At Dead Set Live, every song we play is a live version, capturing the raw energy, improvisation, and spontaneity that defined the Grateful Dead and its extended musical family. Tonight, we dive into the world of Fare Thee Well, a poignant radio show that serves as a living tribute to the bands formed by surviving members of the Grateful Dead following the passing of Jerry Garcia. This show is more than a retrospective—it’s a celebration of ongoing creativity, collaboration, and the enduring spirit of the Dead.
Fare Thee Well: A Musical Tribute
Fare Thee Well was born out of a desire to honor Garcia’s legacy while showcasing the vibrant musical projects pursued by the surviving members. The show features live performances that reflect the improvisational spirit of the Grateful Dead, including reinterpretations of classic tunes alongside new compositions from individual members’ projects. Each live track played tonight underscores the vitality and dynamism of this ever-evolving musical community.
Since the 60th anniversary celebrations in 2025, Dead & Company and other members of the Grateful Dead family have continued to perform, engage in unique collaborations, and explore solo projects. While there’s no public announcement yet for future residencies at the Sphere beyond their 2025 “Dead Forever” shows, the possibility remains, as Bob Weir himself hinted, saying he “wouldn’t be surprised if we get invited back.”
Dead & Company and the Grateful Dead Legacy
The 2025 “Dead Forever” residency in Las Vegas marked the second time Dead & Company returned to the Sphere, cementing the venue’s significance in the ongoing celebration of the Dead’s music. Beyond live shows, the Grateful Dead will also be honored as MusiCares 2025 Persons of the Year, recognizing both their philanthropy and immense musical influence.
As part of the 60th anniversary celebration, fans worldwide will enjoy “Meet-Up at the Movies”, a global theatrical screening of The Grateful Dead Movie, reconnecting audiences with the band’s iconic performances on the big screen.
Member-Specific Projects Keep the Spirit Alive
The individual members of the Dead family remain active, each contributing to the live music scene in unique ways:
- Bob Weir and Wolf Bros: Continuing to tour and perform with his band, Weir also hosts the annual Dead Ahead festival in Mexico, offering fans immersive live music experiences.
- John Mayer: While taking a break from original material, Mayer continues performing at festivals like Y-Live in Youngstown, OH, and the Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival in Franklin, TN.
- Mickey Hart: Hart remains prolific, creating music and visual art. In summer 2025, he hosted a visual art exhibition in San Francisco and composed the score for Mountains of the Moon. His work is preserved in the Smithsonian Folkways’ Mickey Hart Collection.
- Oteil Burbridge: Touring in fall 2025 with Oteil & Friends, Burbridge continues to bring his distinctive bass lines to live audiences.
- Jeff Chimenti: Performing alongside Bob Weir at events like Dead Ahead, Chimenti’s keyboard work remains central to the live Dead sound.
- Jay Lane: Performing with Jay Lane & the Mayhem, Lane held shows in San Francisco in August 2025, further contributing to the live music landscape.
While Dead & Company has not announced plans for 2026, fans can still follow individual members to experience live performances that carry forward the improvisational and communal spirit of the Grateful Dead.
Tonight’s Fare Thee Well Radio Show
This evening, Fare Thee Well Radio Show celebrates the ongoing creativity and live performances of the Grateful Dead family. Expect live tracks that pay homage to Garcia’s legacy, showcase Dead & Company’s improvisational mastery, and highlight the solo projects of Weir, Hart, Mayer, Burbridge, Chimenti, and Lane. Every song played tonight is a live version, offering listeners the authentic energy of performances that continue to keep the Dead spirit alive.
From the Sphere residencies to festivals, solo tours, and experimental collaborations, the Dead community proves that live music is the heart of their enduring legacy. At Dead Set Live, we honor this spirit, ensuring that every live track tells a story, captures a moment, and keeps the improvisational energy of the Grateful Dead alive for fans old and new.
Stay tuned, immerse yourself in the live music, and join us tonight on Fare Thee Well Radio Show for a celebration of legacy, innovation, and the timeless power of live performance.
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