UMG, Sony, And Others Cancel Grammy-Related Events Due To LA Wildfires

As the wildfires continue to affect Southern California, UMG was the first to announce that it has decided to cancel all events planned in the current Grammy season. Canceled is not only its annual after-Grammy party but also its ‘Artist Showcase,’ where music associates are invited to watch exclusive live performances from UMG-affiliated talent.

In a public statement, Universal emphasized its commitment to “redirect resources that would have been used on these events to assist those affected by the [Los Angeles] wildfires.” The record company has also noted on its social media that it’s collaborating and partnering with organizations such as the American Red Cross, California Community Foundation, California Fire Foundation, Defy: Disaster, and LA Regional Food Bank to provide aid in the tragic circumstances.

Following UMG’s lead, Sony Music has called off its Grammy-season events and pledged $5 million to support emergency relief and contribute to long-term recovery efforts amid the catastrophic wildfires.

Similarly, Warner Music canceled its pre-Grammy party, with the Warner Music Group/Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund donating $1 to relief efforts.

Alongside UMG, Sony Music, and Warner Music, other companies and artists have stepped up in response to the California natural disaster. Live Nation announced a benefit concert, FireAid, set for January 30th, while Guitar Center pledged to assist musicians who have lost their instruments and equipment in the fires.

Additionally, Backline, a mental health non-profit, is offering its services to artists in Los Angeles via its social media, while another non-profit, Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, has established a natural disaster relief fund to support artists and industry workers in LA and the surrounding area.

Some high-profile artists have also announced donations and made significant distributions. For instance, Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD Foundation committed $2.5 million to those who lost their homes in the fires.

In light of the tragedy, Beyoncé has postponed her special January 14th announcement to a later date. Similarly, Canadian singer The Weeknd canceled his concert at the Rose Bowl on January 25th. Other music events have also been canceled or postponed, including the Critics Choice Awards, Milk & Honey‘s popular annual ‘Award Season’ get-together, or the shows by Canadian artist Burton Cummings and the Southern California rock band Young the Giant.

Despite the ongoing crisis, one event will proceed as planned during this period—this year’s Grammys. While no public backlash has surfaced so far, some industry voices, including Music Business Worldwide (BMG), suggest that the Recording Academy’s decision to move forward with the event may give the impression that organizers’ interests are prioritized over those affected by the wildfires.

In contrast, the collective decisions of major labels and other music companies to cancel events highlight a more cautious and empathetic approach to the situation, focusing on safety and solidarity with everyone affected.