It would be great if MusiCares opened its vaults again so that ordinary music fans for whom a $1,000 ticket is simply out of reach can see some of these classic performance clips.
Traditionally, the Friday night before the Grammys is reserved for the MusiCares Person of the Year gala, an annual salute to an artist selected not only for their musical achievement, but for their philanthropic contributions. This year, COVID-19 prohibited people gathering in person so Friday night (March 12), MusiCares’ parent, the Recording Academy, pivoted to a 90-minute virtual celebration dubbed Music on a Mission.
The event featured new performances by BTS, Haim, H.E.R., Jhené Aiko and John Legend, as well as performances drawn from past Person of the Year galas by Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Lady Gaga, Usher, Paul McCartney, Jonas Brothers and Stevie Nicks & Tom Petty.
MusiCares, which provides financial and medical assistance to members of the music community, opened up the evening to the public with tickets priced at an affordable $25. Usually capped at 2,000 people at the LA Convention Center and with tickets starting at more than $1,000, this year’s event drew more than 18,000 people online.
