Pacific Palisades Having lived here for 15 years, I have great sympathy for how many of you must be feeling and how this has ruined your and your family’s lives,” Grange wrote.
“However, despite all this uncertainty, we must continue to work together to benefit our artists and songwriters around the world.”
Community Support Initiatives
Near UMG, other music companies are also rallying in response to the bushfires.
Live Nation has announced a charity concert called Fire Aid which will take place on January 30th at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Los Angeles. AEG Presents and Azoff family are also participating in the production of the show, the artists of which are still unknown.
Meanwhile, the Recording Academy, which is hosting the Grammys, has joined forces with MusiCares to pledge $1 million.
Beyoncé‘s BeyGOOD Foundation has promised to donate $2.5 million to help families who have lost their housing. 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.
Warner Music Group/Blavatnik Family Foundation, Social Justice Foundation also has announced a $1 million donation for Los Angeles fire relief. The foundation said it will make donations to key organizations supporting the Los Angeles community, local first responders, and members of the music industry.
Additionally, Guitar Center is also taking action to help musicians who lost their instruments and equipment in the Los Angeles wildfires.
Other scheduled 2025 Grammy Week events canceled due to wildfires include Milk and Honey, a popular annual gathering dubbed “Awards Season”.
Three wildfires are still burning in the Los Angeles area; the largest of them is the Palisade Fire, which contains only 14%.
About 100,000 people remain under evacuation orders, and thousands of properties have been damaged or destroyed.
