U2 Set to Receive MusiCares 2027 Persons of the Year Honor Ahead of Band’s Landmark 50th Anniversary

U2 will be celebrated as the 2027 MusiCares Persons of the Year at a benefit gala on February 5, 2027, in Los Angeles — a tribute arriving in conjunction with the band’s remarkable 50th anniversary. Members Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. will be recognized for both their extraordinary musical legacy and their longstanding commitment to humanitarian causes worldwide.

As one of the most celebrated acts in modern music and winners of 22 Grammy Awards, U2 will be honored for a body of work that has spanned generations, as well as for decades of leveraging their influence and resources in support of social justice and global humanitarian efforts.

“We are honored to celebrate and recognize U2 as this year’s MusiCares Persons of the Year,” said Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy and MusiCares. “Their reach extends far beyond the stage. Their music has defined entire generations, and they have been equally exemplary in their dedication to humanitarian work and using their platform for positive change. We look forward to coming together on this special night to honor their collective artistry and generosity.”

Formed in 1976 after meeting at a Dublin high school, U2 has sold over 170 million albums worldwide and built a career that has resonated across multiple generations of recorded music and live performance. Beyond their musical achievements, the four members have championed a wide array of philanthropic and humanitarian campaigns, serving as advocates for peace, justice, and human rights since the earliest days of their career.

“We are huge fans of MusiCares and the lifelines they provide across the incredible pool of talent that is the music industry,” the band said in a statement. “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, because it is the people we’ve been so fortunate to work with, and of course our indomitable audience, who have given us the opportunity to keep making music and keep rocking the boat on things we really care about.”

The statement also carried a lighthearted nod to the gala tradition of fellow artists performing the honorees’ songs: “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 history of activism stretches back well before they signed a record deal. The band campaigned against apartheid in South Africa and, in 2005, received Amnesty International’s Ambassador of Conscience Award. They have also provided early and ongoing philanthropic funding for Music Generation, Ireland’s national music education program, which aims to empower young people across the island of Ireland to realize their full potential through access to high-quality instruction in playing, singing, and creating music.

In addition to their collective work, each member has pursued distinct humanitarian efforts. Bono co-founded the organizations ONE and (RED) to pressure governments and businesses to do more in the fight against AIDS and extreme poverty, and he played a pivotal role in persuading President Bush to establish PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief), which has saved 26 million lives to date. Following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, The Edge co-founded Music Rising to replace instruments and equipment for musicians, schools, and music programs affected by disaster. Adam Clayton has spoken openly about recovery and supported efforts focused on addiction and mental health, including Ireland’s Walk in My Shoes initiative. Larry Mullen Jr. has drawn attention to dyslexia and learning differences through his role as a producer of the documentary Left Behind.

“Throughout their career, U2 has demonstrated the extraordinary power of music to bring people together, draw attention to urgent needs, and inspire action,” said Theresa Wolters, executive director of MusiCares. “Bono, The Edge, Adam, and Larry have each found meaningful ways to put their voices and resources to work for others. Together, U2 has supported causes spanning global health, disaster response, addiction recovery, mental health, and access to music education.”

“What resonates so strongly with MusiCares is their belief that success in music comes with an opportunity to care for the people around you. We are proud to recognize artists who have spent decades pairing extraordinary artistry with a genuine sense of service.”

U2 joins a distinguished roster of past MusiCares honorees, including Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Barbra Streisand, the Grateful Dead, Jon Bon Jovi, Berry Gordy, Smokey Robinson, Joni Mitchell, Aretha Franklin, and Bob Dylan.

The U2 recognition marks a historic first in the 35-year history of MusiCares’ Persons of the Year: the first time the organization has honored both an individual artist and their band. Previously, Bono was named the 2003 MusiCares Person of the Year, and Adam Clayton received the MusiCares Stevie Ray Vaughan Award in 2017.

The 36th annual Persons of the Year benefit gala will be held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Friday, February 5, 2027, on its traditional date of two nights before the 2027 Grammys at Crypto.com Arena.

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