San Francisco Celebrates 60 Years of the Grateful Dead
San Francisco is bustling with excitement as fans gather for a three-day celebration of the Grateful Dead, commemorating the band’s remarkable 60-year journey. This iconic jam band has long been associated with the city, known for its spirit of love and creativity.
Kicking off the festivities at Golden Gate Park’s Polo Field, Dead & Company, featuring original members Bob Weir and Mickey Hart, is expected to draw around 60,000 attendees each day. This marks a significant moment as it’s the first time the band has played in that area since 1991, following a free concert that honored the late concert promoter Bill Graham.
Ticket prices have risen sharply, with a general admission ticket for the entire event costing $635. Many longtime fans find this surprising, especially when they recall the days when attending a concert was much more affordable.
Despite the cost, fans like David Aberdeen are thrilled to be part of this celebration. “This is the spiritual home of the Grateful Dead,” said Aberdeen, who works at Amoeba Music in the historic Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. He believes it’s fitting for the band to celebrate where it all began.
Formed in 1965, the Grateful Dead became a symbol of San Francisco’s counterculture. Their early days were spent in a humble Victorian home in Haight-Ashbury and they played a notable role in the 1967 Summer of Love. Though the idyllic summer ended with challenges, including police crackdowns, the band continued to grow its fan base, known as Deadheads, even after the passing of iconic frontman Jerry Garcia in 1995.
“Many young fans today weren’t even born when Jerry died, yet they embody the values of the Deadhead community,” noted former publicist Dennis McNally.
A Community of Belonging
For many fans, the connection to the music and the community is profound. Deadheads often share stories of how they discovered the band and the unique experiences that follow each concert. For example, Sunshine Powers, who struggled to find her place in the world, found belonging in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. “I didn’t have friends until I came here,” she reflected, noting the warmth and acceptance she felt.
Similarly, Taylor Swope credits the music for helping her through tough times during her school years. Now, she’s making the journey from Brooklyn to reconnect with this vibrant community and soak in the performances.
Magical Performances
Becoming a true Deadhead can happen unexpectedly. Thor Cromer, now 60, found his calling at a concert in 1990. “It was like magic hit me,” he said, recalling the powerful experience that drove him to follow the band across the country.
Aberdeen also recalls his initiation into the world of the Dead, describing how he fell in love with the music during a performance where a rainbow appeared amidst the rain. “There’s a lot of excitement, and it’s special to come together like this.”
While Dead & Company last performed in Las Vegas, no new dates are scheduled. With many founding members aging, including Bob Weir at 77 and the drummers Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann in their late 70s, fans are eager to embrace moments like this.
A Mayor’s Delight
San Francisco’s Mayor, Daniel Lurie, although not a dedicated fan, expresses enthusiasm for the economic benefits the celebration brings as the city rebounds from pandemic challenges. “They are a big reason many people love San Francisco,” he said.
The weekend is packed with events across the city, featuring performances from various artists, including Grahame Lesh, Phil Lesh’s son, who will entertain fans before celebrating Garcia’s birthday with street renaming and the annual Jerry Day festivities.
As the city revels in the rich history of the Grateful Dead, old fans and new unite under the banner of music, friendship, and nostalgia, celebrating a legacy that continues to thrive.
