Grateful Dead
at Woodstock 1969
Despite a notoriously poor Woodstock performance hampered by electrical problems and a drug-induced haze, the Grateful Dead remain one of rock's most beloved acts.
Grateful Dead — Woodstock 1969
The Grateful Dead were formed in 1965 in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco. Jerry Garcia on guitar and vocals, along with founding members Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, Bill Kreutzmann, Ron "Pigpen" McKernan, and Mickey Hart, created the quintessential psychedelic rock band of the era. Their legendary live performances and devoted Deadhead fanbase defined a movement.
However, by most accounts — including those of band members themselves — their Woodstock performance was one of their worst. Technical problems with the electrical systems at the festival caused significant issues, and the band members were in a drug-induced haze that hampered their usually freewheeling improvisational style. What typically extended into inspired, hours-long jams collapsed into disorganized wandering.
Their set began with "St. Stephen" and included one song that extended to nearly 50 minutes as the band attempted to find their groove. The performance was not included in the Woodstock documentary film, which the band did not dispute given their dissatisfaction with how things went.
Despite this, the Grateful Dead's legacy is immense. Their model of continuous touring, fan recording permissions, and psychedelic improvisation influenced generations of artists. Jerry Garcia's death in 1995 brought the original band to an end, but surviving members have continued performing under various names including Dead & Company and now Dead & Co.
The Grateful Dead were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.
Did the Grateful Dead Play "Mama Tried" at Woodstock?
Yes. "Mama Tried," the Merle Haggard cover, was the second song in the Grateful Dead's four-song Woodstock set, sandwiched between the opener "St. Stephen" and the sprawling "Dark Star / High Time" and "Turn On Your Lovelight" that closed out their notoriously troubled show.
Did the Grateful Dead Play at Woodstock?
Yes. The Grateful Dead performed on the evening of Saturday, August 16, 1969, the second day of the festival — though by the band's own admission, electrical problems and a rough drug experience made it one of their worst shows ever, which is why the set was left out of the Woodstock documentary.
Jerry Garcia died on August 9, 1995. Original member Ron "Pigpen" McKernan died on March 8, 1973. See all Woodstock performers who have passed →