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While last year was supposed to mark the final tour for Dead and Company, the John Mayer-featuring band will now be kicking off a lengthy residency at Las Vegas’ Sphere in the Spring. While you can always tailgate and trade at Shakedown Streets in Vegas, there are other ways for Deadheads to pay tribute to the psychedelic gurus of rock.
Dead and Company started in 2015 with three of the band’s original members: Weir, Mickey Hart, and Bill Kreutzmann, along with Mayer, Oteil Burbridge, and Jeff Chimenti. The band has gone on tour every summer (with the exception of 2020 during the pandemic), but lineups have occasionally shifted, especially with Kreutzmann’s health issues. Dates for the Dead + Company Vegas residency have officially been announced for May and July 2024, featuring Dead legends Bob Weir and Mickey Hart alongside Mayer, bassist Oteil Burbridge, keyboardist Jeff Chimenti, and drummer Jay Lane. Tickets are available now on Vivid Seats.
Whether you’re a well-traveled Deadhead or a recent convert, we’ve rounded up the best Grateful Dead merch for channeling the group during your next auditory adventure. From tees emblazoned with the Stealie (a.k.a. the Dead’s iconic skull and lightning bolt logo) to books, footwear and even condiments inspired by the band, check out our picks below.
Dead Style by Mordechai Rubenstein
Deadhead style goes designer in this photo-rich book penned by GQ fashion expert Mordechai Rubenstein, who examines Grateful Dead’s influence in the worlds of streetwear and luxury fashion. At a time when tie-dye has been sent down the runways by the likes of Balenciaga, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Off-White, Saint Laurent, and others, this book showcases wardrobe inspiration for the next generation of the jam band’s stylish superfans.
The paperback coffee table book was just released last month and features 224 pages of photographs and stories about the band’s enduring legacy when it comes to fashion and style.
Parks Project X Grateful Dead Welcome To Bear Country Throw Blanket
The Grateful Dead teamed up with Parks Project for the limited-edition Welcome to Bear Country collaboration of gear. That collection included camping gear and accessories, like this throw blanket from Parks Project made from recycled materials and featuring Grateful Dead’s signature bears. Besides helping you soak up some sunshine, your purchase will fund projects in National Parks, including vital wildlife conservation efforts, trail restorations, visitor education and more.
Grateful Dead x Slowtide Frisco Woven Towel
This Grateful Dead must-have comes from outdoor accessories brand Slowtide, and it’s a total beach essential. An official collaboration with the Dead, the Frisco towel measures 30 x 60 inches, offering plenty of coverage to keep dry for your day by the water. Like Slowtide’s other beach towels, it feels ridiculously soft and absorbs moisture quickly thanks to its sustainably sourced cotton. We want it for the style and Steal Your Face design alone, but you’ll appreciate the functional hanging loop when you need to dry it off.
Grateful Dead x Hedley & Bennett Apron
Whether you’re buying a gift for the grilling pro in your family or want to upgrade your kitchen accessories, Hedley & Bennett’s apron collaboration with the Grateful Dead is a must-have for any Deadhead. The premium apron line is an officially licensed collaboration, and come with a variety of designs, from the dancing bear pattern to a minimal denim style, complete with tie-dye pockets, both pictured above.
KEEN x Garcia Uneek Paracord Shoes
As seen above, the ugly shoe trend and Deadhead style seem to go hand-in-hand. Portland-based footwear brand KEEN teamed with Garcia’s family on a limited-edition collection comprised of fest-ready footwear and accessories. The range was inspired by the prolific painter and musician’s beloved watercolor art, “New York at Night” and “Banyan Tree,” which are featured on KEEN’s Uneek paracord sandals and face masks. One percent of proceeds from the line will benefit nonpartisan voter engagement organization, HeadCount, and the collaboration coincides with the launch its #VoteLove campaign.
Grateful Dead Bundle
The self-care sesh the day after your next Dead and Company show is about to get a little more retro — and a whole lot more fun. This officially-licensed bundle is designed with a tie-dye print and the dancing bears album artwork galore. Fare you well with these Deadhead faves that include a Grateful Dead Dancing Bears robe, socks and more. From the beach, to Shakedown Street and your next outdoor concert, you’ll stay super comfortable with these playful, Deadhead loungewear picks. May we suggest cozying up with a Dancing Bear mug?
Ripple Junction Grateful Dead T-Shirt
No Deadhead’s wardrobe is complete without a Stealie tee. Inspired by the band’s 1977 tour merch, this official crew neck shirt is made of lightweight 100% cotton and features a slim fit.
Dancing Bear Bobble Buddy Bobbleheads
Move over Elf on the Shelf — the latest kicked-up keepsake is Grateful Dead-themed, with the release of these “Dancing Bear Bobble Buddy Bobbleheads.”
The Dancing Bear Bobbleheads pay homage to Grateful Dead’s iconic colorful bears, which were first seen on the back cover of the band’s 1973 release, The History of the Grateful Dead, Volume 1 (Bear’s Choice). The album title — and the bears themselves — were said to have been inspired by Owsley “Bear” Stanley, the band’s long-time sound engineer. The bears have since become a popular part of Deadhead lore and merch, appearing on everything from blankets and towels, to phone cases and hanging lights.
Smartwool x Grateful Dead Socks
The Smartwool x Grateful Dead capsule collection in collaboration with athlete and artist Chris Benchetler features a range of mountain-ready essentials inspired by the legendary jam band. The collections includes Merino wool ski socks, crew socks, and a long-sleeved Sport 150 base layer top ($33 to $95), all featuring original artwork inspired by the Dead’s music and iconography. The odor-wicking Merino wool is breathable and helps to regulate temperature, so everything’s fit for carving up powder.
Benchetler’s designs include Dead & Co.’s trippy characters — think their rainbow-hued bears driving a VW bus emblazoned with the Lightning Skull, the dancing skeleton with roses, and more in the multi-hyphenate athlete’s intricate illustration style.
Grateful Dead Skull Pullover Sweatshirt
Red roses, dancing bears, the “Steal Your Face” skull — nobody will doubt your Deadhead dedication with this kaleidoscopic long-sleeved sweatshirt. It’s machine-washable and comes in unisex sizing.
Grateful Dead Workingman’s Dead 180 Gram Vinyl
Originally released in 1970, this must-have album showcases the band’s Americana side as well as Garcia and lyricist Robert Hunter’s songwriting partnership. This vinyl reissue features remastered versions of the record’s eight tracks, including “Uncle John’s Band” and “Casey Jones.”
Grateful Dead Tie-Dye Playing Cards
The classic deck of cards gets a groovy makeover with this 100% licensed Grateful Dead-inspired set. A great gift for Dead Heads and pop culture fans alike, this deck features 52 different images surrounded by a tie dye border, with a durable, linen-style finish.
Ben Jerry’s Cherry Garcia Ice Cream
What better way to sweeten any Deadhead’s day than with Ben & Jerry’s most famous flavor? It’s infused with cherries and fudge flakes and made with fair-trade, non-GMO, and cage-free ingredients.
Funko Pop! Jerry Garcia Collectible Vinyl Figurine
Collect more than you need (and keep Captain Trips by your side) with this limited-edition vinyl figurine, which is complete without the Grateful Dead frontman’s right middle finger. It stands three-and-a-half inches tall, making it an adorable desk buddy or jam session companion.
