Daily spins This Day in Music

Grateful Dead

  • September 29, 1967Mickey Hart joins the Grateful Dead & plays the Straightater
  • October 2, 1967Grateful Dead members arrested by narcotic agents
  • January 31, 1970Grateful Dead members busted on LSD charges
  • May 23, 1970Grateful Dead's 1st performance outside of US (England)
  • May 30, 197136 hospitalized during Grateful Dead concert; drunk LSD apple juice
…and 7 more dates in music history
  • January 14, 1973Grateful Dead bass player, Phil Lesh, busted on drugs in Calif
  • March 27, 1973Jerry Garcia (Grateful Dead) stopped for speeding & LSD possession
  • September 16, 1978Grateful Dead perform in Cairo Egypt
  • July 2, 1980Grateful Dead's Bob Weir & Mickey Hart are arrested for incitement
  • August 1, 1986Grateful Dead's Jerry Garcia release from hospital after 3 week coma
  • June 19, 1987Ben & Jerry Ice Cream & Grateful Dead's Jerry Garcia announce new Ice Cream flavor, Cherry Garcia
  • September 18, 2026Grateful Dead released the album 'Summer Magic 1985'
Play Grateful Dead on Spotify

The Grateful Dead was an American rock band formed in 1965 in San Francisco, California. Known for their eclectic style, they blended elements of rock, folk, blues, country, and jazz, which contributed to the development of the jam band genre. The band's lineup featured iconic members such as Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, and Mickey Hart.

Notable works include their albums "American Beauty" (1970) and "Workingman's Dead" (1970), both of which showcased their ability to fuse rock with Americana influences. Their live performances were legendary, characterized by extended improvisation and a devoted fan base known as "Deadheads," who followed the band on tour.

The Grateful Dead's impact on music is profound; they pioneered a unique concert culture, emphasizing the importance of live performances and fan interaction. Their approach to music distribution, including allowing fans to record concerts, influenced the music industry and the rise of the digital sharing culture. The band's legacy continues through various offshoots, such as Dead & Company, and their music remains influential in the realms of rock and improvisational music.

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