Dead & Company announced on Saturday that founding Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann will not join the band for its final tour this summer.
“Dear Deadheads, Every day, things change,” the band wrote in a statement posted to social media. “After many long discussions and some good old-fashioned soul searching, we are letting you know that our brother Bill Kreutzmann will not be joining us on our final summer tour.” The band went on to assure fans that Bill the drummer “is in good spirits, good health and he is not retiring.”
The announcement continued, “This is the culmination of a shift in creative direction as we keep these songs alive and breathing in ways that we each feel is best to continue to honor the legacy of the Grateful Dead. The final tour will go on as planned with Bill’s full endorsement and support. See you at Jazz Fest!”
Kreutzmann has had to sit out several Dead & Company sets over the past couple years due to health issues, with Jay Lane filling in on drums alongside Kreutzmann’s partner in rhythm Mickey Hart.
Related: LP Giobbi Plots ‘Dead House’ After-Party Following Dead & Company Jazz Fest Show [Update]
Dead & Company’s final summer tour is set to kick off on May 19th and 20th at Los Angeles, CA’s Kia Forum following the band’s appearance at New Orleans Jazz Fest. From there, the band will head to Ithaca, NY for its special performance at Cornell University‘s Barton Hall on 5/8/23. For more information, head here, and for tickets, visit the band’s website.
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