UMG cancels Grammys events, directs funds to Los Angeles wildfire victims

A fire fighting helicopter drops water as the Palisades fire grows near the Mandeville Canyon neighborhood. [Patrick T. Fallon / AFP]

Universal Music Group (UMG) has decided to cancel all of its Grammy-related events, including its artist showcase and after-party. This move comes in response to the devastating wildfires currently affecting Los Angeles.

In a statement, UMG expressed its deepest gratitude to the first responders working tirelessly to combat the fires.

“Today 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 assist those affected by the wildfires,” said a statement from UMG posted on social media.

“Our deepest gratitude goes to the first responders and emergency personnel, who continue to perform heroically.”

UMG's decision follows a similar move by Warner Music Group, which also canceled its Grammy Week party and pledged $1 million to wildfire relief efforts.

“Our hearts are with LA. Today, we’ve announced an initial $1 million commitment, via the Warner Music Group / Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund, to help with the relief efforts amidst the Greater Los Angeles wildfires. These funds will be put towards community wellbeing, music industry support, and equipping first responders,” posted Warner Music Group.

While the Recording Academy plans to proceed with the 67th annual Grammy Awards telecast on February 2nd, they have acknowledged the ongoing crisis and pledged to raise additional funds to support wildfire relief efforts.

This decision by UMG highlights a growing sense of responsibility within the music industry to address social and environmental issues as seen from comments by some of the fans who responded on their Instagram post.