Dave Matthews Drops Out of FireAid & MusiCares Grateful Dead Tribute Due to Family Emergency

Dave Matthews has pulled out of two major events coming up fast this week — FireAid and the MusiCares Grateful Dead — to tend to a family emergency.

In a statement posted to the Dave Matthews Band Instagram account Wednesday (Jan. 29), Matthews’ team wrote, “Due to a critical illness in the family, Dave Matthews is unfortunately unable to perform at the FireAid and MusiCares benefits this week.”

The news comes just one day ahead of FireAid, which is set to take place in Los Angeles Thursday (Jan. 30) to raise money for wildfire relief. The “Where Are You Going” singer had been expected to perform a duet with John Mayer during the show, but fans can still expect to see Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Lady Gaga, No Doubt, Katy Perry, Jelly Roll, Sting, Stevie Nicks and a host of other superstars on the lineup perform at the Intuit Dome and Kia Forum.

The next day, MusiCares’ Person of the Year gala — an annual Grammy Week event that will this year honor the “Touch of Grey” rock band — will take place at the Los Angeles Convention Center. In Matthews’ absence, Mayer, Mick Fleetwood, Norah Jones, Maren Morris, Noah Kahan, Vampire Weekend and more previously announced acts will still perform at the event, as will Dead & Company.

In addition to the performances, original Grateful Dead members Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann and Bob Weir will be recognized for their musical contributions and philanthropy, while late band founders Jerry Garcia and Phil Lesh will be honored posthumously.

See Matthews’ post below.

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