Primary Wave x MFEI Group Launch “More Than Words” with Fandiem for City of Hope

Music Industry Offers Exclusive Experiences and Memorabilia Through Online Auction and Sweepstakes Benefiting City of Hope 

Offerings featuring Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, Mötley Crüe and more support breast cancer research and care through the Spirit of Life® campaign honoring Primary Wave Founder and CEO Larry Mestel 

City of Hope’s Music, Film and Entertainment Industry (MFEI) group, in collaboration with Primary Wave, is bringing music fans opportunities to bid on exclusive items and enter to win memorable experiences while supporting breast cancer research and care. The online auction and sweepstakes offerings are part of the 2026 Spirit of Life® campaign honoring Primary Wave Founder and CEO Larry Mestel and benefit City of Hope®, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States. 

Available through Fandiem, and Julien’s Auctions, the offerings feature experiences, memorabilia and items associated with Bob Dylan, John Mellencamp, Sammy Hagar, Billy Joel, Air Supply, Mötley Crüe, Devo, Scorpions and more. Fans can participate online, extending the campaign’s reach beyond the gala to music communities everywhere. 

Highlights include:  

• Handwritten lyrics from beloved songs: Fandiem Relics’ “More Than Words” campaign benefiting City of Hope features handwritten lyrics to songs including “Angel” by Sarah McLachlan, “Small Town” by John Mellencamp and “Keep On Loving You” by Kevin Cronin, among others.  

• Billy Joel–signed street sign: Fans can bid through Julien’s Auctions on a street sign signed by Billy Joel. 

• Sammy Hagar gala experience: A Fandiem sweepstakes offers fans the chance to win an experience at the Stage Red Fontana Youth Music Foundation’s inaugural gala featuring Sammy Hagar. 

Additional auction items and sweepstakes experiences will be introduced throughout the campaign across Fandiem and Julien’s Auctions. Fans are encouraged to explore the participating sites early and check back often for new opportunities. Offerings and closing dates vary by platform. 

“For a music fan, a keepsake from a favorite artist or the chance to see them up close can mean so much,” said Alissa Pollack, president, Mediabase and Global Music Marketing, RCS Worldwide / iHeart Media and president of the industry board. “We’re grateful to Larry and our industry partners for sharing something special with fans in support of City of Hope. These offerings give more people a way to join us in advancing breast cancer research and care for patients and families.” 

The online offerings support the broader 2026 Spirit of Life campaign honoring Mestel for his philanthropic leadership and commitment to City of Hope’s mission. For more than five decades, the MFEI group has brought together artists, executives and industry partners to advance research and patient care, raising more than $180 million since its founding in 1973. 

 “The generosity of this industry is something I’ve seen firsthand through our work with City of Hope,” said Evan Lamberg, president of Universal Music Publishing Group North America and chair of the industry board. “Artists are sharing pieces of their own history, and Larry and our partners are opening the door for fans to take part. We’re grateful to everyone helping turn a love of music into support for breast cancer research and care.” 

The campaign will culminate in the sold-out Spirit of Life Gala on October 27, 2026, at the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles, featuring special performances by Melissa Etheridge, Stevie Nicks and Jackson Browne. Mestel will receive the Spirit of Life Award, City of Hope’s highest philanthropic honor. 

Supporters can also participate by purchasing an ad in the gala’s tribute journal or making a donation through the 2026 Spirit of Life campaign page. For more information about the industry group and its campaign, visit cityofhope.org/music. 

Media credentials: Members of the media interested in covering the Spirit of Life Gala may apply for credentials here.