The Music Sustainability Alliance (MSA) has officially announced the creation of a new honor: the Bobby Award. This inaugural award is dedicated to recognizing individuals and organizations within the music sector that actively advance environmental responsibility and climate action.

Debut and First Presentation Details

The first presentation of the Bobby Award is scheduled to take place in Los Angeles. This will occur during the Music Sustainability Summit on April 14.

Support from the Weir Family

The award is being launched with the full support of the family of the late musical legend, Bobby Weir. In a statement, the Weir family expressed their appreciation for the initiative.

The family noted, “Bobby always strived to leave nothing but bare footprints on the Earth.” They added that if an action benefited the planet, animals, or others, “it was always a yes for him.”

They further stated that Bobby Weir spent decades encouraging the music world to consider its impact on the land, the climate, and future generations. The family is pleased to support the MSA as it recognizes leaders carrying that spirit forward.

Recognizing Environmental Leadership

MSA leadership highlighted Weir’s long-standing dedication to using music to inspire planetary care. They expressed honor in having the family’s support to recognize innovators transforming the industry.

The goal of the award is to spotlight people across the music ecosystem who prove that sustainability and creativity can advance together. Bobby Weir was known for advocating for environmental protections for rainforests and other wild lands.

Bobby Weir's Advocacy Work

Throughout his career, Weir collaborated on environmental issues with major agencies. These included the United Nations, Greenpeace, and the Rainforest Action Network.

He was also vocal in his opposition to legislation that would have permitted the clear-cutting of Montana forests. Weir once asserted, “Our ancient forests of the Northern Rockies don’t belong to industrialists. They belong to the children, to the future, to the earth itself.”

Nomination and Selection Process

The MSA community is currently invited to submit nominations for the inaugural award. This includes artists, venues, crews, vendors, labels, promoters, managers, and platforms.

Nominations are also being solicited from the Weir family and other close associates. The selection will be made by a judging committee comprised of key figures.

This committee includes a representative from the Weir family and prominent music industry sustainability leaders such as Morrison, Joel Makower, Rev Lennox Yearwood Jr., and Kurt Langer.

Award Criteria

The criteria for the Bobby Award focus on several key areas. These include the impact, influence, and innovation demonstrated by the nominee’s work.

Additionally, nominees must show an established commitment to advancing sustainability across the music industry through education, collaboration, and measurable action.