Major music labels have cancelled their glamorous Grammy afterparties due to the devastating wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles.
While the 67th Annual Grammy Awards will still proceed as planned on Sunday February 2 at the Crypto.com Arena, the usual star-studded celebrations have been deemed inappropriate given the ongoing crisis.
A music industry insider told MailOnline: ‘It feels inappropriate to go for a booze up during these times.
‘It’s such a relief that the ceremony will take place but anything more than that just wouldn’t feel right.’
Universal Music Group (UMG) led the charge, announcing the cancellation of all its Grammy-related events, including its Artist Showcase and afterparty.
A UMG spokesperson stated: ‘We have cancelled all of our Grammy-related events, including the Artist Showcase and After-Grammy Party and will redirect the resources that would have been used for those events to ᴀssist those affected by the wildfires.’
Major music labels have cancelled their glamorous Grammy afterparties due to the devastating wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles (Sabrina Carpenter pictured)
While the 67th Annual Grammy Awards will still proceed as planned on Sunday February 2, the usual star-studded celebrations have been deemed inappropriate (pictured Chappell Roan)
Following UMG’s decision, other major labels quickly followed suit.
Sony Music announced the cancellation of its Grammy Week events, with its parent company, Sony Group Corporation, pledging $5 million (£4.1 million) to emergency relief and long-term recovery efforts.
Warner Music Group (WMG), in partnership with the Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund, also announced an initial $1 million (£822,000) donation to support local fire relief initiatives.
A WMG representative said that their efforts would focus on aiding key organisations, first responders and those in the music industry affected by the fires.
BMG added: ‘It is with heavy hearts that we announce BMG will no longer host its Pre-Grammy Party on Tuesday, January 28.
‘Our thoughts are with everyone affected, and we extend our deepest graтιтude to the firefighters and first responders in Los Angeles County who are working tirelessly to contain the fires.’
Lucas Keller, founder of Milk & Honey Management, was among the first to publicly call for event cancellations.
Keller took to Instagram to share his decision to cancel Milk & Honey’s popular Grammy party, writing: ‘It would be tone deaf to celebrate and I hope all other companies will follow suit.’
Lucas Keller, founder of Milk & Honey Management, was among the first to publicly call for event cancellations. He said: ‘It would be tone deaf to celebrate’ (Pictured: Fire engulfs a home as the Eaton Fire moves through the area on January 08, 2025 in Altadena, California)
Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, and Tammy Hurt, chair of the academy’s board of trustees, addressed members via webinar on January 15 to outline plans for Grammy Week.
In a statement, Mason explained the rationale for proceeding with the awards ceremony: ‘We understand how devastating this past week has been on this city and its people. This is our home, it’s home to thousands of music professionals, and many of us have been negatively impacted.
‘After thoughtful consideration and multiple ᴀssurances from state and local elected leaders, public safety agencies and with support from our incredible artist community, we have decided to go ahead with the Grammy telecast and some select events.’
He continued: ‘This year’s show will carry a renewed sense of purpose: raising additional funds to support wildfire relief efforts and honouring the bravery and dedication of first responders who risk their lives to protect ours.’
The Recording Academy also revised its Grammy Week schedule, condensing planned activities to focus on relief efforts.
The telecast itself will serve as a platform to amplify resilience and raise funds for wildfire relief.
Despite these cancellations, Clive Davis’s pre-Grammy party and the MusiCares gala are still scheduled, with organisers incorporating charitable components to support victims of the fires.
Meanwhile, Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD Foundation has pledged $2.5 million (£2 million) to help displaced families and rebuild community infrastructure, and Live Nation has announced a benefit concert, FireAid, to further support recovery efforts.
Billie Eilish and Finneas, John Mayer, Gracie Abrams, Gwen Stefani, Joni Mitchell, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Lil Baby, Pink, the Red H๏τ Chili Peppers, Rod Stewart, Stevie Nicks, Sting, and Tate McRae are all scheduled to perform on January 30, with the event being streamed live.
