Dave Matthews will no longer be performing at FireAid, a star-studded concert aimed at raising funds for wildfire relief in the Los Angeles area, nor at the MusiCares Person of the Year benefit gala this week.
The official Dave Matthews Band Instagram account announced that Matthews had to withdraw from both events due to a “critical illness in the family.” A spokesperson for the band told The Associated Press that no further comments would be made on the matter.
Matthews was originally scheduled to perform alongside John Mayer for the first time at FireAid, which is taking place at the Kia Forum. All proceeds from FireAid will go to wildfire victims, with contributions being funneled through a 501(c)(3) organization under the Annenberg Foundation, which has set up a small advisory committee.
Additionally, Matthews had been set to perform at MusiCares’ 2025 Persons of the Year gala, which is honoring the Grateful Dead this year.
MusiCares is an organization that provides financial, personal, and medical support to music professionals in need.
Earlier this month, the Recording Academy, which organizes the Grammys, along with MusiCares, launched the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort, starting with a $1 million donation. According to a letter sent to members on January 13, additional donations have allowed them to distribute $2 million in emergency aid so far. They have currently raised and pledged over $4 million in total to support those in the music industry affected by the wildfires.
