On the eve of music’s biggest night, Larry Mestel, the CEO of Primary Wave, has decided to throw his hat into the Grammy party ring. Primary Wave, a publishing company that holds the rights to songs by iconic artists such as Prince, Bob Marley, and Whitney Houston, is hosting a pre-Grammy party to rival Clive Davis’ annual star-studded bash. The event, titled “Celebrating Billboard No. 1s,” is set to take place at the luxurious Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills on February 3. This decision by Primary Wave has raised eyebrows in the industry, as it is being held just a stone’s throw away from Davis’ party at the nearby Beverly Hilton.
Clive Davis has been hosting his pre-Grammy gala since 1973 and has been a staple of Grammy weekend. Over the years, the crème de la crème of the music industry has graced the stage at his bashes, with exceptional performances from the likes of Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake, Aretha Franklin, and the late Whitney Houston. In fact, it was at Davis’ gala over three decades ago that Houston was introduced to the world. Tragically, Houston was found dead in her hotel room at the same venue on the day of the gala in 2012, making it an undeniable part of Grammy history.
Industry insiders have differing opinions on the significance of Primary Wave’s party in comparison to Davis’ legendary gathering. Some scoff at the idea of Primary Wave’s event being in any way a rival to Davis’ affair, dismissing it as a much smaller and less noteworthy gathering. The Beverly Hilton, where Davis’ gala takes place, is a sprawling 16,000-square-foot venue that also hosts the prestigious Golden Globes. In contrast, the Waldorf Astoria is a more modest 5,600-square-foot location. It is clear that Davis’ party boasts legendary performers and has a grandeur that is hard to overshadow.
According to an industry insider, Primary Wave’s party is often seen as an overflow event for those who failed to secure invitations to other, more exclusive gatherings. It is almost like a second-tier affair, catering mainly to the plus-ones of the A-list crowd. This perception further emphasizes the difference in scale between Davis’ gala and Primary Wave’s celebration. While Davis’ party draws in top celebrities and industry giants, Primary Wave’s event seems to be more of an afterthought.
Catie Monck, spokesperson for Primary Wave, dismisses any comparisons between the two parties as silly. She states that Primary Wave has been hosting pre-Grammy parties for 15 years, and attendees have always enjoyed attending both events. While Billboard is co-hosting Primary Wave’s bash, there are rumors that Jay Penske, the owner of the music magazine, will also make an appearance at Clive Davis’ party. Davis himself is set to host an array of A-listers and industry powerhouses, including Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Sylvia Rhone, Ron Perry, and the Lipman brothers from Republic Records. The gala will also honor Jon Platt, CEO of Sony Music Publishing, with the prestigious Industry Icons Award.
While Primary Wave’s decision to host a pre-Grammy party challenges Clive Davis’ long-standing tradition, it is clear that Davis’ gala has a historical legacy and unparalleled grandeur. The industry’s elite continue to flock to his event, making it the crown jewel of Grammy weekend festivities. While Primary Wave’s party has its own appeal, it appears to be more of a secondary option for those who did not secure invitations to other high-profile events. The battle of the Grammy parties continues, with each attracting its own crowd and capturing different aspects of the music industry.