Every year since 1991, MusiCares, the Recording Academy's charitable arm, has honored a Person Of The Year at a gala on Grammys weekend. Sometimes they give the award to persons, plural, rather than a person, singular. In 2027, those persons will be U2.
No, this is not a "Who's on first?" routine referencing the time Time named "You" the Person Of The Year. MusiCares announced today that Bono, the Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. will be the next Persons Of The Year. They're receiving the award in recognition of five decades of musical achievement (including 22 Grammy wins) and using their platform to advance humanitarian causes. Bono was already named the 2003 MusiCares Person Of The Year, but now MusiCares is choosing to spotlight the work of all four members.
Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy and MusiCares, had this to say:
"We are honored to celebrate and recognize U2 as this year's MusiCares Persons of the Year. Their impact goes far beyond the stage. Not only has their music defined generations, but they've been equally exemplary in their dedication to humanitarian work and using their platform for good. We are so excited to come together to honor their collective artistry and commitment to giving back on this special night."
U2 have a statement too:
We are huge fans of MusiCares and the lifelines they provide across the incredible pool of talent that is the music industry. We've been recording and touring for 50 years because of that pool, from producers and engineers to carpenters and riggers. "Persons of the Year" couldn't be a better title as it’s the people we’ve been so fortunate to work with, and of course our indomitable audience, that have given us the opportunity to keep making music and keep rocking the boat on things we really care about. It’s such an honour, and we’re very excited to be in the front row of our first ever U2 gig…we know we’re gonna be outplayed."
U2's note there about getting outplayed is a reference to the parade of tribute performances that tends to unfold at this gala. It will be interesting to see who they line up for that. The event is set for Friday, Feb. 5, 2027 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
