Many fans of the Grateful Dead were unable to acquire tickets to the band’s reunion shows at Chicago’s Soldier Field this July, prompting the announcement of two additional dates in their hometown of Santa Clara, California. Despite the heavy demand, the band announced it “would not be adding any more Fare Thee Well performances. The three Chicago shows will still be our final stand. We decided to add these two Santa Clara shows to enable more of our fans to celebrate with us one more time. But this is it.”
However, those plans may have again changed: According to Billboard, members of the Grateful Dead are plotting a full-scale tour to take place in the fall. And while the summer shows will feature Phish frontman Trey Anastasio filling the void of Jerry Garcia, plans for the full tour include John Mayer as Grateful Dead’s replacement singer.
Mayer is reportedly already rehearsing with members of the Dead for the tour, which would kick off in October. A representative for the band called the report “premature,” though Billboard cites multiple insiders who have knowledge of the band’s plans.
The promoter behind the band’s Fare Thee Well performances, Peter Shapiro, says any future tour wouldn’t be billed under the Grateful Dead banner. He tells Billboard, “What you won’t see is the four surviving members together saying goodbye in this kind of way. This is it. Chicago is the end, and Santa Clara is leading into the end. But like a great Dead tune, it will evolve and they will wander around on their own.”
Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir appeared on CBS’ Late Late Show when Mayer served as guest host back in February. Below, watch the pair perform “Althea”.
Grateful Dead 2015 Tour Dates:
06/27 – Santa Clara, CA @ Levi’s Stadium
06/28 – Santa Clara, CA @ Levi’s Stadium
07/03 – Chicago, IL @ Soldier Field
07/04 – Chicago, IL @ Soldier Field
07/05 – Chicago, IL @ Soldier Field
