This was the outfit that came together to celebrate 50 years of Grateful Dead. A reunion 20 years after Jerry Garcia passed away and the original Grateful Dead band disbanded. There had already been bands formed that included various lineups including each of the remaining core four but by this time they had all more or less parted ways. This brought them back together on stage to celebrate the music.
Though colloquially associated with the Grateful Dead, the lineup is categorized by a unique hybrid configuration.
The Core Four (Surviving Grateful Dead Members)
Phil Lesh (bass), Bob Weir (guitar/vocals), Bill Kreutzmann (drums), and Mickey Hart (drums).
Special Guests / Expanded Ensemble
Trey Anastasio (lead guitar/vocals, from Phish), Jeff Chimenti (keyboards), and Bruce Hornsby (piano).
Naming Distinction
Technically, the band did not use the name “Grateful Dead” on stage (as Jerry Garcia passed away in 1995); they performed strictly under the banner Fare Thee Well: Celebrating 50 Years of the Grateful Dead.
They played a total of 5 shows, more than initially intended but after complications and disappointments with the tickets, they added more shows. They initially planned 3 concerts at Soldier Field, which was the same venue as Jerry Garcia’s very last Grateful Dead show on July 9, 1995. Due to demand for tickets 2 shows in Santa Clara, California were added too.
