Deadheads rejoice! Deadline is reporting that legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese will be the executive producer for an upcoming Grateful Dead documentary, which is slated for a 2015 release, in conjunction with the band’s 50th anniversary.
The film will be directed Amir Bar-Lev, and archivist David Lemieux will supervise the musical selections. Justin Kreutzmann, son of Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann, will also be involved in the production. All four central surviving members of the band, Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann, are on board with the project. They issued the following joint statement:
“Millions of stories have been told about the Grateful Dead over the years. With our 50th Anniversary coming up, we thought it might just be time to tell one ourselves and Amir is the perfect guy to help us do it. Needless to say, we are humbled to be collaborating with Martin Scorsese. From The Last Waltz to George Harrison: Living In The Material World, from Bob Dylan to the Rolling Stones, he has made some of the greatest music documentaries ever with some of our favorite artists and we are honored to have him involved. The 50th will be another monumental milestone to celebrate with our fans and we cannot wait to share this film with them.”
Scorsese said the following:
“The Grateful Dead were more than just a band. They were their own planet, populated by millions of devoted fans. I’m very happy that this picture is being made and proud to be involved.”
We’ll be sure to update you about this film once more information is available!