Music Stars Gather to Honor Larry Mestel at City of Hope Gala

The City of Hope's annual Spirit of Life Gala, a beacon of hope and generosity in the fight against cancer, recently convened to honor Primary Wave CEO Larry Mestel. This esteemed event not only celebrated Mestel's significant contributions but also served as a powerful platform for raising awareness and funds for critical cancer research. The evening was illuminated by the presence and performances of legendary musical artists, who lent their voices and support to this noble cause, underscoring the profound impact of collective action against a formidable disease.

Music Industry Icons Celebrate Larry Mestel at City of Hope Gala

On the evening of October 27, 2026, the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood became the nexus of music, philanthropy, and hope as City of Hope hosted its annual Spirit of Life Gala. This year, the prestigious Spirit of Life award was bestowed upon Larry Mestel, the visionary founder and CEO of Primary Wave. The event was a star-studded affair, with iconic musicians Stevie Nicks, Jackson Browne, and Melissa Etheridge delivering heartfelt performances in tribute to Mestel.

Mestel joins a distinguished lineage of industry leaders honored over the past five decades, including luminaries like Mo Ostin, Tom Corson, Lucian Grainge, and Irving Azoff. The gala saw a significant turnout of industry titans, with attendees such as Warner Chappell CEO Guy Moot, CAA's Rob Light, and prominent attorney John Branca, alongside musical talents like Kenny Loggins, Jimmy Jam, and Justin Tranter.

The Music, Film, and Entertainment Industry Group of City of Hope, responsible for organizing the Spirit of Life honor, has remarkably amassed over $180 million for cancer research to date. Mestel had expressed an ambitious goal of raising $10 million through his Spirit of Life campaign this year, with the final figures still to be disclosed by MFEI.

Beyond the live performances, Paul Anka and Pete Townshend contributed through moving video tributes. Anka serenaded Mestel with a specially adapted rendition of "My Way," while Townshend offered an acoustic performance of "Let My Love Open the Door."

Melissa Etheridge, who has known Mestel for over three decades since their time at Island Records, delivered a warm introductory speech. A breast cancer survivor herself, Etheridge praised City of Hope's relentless efforts in battling the disease and commended Mestel for his unwavering dedication to the organization. She performed a powerful three-song set, culminating in her hit "Come to My Window."

In a deeply moving moment, Mestel shared his personal connection to cancer, having lost his sister and uncle to the disease within the past year. He articulated that the award was not merely an honor but a "call to action," emphasizing the collective responsibility to intensify efforts against cancer and other illnesses.

The evening concluded with powerful performances by Jackson Browne and Stevie Nicks. Nicks recounted her profound experiences with City of Hope, sharing how four of her beloved individuals, including her closest friend and brother, had received life-changing cancer care there. She closed the memorable night with a poignant acoustic rendition of "Landslide," leaving the audience with a sense of hope and solidarity.

The City of Hope Spirit of Life Gala serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring human spirit and the power of unity in confronting life's most challenging adversaries. Through the convergence of compassion, celebrity, and commitment, events like this fuel the relentless pursuit of cures and provide solace to countless individuals affected by cancer. It underscores that while the journey may be arduous, the collective will to support, innovate, and heal can ultimately pave the way for a brighter, healthier future.