Fare Thee Well

Fri
02:00

When Jerry Garcia, the iconic frontman of the Grateful Dead, passed away in 1995, it marked the end of an era for the band and their dedicated fanbase. However, rather than fade into obscurity, the remaining members of the Grateful Dead embarked on a journey to keep the spirit of the band alive. This led to the formation of various bands, each carrying a piece of the Grateful Dead's legacy. The Other Ones Shortly after Garcia's passing, the surviving members of the Grateful Dead, including Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Mickey Hart, and Bill Kreutzmann, joined forces with keyboardist Bruce Hornsby and guitarist Steve Kimock to form a new band called The Other Ones. The name was a nod to the idea that while Garcia was irreplaceable, the band would continue to create music and carry on the Dead's legacy. The Other Ones toured extensively throughout the late 1990s, playing both Grateful Dead classics and new material. Their performances captured the essence of the Dead's improvisational style, keeping the spirit of the band alive for loyal fans. Furthur In 2009, Bob Weir and Phil Lesh once again teamed up, this time with a new lineup of musicians, to form Furthur. The band included John Kadlecik on guitar, Jeff Chimenti on keyboards, Joe Russo on drums, and Jay Lane on percussion. With this new ensemble, Furthur continued to explore the vast catalog of Grateful Dead songs, while also introducing their own unique interpretations. Furthur toured extensively for several years, captivating audiences with their electrifying performances. They became known for their ability to recreate the magic of the Grateful Dead's live shows, while adding their own creative flair. Dead & Company In 2015, another chapter in the Grateful Dead's legacy began with the formation of Dead & Company. This band featured three of the original members: Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, and Bill Kreutzmann, along with guitarist John Mayer, bassist Oteil Burbridge, and keyboardist Jeff Chimenti. Dead & Company quickly gained a dedicated following, with fans flocking to their high-energy concerts. They continued to pay homage to the Grateful Dead's vast catalog while infusing their performances with a fresh, modern sound. John Mayer's guitar skills and vocal abilities brought a new dynamic to the band, attracting both longtime Deadheads and new fans alike. RatDog and Phil Lesh & Friends While The Other Ones, Furthur, and Dead & Company were the most notable post-Garcia bands, it's worth mentioning the additional projects that emerged from the remaining members of the Grateful Dead. RatDog, led by Bob Weir, became a platform for him to explore his own musical interests while still paying tribute to the Grateful Dead's music. Phil Lesh, on the other hand, formed Phil Lesh & Friends, a collective that featured a rotating lineup of talented musicians, allowing Lesh to experiment with different musical styles and genres. A Continuing Legacy The formation of these bands after Jerry Garcia's death not only kept the Grateful Dead's music alive but also allowed the remaining members to continue to grow as musicians. Each band brought their own unique interpretation to the music, while still honoring the improvisational spirit that defined the Grateful Dead. While nothing can truly replace Jerry Garcia, the legacy he left behind continues to thrive through the music of The Other Ones, Furthur, Dead & Company, RatDog, and Phil Lesh & Friends. These bands have given fans new opportunities to experience the magic of the Grateful Dead's music and have ensured that the spirit of the band will never be forgotten.