On the eve of music’s biggest night, Larry Mestel, the CEO of Primary Wave, the renowned publishing company that holds rights to the music of legendary artists such as Prince, Bob Marley, and Whitney Houston, is set to host a pre-Grammy party that aims to rival Clive Davis’ star-studded annual bash. This upcoming event, scheduled for February 3rd, is themed around “celebrating Billboard No. 1s” and will take place at the prestigious Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills. While this isn’t the first time Primary Wave has thrown a party on the same night, the fact that it’s happening just across the street from Davis’ event has caused quite a stir within the industry.
For almost five decades, Clive Davis has been hosting his iconic pre-Grammy gala, making it an integral part of the Grammy weekend. Davis, who started this tradition in 1973, later partnered with the Recording Academy in 2009 to create an even more spectacular experience. Over the years, his event has played host to the crème de la crème of the music business, with legendary performers like Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake, Aretha Franklin, and Whitney Houston gracing the stage. In fact, it was at Davis’ gala that Houston was introduced to the world over three decades ago. Tragically, Houston was found dead in her hotel room at the same venue on the day of the gala in 2012, forever etching her presence into the history of the event.
While Primary Wave’s party is gaining attention as a potential rival to Davis’ annual gathering, insiders from the industry scoff at such comparisons. They argue that there is no contest between the two events in terms of size and significance. The Davis gala is a much larger affair, held at the Beverly Hilton, a venue renowned for hosting events like the Golden Globes. The space at the Beverly Hilton spans a whopping 16,000 square feet, while the Waldorf Astoria consists of only 5,600 square feet. Moreover, Davis’ event is known for its epic performances by legendary artists, further cementing its superiority in the eyes of many.
Primary Wave’s Reputation
Industry insiders also suggest that Primary Wave’s party serves a different purpose altogether. It is seen as more of an overflow party for individuals who didn’t secure invitations to other exclusive events happening during Grammy weekend. Dubbed by some as the “plus-one” party, Primary Wave’s event is perceived as being on a smaller scale. However, Catie Monck, spokesperson for Primary Wave, dismisses any notion of rivalry, emphasizing that Primary Wave has been hosting parties on the Saturday before the Grammys for the past 15 years. Monck adds that attendees thoroughly enjoy both the Primary Wave celebration and Davis’ annual gala.
Anticipated Guests and Honors
Billboard, a prominent music magazine, is co-hosting Primary Wave’s party, and its owner, Jay Penske, is rumored to be making an appearance at Davis’ bash as well. Clive Davis is expecting a star-studded list of attendees, including the likes of Jay-Z and Beyoncé, as well as influential figures in the music industry such as Sylvia Rhone, Ron Perry, and Monte and Avery Lipman from Republic Records. The gala will also be honoring Jon Platt, the CEO of Sony Music Publishing, with the prestigious Industry Icons Award.
While Primary Wave’s pre-Grammy party may present some competition for Clive Davis’ long-standing event, it is clear that Davis’ gala remains the pinnacle of Grammy weekend festivities. With its rich history, impressive scale, and iconic performances, Davis’ party continues to captivate the music industry and secure its position as the premier Grammy celebration.