CLIVE'S PRE-GRAMMY MUSICARES GALA GOES VIRTUAL

Clive Davis' 2021 pre-Grammy gala benefiting MusiCares—the first of two events he'll host this year—was a first, held on 1/30 as a virtual event hosted by Moment House. The typical retinue of superstars, industry luminaries, political eminences and others tuned in from their living rooms and breakfast nooks.

Clive was as affable and loquacious as ever, saluting the many artists, songwriters, producers, execs, et al. in attendance and enumerating their achievements; hailing the victories and important work of virtual guests Nancy Pelosi and Stacey Abrams; introducing classic performance clips of assorted icons; and interviewing attendees like Bruce Springsteen, Gladys Knight, Carole King, Sean "Puffy" Combs, Rod Stewart, Barry Gibb, Alicia Keys, Jamie Foxx, Chance the Rapper, John Legend and Grammy boss/producer supreme Harvey Mason Jr. Most of the interviews touched on the importance of social activism and assessed the artists' optimism about the future despite the difficulties of the present. Legend and Jennifer Hudson also performed.

"50 years ago you changed my life," Bruce said to the host, who, as Columbia's President, guided The Boss' early recording career. "I'll never forget it."

It goes without saying that the very pandemic that made this remote gathering necessary has taken a huge toll on the music community. To support the vital work of MusiCares, go here.

Clive's second online party is slated for the Grammys-adjacent date of 3/13 and will benefit the Grammy Museum.

We thank those of you who remembered to turn off your laptop cameras before visiting the loo.