For the week of November 10th through November 16th, we have several significant historical events and performances by the band. The period is marked by the passing of Ken Kesey on November 10, 2001. Kesey was a prominent central figure of the Grateful Dead, and the larger Beat Generation. On top of being an extremely talented writer (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest), he was the leader of the Merry Pranksters. The band’s performances spanned decades for the dates this week, i

Update: 11/3/2025 Today we received the sad news that Donna Jean Godchaux has passed away yesterday, November 2nd. Donna forever changed the trajectory of the band in 1971, when she successfully advocated for her husband Keith to become the keyboardist for the band. It took no time at all for the band to realize how good Keith was, and that his style melded perfectly with the new material that was being introduced into their repertoire. But Donna was an extremely accomplished

For the week of 10/27 – 11/2, several historically significant events are noted, including the heavenly birthday of Rex Jackson on October 27th. The show on October 27, 1984, was the first to feature an official, dedicated taper’s section. Two days after Bill Graham’s passing, the band delivered an emotionally charged tribute performance on October 27, 1991, opening with his favorite song, "Sugar Magnolia". During the performance on October 31, 1991, Ken Kesey delivered a pow

For the week of 10/20 – 10/26, we have several historically significant events, including the heavenly birthday of keyboardist Brent Mydland on 10/21 and the commemoration of the passing of Phil Lesh and legendary promoter Bill Graham on 10/25. The period captured drummer Mickey Hart’s return to the lineup on October 20, 1974, which also marked the date of the final “Wall Of Sound” show before the band took a year-and-a-half hiatus. During the October 1971 Chicago run, Keith

For the week of 10/13 – 10/19, Grateful Dead history spanned significant milestones across multiple decades. This week includes the celebration of Bobby Weir's 78th birthday on October 16th. October 19th, 1971, marked the first show featuring Keith and Donna Godchaux, which also saw the debut of six songs, including "Tennessee Jed," "Jack Straw," and "Ramble On Rose". Historical events during this period also included the final performance of the full "Weather Report Suite" o

For the week of 10/6 – 10/12, Grateful Dead history features unique side projects, guest appearances, and historic performances. In 1968, Jerry Garcia, Mickey Hart, and Phil Lesh played loose, exploratory gigs at The Matrix, sometimes joined by Elvin Bishop and Jack Casady, while in 1981 Jerry and Bobby played a rare acoustic set for a tiny audience in Amsterdam. Guests like Grace Slick joined the band for an electrifying jam in 1972, and the band honored what would have been

For the week of 9/29 – 10/5, the Grateful Dead delivered numerous memorable shows, with the date October 4th marking the anniversary of Janis Joplin's death in 1970. Many performances from this week were later featured on official live albums like Reckoning and Dead Set , while entire shows from 1976, 1977, and 1994 were released as part of the 30 Trips Around The Sun and Dave's Picks series. This week in history saw the live debut of "Heaven Help The Fool" in 1980, the fi

For the week of 9/22 – 9/28, the historic Fall 1980 “For the Faithful” tour began, reintroducing an acoustic-electric format that would supply material for the Reckoning and Dead Set albums. These shows featured the return of many classic songs that had been absent for hundreds of performances. Throughout the years, this week also saw many notable guest appearances, including Spencer Davis, saxophonist David Murray, harmonica player James Cotton, guitarist Mick Taylor, Suza

For the week of 9/15 - 9/21, the Grateful Dead played several historically significant shows, including the conclusion of their epic concerts at the Gizah Sound and Light Theatre in Cairo, Egypt. The week also marked Bruce Hornsby’s debut performance as a member of the band on September 15, 1990, at Madison Square Garden. Guest horn players Martin Fierro and Joe Ellis joined the band for second sets on multiple dates, adding unique textures to performances in 1973. Renowned a

For the week of 9/8 – 9/14, Grateful Dead history was marked by several notable events and performances. Ron "Pigpen" McKernan's heavenly birthday was celebrated on September 8th, while Mickey Hart's birthday fell on September 11th. This week also saw the band's infamous journey to Egypt for shows at the Gizah Sound and Light Theatre in 1978. The year 1987 brought first performances of songs like Hey Pocky Way, Devil With The Blue Dress, and Good Golly Miss Molly, and a uniqu

For the week of September 1st-7th, Grateful Dead history is rich with significant moments. This week we’re remembering the late roadie and road manager Rex Jackson, who’s namesake was used when the band founded The Rex Foundation in 1983, which is their charitable organization. We also have Vince Welnick's debut show with the band on September 7, 1990. Musically, this week features a wide variety of styles from the band, along with Jerry Garcia's debut with his new Wolf guita

For the week of 8/25 – 8/31, This Week in Grateful Dead History #34 takes us on a journey through some iconic performances, historical moments, and musical milestones. This week includes shows spanning from 1969 to 1983, showcasing the band's evolution and their ability to captivate audiences across decades. Notable events include Pigpen's final show before his hiatus due to health reasons, the debut of several beloved songs, and the final performance of "Empty Pages." I’ve w

For the week of 8/18 – 8/24, the Grateful Dead delivered a series of performances that showcased their evolving sound and dynamic energy. This week in Grateful Dead history includes notable first performances, unique setlists, and memorable collaborations. The band members, including Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Bill Kreutzmann, Mickey Hart, and Brent Mydland, were joined by special guests like Carlos Santana, adding layers of excitement to the shows. The week also high

For the week of 8/11 – 8/17, we delve into a fascinating period in Grateful Dead history, marked by memorable performances and significant events. This week includes the heavenly birthday of David Crosby on August 14, 1941, and the iconic Woodstock concert, which, despite its challenges, remains a historic moment. Notably, the first performance of "Easy To Love You" took place on August 14, 1979. This week in Grateful Dead history showcases the band's ability to adapt and thr

For the week of August 4th to August 10th, we delve into an emotional period in Grateful Dead history, marked by memorable performances and significant anniversaries. This week in Grateful Dead history is a testament to the band's enduring legacy and the vibrant community that continues to celebrate their music. As I write this the first of 3 Dead & Company shows is taking place in San Francisco to celebrate 60 years of the music of the Grateful Dead. All of this happening in

For the week of 7/28/2024 – 8/3/2024, This Week in Grateful Dead History celebrates a stretch packed with legendary shows, rare debuts, and the beginning of “the days between” (August 1st through August 9th) to celebrate the life of Jerry. Jerry Garcia, born August 1, 1942, would have turned 82 this week—a date he shares with longtime Dead manager Rock Scully (also born 8/1). The week’s shows feature everything from the massive Summer Jam at Watkins Glen (with the Allman Brot

For the week of July 21, 2024 – July 27, 2024, This Week in Grateful Dead History explores a stretch of shows that are rich with both musical highlights and poignant historical moments. This week’s dates span from the early 1970s through the late 1980s and 1990, featuring everything from the first hints of “Weather Report Suite Prelude” to the final performances of beloved Brent Mydland songs, and the legendary “Dylan & The Dead” collaborations. The week is also marked by the

For the week of July 14, 2024 to July 20, 2024, This Week In Grateful Dead History #28 covers a fascinating stretch of Grateful Dead performances, featuring everything from legendary guest appearances to historic song debuts and farewells. This week’s shows span from the band’s early days jamming with Janis Joplin to the late-era surprises of the 1990s, and include collaborations with Allman Brothers members, rare setlist experiments, and the first and last performances of se

For the week of 7/7 – 7/13, we revisit a remarkable stretch of Grateful Dead history, spanning legendary venues, iconic setlists, and some truly historic moments. This week’s shows feature everything from the band’s first-ever performance at Red Rocks to the final “Mountains of the Moon,” a lunar eclipse at the Greek, and a rare “Dark Star” encore. Along the way, we encounter the Dead backing Bob Dylan, the return of “St. Stephen,” and the only time “Dancin’ in the Streets” c

Well, here we are – already HALF WAY through the year! I can’t believe it. I swear, the older I get, the faster time goes by. For the week of 6/30 – 7/6, here’s a look back at some memorable Grateful Dead performances and historical highlights. The shows from this week in Grateful Dead history showcase the band’s ability to evolve, surprise, and deliver unforgettable moments across decades. Whether it’s a historic venue farewell, a rare song debut, or a collaboration with mus