New sustainability award named in honor of Bob Weir

The Music Sustainability Alliance will recognize individuals and organizations advancing environmental responsibility in the music industry.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:00pm

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The late Bob Weir, co-founder of the Grateful Dead, is being honored with a new sustainability award from the Music Sustainability Alliance (MSA). The MSA Bobby Weir Sustainability Awards will be handed out annually to recognize 'individuals and organizations in music who are advancing environmental responsibility and climate action.' Weir's family has endorsed the awards, which 'celebrate those who embody his long-standing commitment to protecting the natural world while strengthening the cultural power of music.'

Why it matters

As a pioneering musician and environmentalist, Bob Weir's legacy of promoting sustainability and eco-consciousness within the music industry is being cemented through this new award. The MSA hopes the Bobby Awards will shine a spotlight on leaders driving progress toward a more sustainable future for the music ecosystem.

The details

The first Bobby Awards will be presented on April 14, 2026 in Los Angeles during the Music Sustainability Summit. The awards are being launched with the support of Weir's family, who say he 'always strived to leave nothing but bare footprints on the Earth' and spent decades encouraging the music world to consider its environmental impact.

  • The MSA Bobby Weir Sustainability Awards will be handed out annually starting in 2026.
  • The first Bobby Awards ceremony will take place on April 14, 2026 in Los Angeles.

The players

Bob Weir

The late co-founder of the Grateful Dead, known for his long-standing commitment to environmental protection and sustainability.

Music Sustainability Alliance (MSA)

A non-profit organization that has launched the new awards program to recognize individuals and organizations advancing sustainability in the music industry.

Amy Morrison

Co-founder and CEO of the Music Sustainability Alliance.

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What they’re saying

“Bobby always strived to leave nothing but bare footprints on the Earth. If it was helpful to the planet, animals, or others, it was always a yes for him. He spent decades encouraging the music world to consider its impact on the land, the climate, and future generations. We appreciate the opportunity to support MSA as it recognizes leaders carrying that spirit forward.”

— Weir family

“Bobby Weir has long demonstrated how music can inspire care for the planet, and we're honored to have the support of the Weir family to recognize the innovators and leaders transforming the music industry and turn that spirit into real environmental progress. We hope the awards will shine a spotlight on the people across the music ecosystem who are proving that sustainability and creativity can move forward together.”

— Amy Morrison, Co-founder and CEO, Music Sustainability Alliance

What’s next

The first Bobby Awards ceremony will take place on April 14, 2026 in Los Angeles during the Music Sustainability Summit.

The takeaway

By honoring Bob Weir's legacy of environmental advocacy, the new MSA Bobby Weir Sustainability Awards aim to amplify and celebrate the music industry's leaders in sustainability, inspiring others to follow in Weir's footsteps of using their platforms to drive positive change for the planet.