I do not remember a time when I was not Deadhead. Having seen the Grateful Dead more than a dozen times and the offspring artforms: Furthur, Ratdog, Wolf Brothers Dead & Company another dozen or so. The week had come I found myself wishing for the scents of dust and dirt, patchouli and sweat, weed and wanting once again amidst a sea of tie-dye at Oracle Park in San Francisco for the final set of shows. Bittersweet. Perhaps the last pure dose of the original levain, Dead & Company, featuring Grateful Dead alums Bob Weir and Mickey Hart, and John Mayer channeling the spirit of the late Jerry Garcia, had announced that their summer 2023 tour would be their last.
I’ve been a part of the Dead’s journey, from the euphoria of their live performances to the chaos at the Deer Creek concert in July 1995, where fans tore down the fences. The band’s disbandment following Garcia’s death later that year marked the end of an era, but their music and legacy lived on.
One of the most remarkable transformations I’ve witnessed over the years is that of Bob Weir. Known as the world’s most famous rhythm guitarist, Weir has evolved into a generational wellness guru. His journey from the heart of the counterculture movement to a figure of health and wellness has been inspiring to watch.
The Evolution of the Dead: The Other Ones, Furthur, and the Wolf Brothers
In the years following Garcia’s death, the remaining members of the Grateful Dead continued to carry the torch, forming various spin-off bands including The Other Ones, Furthur, and Ratdog. Each of these bands brought a unique flavor to the Dead’s music while keeping the spirit of the original band alive.
The Other Ones, formed in 1998, saw Weir and Hart reuniting with fellow Grateful Dead members Phil Lesh and Bill Kreutzmann. Furthur, formed in 2009, featured Weir and Lesh and introduced a new generation of musicians to the Dead’s music. Ratdog, led by Weir, provided a more intimate experience for Deadheads, focusing on smaller venues and a more relaxed, bluesy sound.
Mickey Hart: The Academic of Percussion
Mickey Hart’s impact on the Grateful Dead and its various incarnations cannot be overstated. As a drummer and percussionist, Hart brought a unique rhythmic complexity to the band’s music. But beyond his musicianship, Hart is a working musical academic, dedicated to the study and preservation of global percussion traditions.
Hart’s work as a musicologist has taken him around the world, studying with master drummers and collecting rare and unique percussion instruments. His academic approach to music has brought a depth and richness to the Dead’s sound, and his influence can be felt in each of the band’s spin-off projects.
The Legacy Lives On
The Grateful Dead’s influence on rock music and counterculture is undeniable. Their music has endured, their fanbase has grown, and their legacy has been carried on by bands like Dead & Company. The band’s final shows are not just a farewell, but a celebration of a musical journey that has spanned decades and touched tens of millions.
As the final notes of Dead & Company’s last show echo through Oracle Park this weekend, I am reminded of the enduring power of the Grateful Dead’s music, in many ways my tribe gathers one last time. It’s a testament to their legacy that, even after all these years, their music continues to bring people together, inspire new generations, and keep the spirit of the Dead alive.