The Waldorf Astoria became a hub of music history on Saturday night as a lineup of Rock and Roll Hall of Famers and industry icons gathered for a star-studded celebration ahead of the 2026 GRAMMY Awards . The evening served as a rare showcase of legendary talent, blending high-energy live sets with a tribute to decades of musical hits at the Primary Wave party.
The festivities kicked off with Grammy nominee Trombone Shorty, who led his band in a New Orleans-style "second line" through the venue. In a show-stopping move, the group eventually marched their performance off the stage and directly onto the blue carpet, surprising guests with an immersive brass experience.
The night’s live performances featured a heavy rotation of rock royalty. Pete Townshend set the tone with "Let My Love Open the Door" before closing a powerful six-song set with the classic "Won’t Get Fooled Again." He was followed by Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott and Phil Collen, who brought the house down with a sing-along rendition of "Pour Some Sugar on Me."
Adding a more intimate touch to the lineup, John Mellencamp performed fan favorites including "Jack & Diane," "Pink Houses," and "Hurt So Good," accompanied by a violinist and guitarist. Meanwhile, the night’s atmosphere was maintained by CeeLo Green and hip-hop pioneer Grandmaster Flash, who both delivered iconic DJ sets across the main stage and the building's rooftop.
The guest list reflected the broad cultural impact of the evening, featuring attendees such as Christian Louboutin, Danny Elfman, Faith Evans, and Devo’s Mark Mothersbaugh. Hosted in partnership with VENU, the event highlighted a milestone 20th anniversary for the hosting music publisher and their expansive catalog of chart-topping hits.
Combining heritage acts with contemporary energy, the gala solidified itself as a premier destination for celebrating the artists who have shaped the global musical landscape.
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