John Lennon

John Lennon

Photo: Ron Howard/Redferns

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John Lennon, Sting, Alicia Keys: 7 Songs For Starting Over In 2018

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With hits from Leonard Cohen, the Byrds, Nina Simone, and more, find the motivation for a brand-new you this New Year
Renée Fabian
GRAMMYs
Jan 4, 2018 - 10:12 am

Each New Year offers the opportunity for a fresh new start, whether you're looking to wash away the sins of the previous year or reinvent a better future that follows your ultimate dreams. Starting over isn't an easy task, but we have one recommendation that will help motivate you: music.

Don't be a fuddy duddy. Kick-start 2018 with this playlist of seven songs all about starting over, including hits from John Lennon, the Byrds, Sting, and Alicia Keys, among others.

1. The Byrds, "Turn! Turn! Turn!"

Starting with its lyrics, "To everything (turn, turn, turn)/There is a season," this GRAMMY Hall Of Fame classic is a great reminder that everything is always changing anyway, so now is as good a time as any to give something new a chance. The composition was written by Pete Seeger in the late 1950s, but the lyrics come almost verbatim from the Book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible. The song didn't hit it big until the Byrds got their turn at it in 1965. Reportedly, it took Roger McGuinn & Co. 78 takes to perfect their folk-rock arrangement.

2. Leonard Cohen, "Anthem"

GRAMMY winner Leonard Cohen had a knack for poetry powerful enough to move mountains, and his "Anthem" is one such gem. This 1992 tune about embracing imperfection and marching forward in the face of adversity contains one of Cohen's most-quoted lines: "Ring the bells that still can ring/Forget your perfect offering/There is a crack, a crack in everything/That's how the light gets in." And we'll leave you with one final line from the master that encapsulates starting over: "The birds they sing, at the break of day/Start again, I heard them say/Don't dwell on what has passed away/Or what is yet to be."

3. Gil Scott-Heron, "I'm New Here"

Taken from his 2010 album of the same name, "I'm New Here" came near the end of Gil Scott-Heron's storied life. The album saw Scott-Heron, according to Drowned In Sound's Robert Ferguson, "pick over the bones of his life, acknowledging the hard times and his own mistakes, but standing proud of all they have led him to become." Embodying this sentiment accompanied only by an acoustic guitar, Scott-Heron's bluesy, semi-spoken "I'm New Here" brings out the poignancy of change. Its key lyric, "No matter how far wrong you've gone/You can always turn around," is something to keep in mind year-round, let alone January.

4. Alicia Keys, "Brand New Me"

Alicia Keys went full bore on the empowering messages of her 2012 album, Girl On Fire —  the Best R&B Album winner at the 56th GRAMMY Awards — including the track, "Brand New Me." Co-written with singer/songwriter Emeli Sandé, the soft pop/R&B ballad describes growing as a person and becoming a brand-new version of yourself. "Brand new me is about the journey it takes to get to a place where you are proud to be a new you," Keys wrote on her website at the time of the song's release.

5. John Lennon, "(Just Like) Starting Over"

A quintessential start-anew song, former Beatle John Lennon included "(Just Like) Starting Over" on his GRAMMY-winning 1980 album, Double Fantasy. "(Just Like) Starting Over" was the album's first single because Lennon felt it best represented his return following a five-year hiatus from music. It's also a love song, but the theme of starting over has a universal resonance "It's time to spread our wings and fly/Don't let another day go by my love/It'll be just like starting over." It became Lennon's second chart-topping single in the U.S., reaching No. 1 after his death on Dec. 8, 1980.

6. Nina Simone, "Feeling Good"

"It's a new dawn/It's a new day/It's a new life for me/I'm feelin' good." Could you ask for better lyrics for embarking on a new journey? Nina Simone recorded her version of "Feeling Good," which was originally written for the musical "The Roar Of The Greasepaint — The Smell Of The Crowd," on her 1965 album I Put A Spell On You. While artists such as Michael Bublé, John Coltrane, George Michael, and Muse subsequently covered it, no alternative is quite as powerful — or soulful — as Simone's.

7. Sting, "Brand New Day"

Sting's "Brand New Day" has a lesson for inspiring motivation to start the New Year with fresh eyes: "Turn the clock to zero, buddy/Don't wanna be no fuddy-duddy/We started up a brand new day." The bright, catchy pop tune and its namesake 1999 album resonated with fans, landing it at No. 9 on the Billboard 200. The track (and album) earned Sting GRAMMYs — Best Male Pop Vocal Performance and Best Pop Album — at the 42nd GRAMMY Awards.

What's Your New Year's Music Resolution?

Festivalgoers at Stagecoach 2017

Festivalgoers at Stagecoach 2017

Photo: Matt Cowan/Getty Images

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Music Festivals 2018: 7 Ways To Enjoy Festival Season Without Drinking

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From having an escape route to engaging in on-site 12-step recovery programs, learn how to plan an unforgettable festival experience without the booze
Renée Fabian
GRAMMYs
Apr 12, 2018 - 3:12 pm

Picture this. You've landed in the California desert and are stoked to pitch that tent. You've got the lineup pulled up on your phone and you're arguing with your travel companions about whether you'll catch Beyoncé's must-see headlining set or catch a one-of-a-kind performance from Japanese rockers X Japan, who play at the same time. And you still haven't worked out if you'll see Portugal. The Man or Kamasi Washington. Mid-argument, out comes the six-pack and now there's a tougher choice to make.

Adam Clayton's MusiCares speech: Life In Recovery

While they offer life-changing experiences and the chance to get up close and personal with music of all genres, music festivals also include lots of alcohol consumption and drug use. In fact, this darker music fest culture comes with some cold, hard facts that would sober anyone up. A 2016 Canadian study found that 13 percent of reported festival deaths between 1999 and 2014 were the result of alcohol or drug abuse.

The studies may be new, but music festivals and substance abuse have been nearly inseparable since their inception. However, what's starting to change today is a focus on sobriety and recovery for those who want to attend music festivals without imbibing in the chemical party atmosphere.

"I went to Woodstock in 1969 and all I did was get loaded with everybody else. That's never really changed," shares Dr. Howard Samuels, founder/CEO of The Hills Treatment Center in Los Angeles who has 33 years of sobriety under his belt. "The thing that has changed though is that there are more young people that are sober."

While festivals may be a highly charged space for maintaining sobriety, those in recovery can enjoy music festivals without drinking. So bust out your fanny packs, signature shades and water bottles, because you're headed to your favorite festival armed with these seven tips to maintain sobriety.

1. Make The Trip With Other Friends In Recovery

Rule number one: Don't go alone. Plan to attend a music festival with other community members who support sobriety.

"I would go with other sober people. And when I say sober, I mean other people that you're in recovery with," says Samuels, who also recommends waiting until at least six months of sobriety to take on a music festival. "Don't go alone or don't go with your old friends."

When surrounded by others who share the same mission, it's much easier to resist the temptation to drink. Not to mention, if a craving gets triggered, you can discuss the moment with someone who understands and supports your decision to remain sober. Alcohol isn't required to have a good time. Being surrounded by the right people, though, can make all the difference.

"My favorite part about festivals are the people I meet," says rapper Kosha Dillz, aka Rami Even-Esh, who has been sober for more than 13 years. "Go with someone you'll have a great time with."

2. Plan Lodging Wisely

During a festival, the stages may go dark at a reasonable hour, but the partying continues long into the wee hours of the morning. Instead of dealing with the pressures of other drunken attendees, plan to have a safe space to go at night or anytime a break is needed.

"Don't be cheap," advises Even-Esh. "If you have to get your own place and it means being able to sleep in a room versus all of the room partying until 7 a.m., it might be worth it to spend the money."

Also look into sober housing options at music festivals. As the recovery movement grows, so too do the sober safe spaces at events. Organizations such as Camp Traction offer sober areas at a handful of festivals each year, and check other festivals' websites because they may offer their own clean and sober camping options.

3. Devise An Escape Plan

If the atmosphere becomes too overwhelming or tempting, have an escape plan figured out ahead of time. This could mean driving separately so there's always a way out without being dependent on another group member, having a nice quiet place to come back to at any point during the day, or simply hailing an Uber or Lyft.

You may experience some FOMO (fear of missing out) in the moment when leaving friends behind, but you'll be glad you did.

"I make sure I don't take things personally and always have an exit plan if it gets weird," says Even-Esh. "It usually does, and in my experience I don't really miss anything when I leave."

4. Phone A Friend, Often

For Even-Esh, having a fully charged phone is of paramount importance. Samuels agrees.

"The most important thing is that you have easy access to other recovering people in order to express the feelings of being overwhelmed, of being triggered by seeing people use — by all of it," says Samuels. "You've got to be able to communicate your feelings and your thoughts."

Keep phones charged with some of these portable charger options, and don't be afraid to reach out to your support network as much as needed.

"Once I start feeling anxious, the phone is a great tool to have," says Even-Esh. "Be able to call other people that are sober or even your friends back home. It's always good to call someone not at the festival to bring you back to reality."

5. Find A Local Or On-Site Meeting

As awareness about substance abuse issues and recovery grow, so do the resources for those looking to have a great experience and maintain their sobriety. Enter on-site festival 12-step programs and other resources.

"At most festivals these days, there are 12 steps and all you have to do is ask one of the organizers or the event staff where there's a 12-step meeting," recommends Samuels. "Recovery has gotten to be so in the mainstream these days, which is really positive, that there can be a lot of safe places for recovering people at music festivals."

For example, MusiCares' Safe Harbor Room program will be available at many major festivals throughout the U.S. this year, including Coachella and Stagecoach, which provides 12-step meetings and an information booth for those attending festivals.

6. Take Care Of The Basics

In Alcoholics Anonymous parlance, HALT — hunger, anger, loneliness, and tiredness — mark four pillars of well-being that must be addressed to prevent vulnerabilities to relapse.

In a music festival setting, this means eating nutritious and regular meals and snacks and drinking water. Avoid isolation and loneliness by choosing the right people to have by your side, while using your phone support network to vent anger and frustrations that might arise, say pushy crowds or a rude fan. And finally, do get some sleep. No all-nighters here!

"Sometimes getting something to eat and taking a nap can really change your mentality," says Even-Esh.

7. Set Boundaries For Yourself

Finally, it's important to know your own limits because at the end of the day you're responsible for your health and sobriety.

By setting yourself up to take care of the basics, engaging support networks, acting on escape plans as needed, and picking the right people to travel with, you've got a great head start. From here, rocking out during a weekend of unforgettable music without drinking is definitely attainable. Just keep your goals top of mind.

"Depending on where you are, there can be an absurd amount of drugs available and always large amounts of drinking happening," Even-Esh says. "For everyone else that's OK, but for me that is a problem and I'm the only person who needs to know that."

Catching Up On Music News Powered By The Recording Academy Just Got Easier. Have A Google Home Device? "Talk To GRAMMYs"

Billy Joel performs at Madison Square Garden, 2015

Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden, 2015
Photo: Al Pereria/Getty Images

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The GRAMMYs, Billy Joel, Phish: 9 Big Music Moments At Madison Square Garden

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From iconic concerts to philanthropic shows and Music's Biggest Night, revisit just a few of the iconic New York venue's musical highlights
Brian Haack
GRAMMYs
Jan 23, 2018 - 8:04 pm

To celebrate the diamond anniversary of Music's Biggest Night, the 60th GRAMMY Awards will return to New York City's iconic Madison Square Garden to honor excellence in music performance, recording and craft on Jan. 28.

Watch Spike Lee's Star-Studded 'NY Stories' Film

In honor of the GRAMMY Awards' latest musical milestone, here's a look back at nine of music's biggest moments that went down at the beautiful venue where this year's show will be held.

George Harrison's Concert For Bangladesh, 1971

To spread awareness and raise funds for relief efforts for refugees in East Pakistan who were fighting to found the now-independent nation of Bangladesh, former Beatles guitarist George Harrison, along with close friend and collaborator Ravi Shankar, hosted a back-to-back pair of benefit concerts at Madison Square Garden on Aug. 1, 1971, raising nearly $250,000 through UNICEF. Boasting sets by Harrison, Shankar and GRAMMY-nominated Bengladeshi classical musician Ali Akbar Khan, along with Ringo Starr, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Billy Preston, Leon Russell, among others, the concerts attracted more than 40,000 combined attendees. Recordings of the event were later compiled and released as a concert film and live album, with the latter taking home Album Of The Year honors at the 15th GRAMMY Awards.

John Lennon's Final Live Appearance, 1974

Stepping onstage as a surprise guest during a Thanksgiving concert held by Elton John on Nov. 28, 1974, John Lennon made what turned out to be the final live appearance of his career at Madison Square Garden. Lennon's three-song set with John — consisting of "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds," "I Saw Her Standing There" and the then-recent Lennon hit featuring John, "Whatever Gets You Thru The Night" — was the result of a promise he had made that he'd join the "Candle In The Wind" singer onstage if their collaboration charted No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 — a feat he did not believe would ever occur. Instead, the song became the only No. 1 hit of Lennon's solo career, and he made good on his promise. In a further flash of his old trademark wit, Lennon also introduced the duet of the Beatles' hit "I Saw Her Standing There" as "a song written by an old estranged fiancée of mine called Paul."

No Nukes: The MUSE Concert For A Non-Nuclear Future, 1979

Hosted by the nascent activist group Musicians United for Safe Energy, formed in 1979 by Jackson Browne, Graham Nash, Bonnie Raitt, Harvey Wasserman, and John Hall, the No Nukes concert series was held at MSG in September 1979, and comprised five nights of music aimed at promoting safe alternatives to nuclear energy in the wake of the Three Mile Island nuclear plant accident earlier that year. Featuring musical appearances by Crosby, Stills And Nash, James Taylor, Chaka Khan, Doobie Brothers, Gil Scott-Heron, Tom Petty, among others, the concert series is particularly notable for its companion live album and documentary film, both titled No Nukes, which contain the first official live audio recordings and performance footage of Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band, who played sets during two of the five concerts.

Barbra Streisand: The Concert, 1994

GRAMMY-winning songstress Barbra Streisand's 1994 concert tour — her first live appearances in 27 years — was heralded by Time as "the music event of the century." Her appearance at Madison Square Garden provided the source material for a live album and HBO concert special, both monolithically titled Barbra Streisand: The Concert. Backed by an all-out media promotion blitz across radio, TV and print, Streisand earned the distinction of being the highest-paid concert performer in history at the time, and the MSG show became the highest-grossing single concert of 1994. The HBO special achieved the highest ratings ever for a concert special in the network's then-histor, and earned five Emmys and a Peabody Award. The live album also earned GRAMMY nominations for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance ("Ordinary Miracles") at the 37th GRAMMY Awards.

The GRAMMYs' First Trip To MSG, 1997

The 39th GRAMMY Awards on Feb. 26, 1997, was the inaugural paring of Music's Biggest Night and the Garden. The night of notable firsts was a major step forward for the GRAMMYs — marking the show's first big step from auditoriums to a major arena. Among other highlights, the evening saw 14-year-old country music phenom LeAnn Rimes become the youngest GRAMMY winner ever when she took home GRAMMYs for Best New Artist and Best Female Country Vocal Performance ("Blue"). 

The Concert For New York City, 2001

Organized by former Beatles bassist Paul McCartney in response to the devastating terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, the Concert For New York City represented a city in turmoil collectively standing together and making the decision to show the world that, even in the face of tragedy, music can sow hope where despair seeks to take root. Held at Madison Square Garden five weeks after the attacks, the event honored the New York City fire and police departments, the victims of the attacks and their families, and the people of New York City who were still working to rescue, recover and rebuild. The concert featured more than 60 music luminaries, including the Who, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, David Bowie, John, Eric Clapton, Bon Jovi, Jay-Z, Destiny's Child, Backstreet Boys, and James Taylor, among others.

Verizon Ladies First Tour Hits MSG, 2004

With support from Verizon, in 2004 GRAMMY winners Beyoncé, Missy Elliott and Alicia Keys set out on the first major tour highlighting female stars in the urban music scene. Booked in support of Elliott's fifth album, This Is Not A Test!, Keys' Best R&B Album GRAMMY-winning sophomore release, The Diary Of Alicia Keys, and Beyoncé's Best Contemporary R&B Album GRAMMY-winning solo debut LP, Dangerously In Love, the three-act show sold out MSG on April 12, 2004, making the night the third-highest-grossing appearance of the entire tour.

Billy Joel's Record-Setting Appearances, 2006

The eternally touring favorite son of both New York's small club and grand arena music scenes, Billy Joel smashed MSG's record for most sold-out appearances in a single tour by selling all 12 scheduled appearances at the New York arena in 2006. The record was first set by Elvis Presley in 1972 with four shows, and was then held by Springsteen And The E Street Band, who sold out 10 nights with his 1999 Reunion Tour. The achievement also earned Joel the distinction of being the only non-athlete to earn a retired number ("12") on a jersey hanging in the arena. This coming summer will mark another MSG triumph for Joel, as his July 18, 2018, concert will mark his 100th performance at the venue.

Phish: The Baker's Dozen, 2017

The GRAMMY-nominated psychedelic jam band Phish set an intriguing record with their Baker's Dozen shows at Madison Square Garden in the summer of 2017 — the longest string of consecutive nightly appearances by a band. Trey Anastasio & Co.'s well-established reputation for both possessing a deep catalogue, and the ability to expand those songs into extended live grooves that often time out north of 25 minutes, was on full display during the 13 consecutive shows that made up the aptly named concert series. To wit, they played a total of 26 sets, comprising 237 songs across the two-week residency, and they never played the same song twice.

GRAMMYs

Billie Eilish

Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images

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10 Unforgettable Moments From The 2020 GRAMMY Awards

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From Lizzo opening the show in grand fashion to Tyler, The Creator's fiery set, relive the magic below with our roundup of 10 unmissable moments from the 2020 GRAMMY Awards
Pamela Chelin
GRAMMYs
Jan 27, 2020 - 9:10 am

The 2020 GRAMMY Awards were a sight to behold on Sunday, Jan. 26, opening with a brilliant performance from Lizzo and Sasha Flute and closing out with multiple wins from 18-year-old pop wunderkind Billie Eilish, who swept the major categories (Best New Artist, Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year and Album Of The Year, respectively). Though the night had an unexpected dark cloud overhead with the recent news of basketball legend Kobe Bryant's passing, host Alicia Keys and the night's many performers came through with both respectful tributes and still-celebratory vibes. Relive the magic below with our roundup of 10 unmissable moments from the 2020 GRAMMY Awards.

Lizzo Poses With Her Three GRAMMYs

Lizzo Opens The Show

Singer/songwriter, rapper and flutist Lizzo, who took home three GRAMMYs—Best Pop Solo Performance for "Truth Hurts," Best Urban Contemporary Album for Cuz I Love You and Best Traditional R&B Performance for "Jerome"—opened the show with a stellar performance of "Cuz I Love You," which she dedicated to Kobe Bryant. Backed by a group of all-female string and horn players and all-female backup dancers, Lizzo, dressed in a floor-length black sparkling gown before switching into a futuristic leotard for "Truth Hurts," delivered a powerhouse performance, replete with her flute delivered to her onstage on a silver platter which was fitting for this queen who, like her "Truth Hurts" lyrics express, clearly won't ever be anyone's "side chick."

Alicia Keys & Boyz II Men Pay Tribute To Kobe Bryant

GRAMMY host Alicia Keys, with her hair tightly pulled back into a bun and dressed in a silver gown, adopted an appropriately somber tone when she opened the show and addressed the audience, paying her deepest respect to the tragic loss of basketball star Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna in a helicopter crash earlier in the day. Standing in the Staples Center, home to the GRAMMYs and Los Angeles Lakers, Keys referred to the center as "the house that Kobe built" as a photo of Kobe was displayed on an overhead screen. Keys asked the audience to hold Kobe, Gianna and all those who were lost in the helicopter crash in their thoughts, prayers and spirits. Keys was then joined onstage by Boyz II Men with whom she sang a beautiful rendition of "It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye."

Read More: Alicia Keys & Boyz II Men Give A Moving Tribute To Kobe Bryant At The 2020 GRAMMY Awards

Tyler, The Creator Burns Down The House

Rapper, singer/songwriter and record producer Tyler, the Creator, who won a GRAMMY for Best Rap Album for Igor and brought his mom onstage for his acceptance speech, wore his signature platinum blond wig (for his character Igor) and a pink and magenta suit and brought sizzling, amped up energy to a charged-up performance of "EARFQUAKE" and "NEW MAGIC WAND." As he sang and danced on a simulated street, with rooftop flames coming out of surrounding houses, he was joined by an army of Tyler, the Creator lookalikes, R&B artist Charlie Wilson (his Igor collaborator) and Boyz II Men as he rose up on a platform above the stage bringing the energy to a fired-up frenzy before taking it back down again. He ended his fiery, magnetic performance appearing to fall backwards on to the ground as flames burned all around.

Tyler, The Creator Wins Best Rap Album in 2020

Camila Cabello Honors Her Father

Singer/songwriter and actress Camila Cabello, who, in 2019, was the first Latina woman to open the GRAMMYs, wore a pink gown as she sang "First Man," which she wrote about her father Ajelandro. As Cabello delivered a tender and beautiful performance, home video from her childhood played on a nearby pink curtain that was erected next to her onstage. She ended her performance by singing directly to her father who was seated in the front row of the audience. Holding his hand, as tears streamed down his face, Cabello’s father kissed his daughter’s hand before standing up and hugging her. With the two locked in a heartfelt father-daughter embrace, it was an especially powerful moment given the sudden loss of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna. 

Demi Lovato Gives A Heartwrenching Performance Of "Anyone"

Singer/songwriter and actress Demi Lovato, dressed in a sweeping white shimmering floor-length gown, became so choked up when she began to sing "Anyone," her new song which was written several days before she overdosed in 2018, that she had to stop her performance to begin again. Her emotionality and false start, however, added further sentiment and poignancy to her heartfelt and stunning delivery as tears streamed down her cheeks while she sang. While powerfully singing "Anyone"'s painfully naked lyrics "No one is listening to me," it was clear that everyone in the audience was absolutely listening. Lovato's performance, her first return to the stage since 2018, received a standing ovation from the audience.

Lil Nas X Takes Us To The "Old Town Road"

Rapper and singer/songwriter Lil Nas X, who won two GRAMMYs—Best Music Video and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for "Old Town Road"—made his GRAMMY debut performing the smash hit. Starting off solo, strumming his guitar and singing seated on a couch next to a Kobe Bryant Lakers jersey spread across a nearby armchair, Lil Nas X, wearing a black and silver sparkly cowboy hat and silver outfit, moved through a variety of ever-changing colorful sets where he was joined by  Billy Ray Cyrus, Diplo, K-pop seven-piece BTS, and 13-year-old viral yodeling sensation Mason Ramsey for a high octane and compelling performance before diving into "Rodeo" with "Big" Nas.

Lil Nas X | 2020 GRAMMYs Thank You Cam

Billie Eilish Gives A Raw Performance Of "When The Party's Over"

18-year-old singer/songwriter Billie Eilish, who won five GRAMMYs (Song Of The Year, Best New Artist, Record Of The Year, Album Of The Year and Best Pop Vocal Album) and her collaborator and brother FINNEAS delivered a stripped down, anguished performance of "when the party’s over" driven by Eilish’s emotional, raw and gut-wrenching vocals. Eilish, seated on a stool and dressed in sparkly Gucci pajamas with matching sneakers, kept her eyes closed throughout her anguished and mesmerizing performance as Finneas accompanied her on piano. 

Read More: Meet The First-Time GRAMMY Nominee: FINNEAS On Billie Eilish & "Doing Production That No One's Ever Done Before"

Watch: Billie Eilish Wins Album Of The Year

Nipsey Hussle Gets A Worthy Tribute

L.A.-born rapper Nipsey Hussle, who was shot and killed last year at just 33 years old, won two posthumous GRAMMYs—Best Rap Performance for "Racks In The Middle" and Best Rap/Sung Performance for "Higher." DJ Khaled, John Legend, Meek Mill, Kirk Franklin, Roddy Ricch and YG paid an all-star tribute to the slain rapper in a hip-hop, R&B and gospel-infused performance that began with Mill performing a rap tribute to Hussle before being joined by Ricch for a new song called "Letter To Nipsey" followed by a powerful and affecting delivery of "Higher" by Khaled, Legend, Franklin, YG and video footage of Hussle. Photos of both Hussle and Bryant were shown at the end of the incredibly spirit-lifting performance. 

Rosalía Owns The GRAMMY Stage

Spanish singer/songwriter Rosalía, who won a GRAMMY for Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album for El Mal Querer, performed "Juro Que" and "Malamente (Cap 1: Augurio)." Dressed in a white fringed, form-fitting bodysuit, Rosalía started her strong vocal performance standing next to full-length mirrors and accompanied by flamenco guitarists before breaking into a captivating solo flamenco dance. The charismatic and powerful Spanish singer was then backed by a bevy of red outfitted male dancers for a red-hot, memorable performance.

Watch: Rosalia 2020 GRAMMYs Backstage

Aerosmith Prove Rock's Not Dead

Aerosmith, who were honored during GRAMMY Week with the MusiCares Person Of The Year award, took it back to the '90s with their GRAMMY-winning hit "Livin’ On The Edge"—with Steven Tyler walking off the stage, directly into the crowd and running right up to Lizzo to join in for the chorus—before being joined by legendary hip-hop trio Run-D.M.C., who broke through and emerged from a graffiti-covered wall onstage, for a rocking rendition of "Walk This Way." Originally recorded in the '70s by Aerosmith and re-recorded in the '80s by Run-D.M.C. with Tyler and lead guitarist Joe Perry, the infectious energy of the collaborative performance and Tyler's signature stalking the stage like a panther provided a great throwback touch to the evening.

Read More: Check Out The Full 2020 GRAMMYs Nominees And Winners List

62nd GRAMMY Awards Wrap Up Show

Grammys Newsletter

Festivalgoers at FYF 2017

Festivalgoers at FYF 2017

Photo: Timothy Norris/Getty Images

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Music Festival Essentials: 11 Must-Haves, From Apps To Packs & More

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Before you brave your favorite music festival, use our handy checklist to make sure you make the most of your experience
Nate Hertweck
GRAMMYs
Apr 11, 2018 - 5:34 pm

With Coachella's two-weekend party in the desert kicking off this weekend, music festival season is officially here. No matter what you're into, it's out there — from the Olympics of dance music at EDC to the hip hop/R&B gumbo at Essence and the hard rock heaven at Aftershock to the big general festivals like Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits that seem to have something for everyone.

Relive The Turn-Up At Ultra's 20th Anniversary

Before you hit the road, the train or the airport for the music celebration(s) of your choice this summer, we're here to tip you off on how to arrive in style, maximize your experience and stay safe and connected. Check out these 11 music festival essentials — don't leave home without 'em!

1. Water, Seriously

As always, safety comes first. You can be sure your festival experience will be a total drag if you get sidelined by dehydration. There are several ways to make sure you stay at 100 percent during a festival, but the easiest and most environmentally friendly way to carry the water you need is to pick up a Camelback pack (starting at $37). The distribution of weight allows you to carry more water more comfortably than in a bottle or container, and a quick sip is always easy to take when the sun starts beating down on you. Plus, Camelbak has started adding hydration stations at various festivals where they'll refill you for free! OK, water … check.

2. Never Skimp On The Sunscreen

Speaking of the sun, sunscreen is a must, otherwise your day two festival selfies will definitely pay the price. Make sure you're using at least 30 SPF, especially on your face. Also, don't forget the tops of your ears (if they're exposed) and the back of your neck. Remember: Even in overcast weather, the sun can get ya. So lather up out there. For tons of great options, check out Bustle's list of festival-friendly sunscreens (staring at $8).

3. Don't Forget Your Plugs

And please don't forget the ever-important practice of hearing protection. Even a few minutes in front of a massive speaker array at a festival can do damage, so make sure you've got a nice pair of plugs ready. For the true music connoisseur, invest the time and money to get fitted, frequency balanced ear plugs, like these by ACS (generic fit starting at $14, custom fit starting at $185). The custom mold will keep them comfortable all day long, and the frequency balance will ensure you're getting the full range sonic experience of the music, not that muffled, boomy sound with foam plugs, where all the high end disappears. As a bonus, ACS are one of the manufacturers who provide free custom ear molds for music professionals backstage at festivals around the country through MusiCares.

4. Pack A Backup Battery

This next necessity has become even more important than money in some ways — battery life. Because your phone is your other brain, and it will probably be roaming much of the day (not to mention the photos, texts, posts to social) your battery can and will die. Fortunately, there are many options for calling in some backup without resorting to a charging station retreat. The Anker Powercore 10000 ($28) scores well in size and weight. The Morphie Powerstation 5x ($42) is preferred by some for its long-term durability. Jakery also makes the affordable Mini ($13) and reliable Bar ($20) models worth picking up.

For another nifty option, consider this handy Solar Charger ($23), which charges with the sun and can also store enough power to charge most phones twice on a single charge (in case it's cloudy). In addition, this one also has a built-in LED panel on the back, which can be a handy flashlight at the campsite, or when you've dropped your phone in the dark while trying to plug it in.                                                  

5. Shazam It

People, it's 2018! If you're not ready to capture a great song and find out what it is before it's gone, you're living in the past. Not only does the Shazam app (free for the basic app, $3 for premium) allow you to discover the music you're enjoying as you hear it, but it can provide lyrics, connect to YouTube videos, notify you of new releases, and integrate with your Spotify and Apple Music accounts. Shazam also provides the data that helps shape festival trends based on what fans are digging organically, a phenomenon we covered at SXSW. So get the app, and if you hear something you like, hold up your phone up and get the deets.

6. Scheduling Apps To The Rescue

Another valuable app that can be used for festivals is Wunderlist (free). Built to organize our lives, Wunderlist can help you make sure you hit every set on your wishlist by setting up a schedule with reminders. When used in conjunction with locator apps like Find My Friends (free), and Find Your Car With AR (free), your day at a festival will run smoothly, you'll cover more ground, remember to keep your meet-up times with friends, and make sure you aren't wandering the parking field for hours looking for your buddy's jalopy at the end of the night.

7. Make It App-ficial

Another totally indispensable app you should download is the festival's official proprietary app. The big festivals have done this best, including Coachella, Ultra and Lollapalooza (all free), whose apps are shining examples of how tech can enhance the festival experience. All the stage schedules, vendor maps and real-time notifications put you a step ahead of the frenzy surrounding you. Two years ago, this came in very handy when Lollapalooza had to be evacuated due to inclement weather. Their app was able to let tens of thousands of people know immediately when it was time to move, and exactly when the coast was clear and the fun could resume.

8. Style Matters

Getting dressed to impress for a music festival should be fun. You can experiment with style in ways you can't at school, at your job or even a night out. Dig deep into your inner style child and try something you've always wanted to try — here's some inspiration from Elle. And whatever you do, don't forget to accessorize. Hats and sunglasses are very in this year. Lulus online only store offers very boho and modern, perfect for the Chella gal look (dresses starting at $20). For additional current must-have fashion ideas, including this year's freshest batch of Unicorn Dust, check out US Magazine's 2018 Coachella packing list.

9. Let's Talk Shoes

Maybe the most important decision you make while standing in front of your closet before a festival is which shoes to wear. With so many considerations — comfort, color, style, temperature — the choice isn't always easy. Here are a couple crucial keys to keep in mind. First off, your feet will most likely get stepped on, so close toes are recommended. Also, weather plays a huge roll. Will it get chilly? Will it get wet? It might be tempting to go carefree with flip-flops or sandals, but it's really best to stay basic here, with something like these platform sneakers from Steve Madden ($79) or a basic pair of low top Chucks from Converse (starting at $40). Pro tip: It's probably best to leave your newest pair of kicks at home, because they will definitely get wrecked.

10. Merch Me

Let's be honest, merch tents at festivals can be overwhelming. It's not like stopping by the T-shirt table after the encore on your way out the door of a local show — you have dozens of bands and festival branded merch to consider, and typically a huge number of people all pushing in line to buy that last medium-sized limited edition Phoenix tee at the same time. But remember, for a lot of artists — especially those still building their fanbase — merch sales and connecting with fans at festival merch booths can make a huge difference. No one's nailed this better over the past two decades than Warped Tour with their endless rows of tents where fans can pick up merch and, in many cases, meet the artists, who are usually sweaty from being fresh off the stage. Consider supporting the up-and-coming acts you love — or just discovered — at festivals. Also, if you brought the wrong clothes, forgot your sunnys or desperately need a hoodie, merch tents can be a lifesaver.

11. Open Mind For Discovery

Last, but certainly not least, it's easy to overlook the biggest upside of festivals: artist discovery. The tickets probably cost you an arm and a leg, you probably sat in traffic, parked a mile away, and waited in a long line at the gate to get in, but once you make it through the gate there are bands and artists all around you who have devoted their lives to their art. Listen to every band you can, even if just for one song. Sure, you want to make it to the main stage early to get a prime spot for your favorite artist, but remember: that artist wasn't always your jam! You had to discover them somehow.

Think of all your favorite before-they-were-cool stories of being the first of your friends to dig this band or that rapper after seeing them in a tiny club, or opening for a touring headliner no one listens to anymore, or on a festival side stage playing to nine people at 11:45 a.m. before they made it big.  Slow down and give these passionate musicians a chance to blow your mind, and you might be surprised.

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