Few bands have left as lasting an imprint on American music as the Grateful Dead. Known for their improvisational jams, genre-defying sound, and an almost cult-like devotion from their fans, the Dead’s influence transcends decades. While the original band members may no longer share the stage, their legacy thrives in the form of Grateful Dead cover bands, and nowhere is that more alive than on Dead Set Live, now reimagined as The Grateful Dead Live Radio Station.
Every song played on this station is a live version, capturing the raw energy, spontaneity, and extended jams that defined the Grateful Dead experience. From the swirling psychedelia of Dark Star to the folk-rock storytelling of Ripple, the music is presented exactly as it was meant to be heard: alive, improvisational, and immersive.
Tonight on Music Plays The Band Radio Show
Tonight’s Music Plays The Band Radio Show is a dedicated celebration of Grateful Dead cover bands, featuring live music that keeps the spirit of the Dead thriving. Each set captures the improvisational magic and intricate musical dialogue that the Grateful Dead were renowned for. For listeners, it’s not just music—it’s a window into a living, breathing musical tradition that continues to evolve.
The Grateful Dead Live: Cover Bands Touring Now
Across America, Grateful Dead tribute bands are keeping the music alive, touring cities and delivering full setlists of classic songs. Some of the top acts to watch include:
Dark Star Orchestra
Dark Star Orchestra is legendary for recreating entire Grateful Dead concerts, note for note, giving fans the experience of attending historical shows from the past.
- Upcoming tour highlights:
- Rutland, VT – November 13, 2025
- Boston, MA – November 14, 2025
- Albany, NY – November 15, 2025
- Montclair, NJ – November 20-21, 2025
- Fort Lauderdale, FL – December 5-6, 2025
- Philadelphia, PA – December 30, 2025
Joe Russo’s Almost Dead (JRAD)
Known for high-energy, improvisational interpretations of Grateful Dead classics, JRAD injects new life into every performance.
- Upcoming shows:
- Milwaukee, WI – October 3, 2025
- Chicago, IL – October 4, 2025
- St. Paul, MN – October 5, 2025
- Philadelphia, PA – November 14, 2025
Other Tribute Bands Keeping the Music Rolling
Splintered Sunlight has several upcoming shows scheduled in the Mid-Atlantic region through the rest of 2025. The band, which is based in the Philadelphia area, has a regular presence at venues in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland.
Upcoming tour dates
- September 27, 2025: Elkton Music Hall in Elkton, MD
- October 10, 2025: Mauch Chunk Opera House in Jim Thorpe, PA
- October 12, 2025: Beach Creek Oyster Bar & Grill in Wildwood, NJ
- October 31, 2025: The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ
- November 26, 2025: Ardmore Music Hall in Ardmore, PA
- November 29, 2025: XL Live in Harrisburg, PA
- December 27, 2025: Ardmore Music Hall in Ardmore, PA
About Splintered Sunlight
- Decades of performance: The band has been performing their Grateful Dead tribute for over 25 years.
- Regional focus: They are well-known in the Delaware Valley and Mid-Atlantic region.
- Authentic sound: Splintered Sunlight is known for its improvisational approach and features a double-drum kit to emulate the Grateful Dead’s sound.
- Founding member: The band is led by founding member and guitarist Butchy Sochorow.
- Dead All Over: Safety Harbor, FL – November 21, 2025
- WALL OF SOUND: Hermosa Beach, CA – November 22, 2025
- Workingman’s Jed: Garwood, NJ – September 26, 2025
- Dead Set: Ogunquit, ME – October 4, 2025
- Grateful Shred: Pomona, CA – October 11, 2025
- Mason’s Children: Mount Shasta, CA – October 18, 2025
- Bones Brigade: Media, PA – October 25, 2025
- Winterland: Iowa City, IA – October 11, 2025
- Playing Dead: Pawtucket, RI – October 11, 2025
- Dead Meat: Port Chester, NY – October 8, 2025
- Mystic Dead: Groton, CT – December 7, 2025
These bands don’t just play the songs—they recreate the live energy, extended jams, and unpredictability that made the Grateful Dead a phenomenon. Fans can experience everything from the soulful guitar interplay to the spontaneous musical detours that were hallmarks of Jerry Garcia and the band.
Why Grateful Dead Live Matters
Grateful Dead music is more than nostalgia—it’s a living tradition. Live versions of their songs allow listeners to experience the freedom and improvisation that studio albums cannot capture. By tuning into The Grateful Dead Live Radio Station and tonight’s Music Plays The Band Radio Show, fans connect to a musical lineage that spans generations, keeping the Deadhead spirit alive.
Whether you’re a longtime fan reliving the glory days or a new listener discovering the depth of live Grateful Dead recordings, there’s no substitute for hearing the music as it was meant to be played—live. From cover band tours to specialized radio shows, the Dead’s legacy continues to inspire, unite, and mesmerize audiences across America.
So tune in, turn it up, and let The Grateful Dead Live guide you through a journey of improvisation, history, and timeless American rock. Every song is a story, every note is alive, and every performance keeps the spirit of the Dead eternally vibrant.
