Dead & Company, the ensemble formed by former Grateful Dead members Bob Weir and Mickey Hart, has commenced a three-night concert series at San Francisco's Golden Gate Park to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Grateful Dead. The performances, scheduled from August 1 to August 3, 2025, are drawing tens of thousands of fans daily to the Polo Fields, a historic venue deeply connected to the band's legacy. (apnews.com)
The concert series features special guest performances each night: Billy Strings on Friday, Sturgill Simpson (performing as Johnny Blue Skies) on Saturday, and the Trey Anastasio Band on Sunday. (deadandcompany.com) These events not only honor the band's rich history but also pay tribute to the late bassist and founding member Phil Lesh, who passed away in October 2024 at the age of 84. (reuters.com)
In conjunction with the concerts, San Francisco has renamed a street in the Excelsior neighborhood to "Jerry Garcia Street" in honor of the Grateful Dead's iconic guitarist, who would have turned 83 on August 1. This renaming ceremony attracted hundreds of fans and underscores the band's enduring influence on the city's cultural landscape. (apnews.com)
The 60th-anniversary celebrations have significantly boosted local tourism, with fans from across the country converging on San Francisco. The city's mayor, Daniel Lurie, highlighted the cultural and economic impact of the events, noting that the Grateful Dead's legacy continues to draw visitors and foster community spirit. (apnews.com)
These concerts mark a poignant moment for Dead & Company, as they continue to honor the Grateful Dead's legacy while embracing new collaborations and paying homage to their late bandmates.