Rock History

Grammy Awards

2008 – Grammys still on.

While the writers’ strike put a damper on the Golden Globes, the Writers Guild of America announced Tuesday (January 22) that the striking union will not protest the upcoming Grammy Awards, as had been expected.

The unresolved writers’ strike already resulted in a scaled-back Golden Globes and was looming over the Grammy telecast, which is scheduled to air live February 10 from Los Angeles.

Beyoncé and the Foo Fighters had been the only acts to commit to perform at the event so far. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, more artists should begin to announce their intentions to attend the Grammy Awards as well.

“We are pleased with the decision made by the WGA today,” said Neil Portnow, president of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Science, which organizes the Grammy telecast. “In light of this, we are gratified that the 50th Annual Grammy Awards will focus solely on the great music, artists and charitable work resulting from our show. We look forward to unveiling the exciting lineup of artists who will give our worldwide audience one of the most memorable Grammy shows ever.”

The production of the show, however, is still fraught with concerns — particularly over writers’ participation. The Recording Academy is still working on securing a deal with the WGA to permit its staff writers to contribute to the production of the show.

According to a spokesman for the WGA, a decision to grant an interim agreement has not been reached yet. Billboard is reporting that a meeting between the WGA board of directors and the Recording Academy is set for Tuesday night to discuss finer details of the proposal.

Last week Beyoncé’s father, Mathew Knowles, and Foo Fighters manager John Silva made statements that were optimistic that an agreement would be reached to ensure the telecast. Both men also expressed support for the writers.

“The work of the Recording Academy is vital to the music industry, and we have every intention of being with the entire music community to celebrate the Grammys,” Knowles said.

Silva echoed Knowles’ sentiments. “We are hopeful that we will see a resolution to the current situation affecting our entire industry,” he said. “[The] Foo Fighters have always had nothing short of amazing experiences with the writers, producers, fellow artists and audiences at the Grammys and every television show the band has ever played.”

As reported by MTV News

2003 - Eight people are struck by lightning before a Dave Matthews Band concert in East Troy, Wisconsin. Further confirming suspicions that one “in fact” should not go to a Dave Mathews Band Concert… Either that or East Troy is just lightningy.

2002 – Dave Matthew’s strained vocal chords forces the postponement of a DMB show at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

2001 – Actor Kevin Spacey hosts Come Together: A Night for John Lennon’s Words and Music at New York’s Radio City Music Hall. Performers include Marc Anthony, Alanis Morissette, Moby, Stone Temple Pilots and the Dave Mathews Band. The evening is closed with those present singing “Give Peace A Chance”.